Simple Tips & Tricks Requested

[MorpheusPA]

I'm parsing the threads here, but are there any really basic tips and tricks anybody cares to share?

I'm starting with 60 mg nicotine solution, a reasonably safe level with precautions, and I'm familiar with handling lye from soap-making. I have goggles, face shield, elbow-length Neoprene gloves, and a splash-proof coat that has sleeves that tuck in under the gloves. I've never had a lye accident, ever, but treat it like dynamite. The same way I'll treat nic liquid of 60 mg/ml.

I have a selection of flavorings coming, as well as PG, so I'm set there. I already have a pristine graduated cylinder, many syringes, droppers, and so on--I use them for soap-making as well.

 

[Hoosier]

I heard a rumor that some guy named Str8v8ping and some other guy named Hoosier have done some blogs on DIY mixing.

Don't quote me on that, I think it's a secret....shhhh...

 

[BakuPeg]

Click on the 3 under his post count up there ^^ to view his blog. It is a must read.

Yes you are prepared as far as saftey. and grats to you about the lye saftey. Lye burns on the hands just feel soooo burny.

(I have stuck my hands in raw soap as it was hardening. and yes it hurt like hell. and no I am not going to try THAT again without gloves )

 

[MorpheusPA]

A rumor? Really? Thanks, that was handy!

It sounds like my (good) habits with lye will stand me in good stead here. On the up side, lye isn't toxic. On the down side, I tend to water discount and have lye mixes with a pH in the 13.8 range...

 

[recidivus]

You got safety n supplies covered, so:

Take notes....keep them in a book and not on scrap paper, every minor tweak goes in the book. I've recently almost lost a wonderful creation due to bad note taking, took 3 tries to get it back and I won't even be sure for another week...

If maths aren't your strongest point you can use a juice calculator (it's not cheating). I personally love this spreadsheet over the applications.

Take notes.

Simple single flavour mixes to start. You can then mix those together for rough experiments of combinations. I've avoided a couple really bad mixes that sounded good in my head but ended up tasting quite horrid.

And take notes.

 

[BakuPeg]

Ohh yes take notes. and I have 8 scraps of paper to account for 2 months worth. I reformulated them to 15 ml and put them all in a note book.

The last thing you want to happen is to make that perfect all day vape for you, and then not be able to duplicate it when it runs out.

 

[wizard10000]

Did anybody mention taking good notes?

Account for every bit of flavoring - I transfer my notes to a spreadsheet and rate each attempt from 1 to 10 so I can remember whether I liked something I made a year ago.

 

[glassmanoak]

I always add the nic last. I do this because, IF there is a spill, it won't contain nic. (Of course, this presumes I don't spill it after the last addition)

 

[BakuPeg]

As for the actual mixing, you'll find mixing ejuice eaiser than calculating the minute weights of lye/ fats/ butters/ olive oil and scent you used when you made soap. Lye may burn you, but won't kill you. Before I DIY'd I read the horror stories on here. I read about the guy who had 100nic splashed into is face and eyes and survived to tell the tale. (secret. WASH IT OFF ASAP.) YES Nicotine IS dangerous. However if you treat is with respect DIY can be done with care.

Ohh and a big hint. research each flavor you use and either experiment for yourself the % used or dive through the forum and we can help you!For an example, most TPA flavors are mixed from 15-20%. Don't take that to be a certainty on each flavor from that same flavor company. every flavor is different. I once mixed TPA Carmel Cappichono at 20% and it was HOORRRRIBLLEE!!! However the flavor IS AWSOME if you mix it at 1 drop per 10ml. I wouldn't have known that without the wonderful people on this forum.

 

[MorpheusPA]

Great tips so far, thanks!

I have to admit to having a much simpler flavor palate than I do scent palate for soaps. My soap recipes can be unbelievably complicated in terms of color(s) and scent(s) and oils, including sometimes layering or swirling colors and layering scent to give it some interest as you use it.

Flavor-wise, I tend to prefer one or two note things. Right now, I'm vaping spearmint and perfectly happy with it.

I also have plenty of 3 ml and 5 ml bottles coming for testing, something I don't have for soaps where things tend to be in the ounces and pounds range.

And yep, this will be done in the kitchen next to the sink on a tray where spills on myself can be washed off instantly. I have no desire to be the first person ever to die of nic juice poisoning!

 

[BakuPeg]

I am sure you'll start with 1 flavor. but many add simply cotton candy (EM) or surralose for a sweetener.

Then it will evolve. You'll try fruits, and find that 2 drops of real lemon juice at the tail end really pop the fruit taste. and while you mix that strawberry why not a little peach and a tad of pineapple you havent used yet. A drop of menthol or 2% of Koolata and then your vapes will become as complx as your soaps with a swirl of this and 1% of that..

and then stare at the vials/jars/bottles of finished juice as you wait for them to steep...

and you'll get so hooked on DIY like the rest of us.

Welcome to the family