Stupid mixing question...

[Jack_AG]

So I've read quite a few "recipes" that mix values like percent, drops, ml, etc...

ml/percent I understand but drops can vary depending on the bottle and hole in the tip - drops are not created equal so I have a question since I can't readily find an answer...

Do you make your pg/vg base blend first (ex 50/50, 70/30, etc) before adding flavor and nicotine or are those ingredients counted as part of the blend for percentage of the bottle size (10, 15, 30, etc).

Here's what I'm getting at - let's say I have:
100mg/ml nicotine in straight PG
Flavor Concentrate in PG
PG
VG

So to make a 30ml bottole of X flavor with 12mg nicotine I would mix:
3.6ml of 100mg/ml nicotine (which equates to 12mg/ml)
3ml flavor (for 10% if that's what the recipe calls for)
8.4ml PG
15ml VG

30ml Total fluid using 15ml of PG with flavor, nic and pure PG and 15ml VG

Does that sound right? I see all these calculators mixing ml, percent and drops and it just seems crazy that people use such an inconsistent form of measurement as a "drop" vs just using something static like percent or ml.

For background - I'm a programmer so I'm just used to working with absolutes and working with a non-absolute like a "drop" just makes my brain explode

 

[glassmanoak]

You can always count the number of drops per ml in your particular measuring device. It is, of course, variable from device to device, but it is sometimes a necessary evil. For example, if I wanted to add 0.5% to 5 ml of a solution, I would add 1 drop because my pipette has 40 drops( of PG density fluid) per ml. This is difficult to do with small measurements. So, you just have to deal with the intangible variables.

 

[Jack_AG]

Gotcha. So would I be right to include any pg mixture like nicotine in my overall 50% pg or whatever mix I make? That's my question. Does say 3ml of pg flavoring count towards my 15ml of pg needed for say a 50/50 30ml mix? So with 3ml of pg flavor I need 12 more ml to hit my 15ml quota.

 

[BillLouisiana]

nicotine base (PG or VG or mixture), flavorings(VG, PG, alcohol, water) added fluids like PG, VG, alcohol, water, whatever.. ALL count in percentage.

That's why some calculators allow you to list % of water, alcohol, etc.
The short answer is YES

 

[BillLouisiana]

Gotcha. So would I be right to include any pg mixture like nicotine in my overall 50% pg or whatever mix I make? That's my question. Does say 3ml of pg flavoring count towards my 15ml of pg needed for say a 50/50 30ml mix? So with 3ml of pg flavor I need 12 more ml to hit my 15ml quota.

Say you want to make 30ml of PG50/VG50... MOST flavorings would count towards PG in the mixture, but not in what PG the calculator tells you to add. Also true of the fluid in the nicotine,(PG, VG or mixture).
MOST calculators just tell you how much 100% PG or 100% VG to add.

 

[Jack_AG]

Ah I understand it now! Makes sense. I am making sure to take all necessary precautions when it comes to mg/ml nicotine liquid with testing the batch first, avoiding inappropriate chemicals/dyes/oils in flavorings and the rest is cake Well... at least in theory. Trying to nail down a flavor might be hit/miss on the first try but I'm getting into it

Been 9 days without an analog and I am loving my new lifestyle

Thanks again all!

 

[glassmanoak]

Keep going and good luck!..I do recommend making small test batches (3ml or 5ml) and I don't put nic until after I like a taste. If you need any help or suggestions, feel free to PM me.

 

[Jack_AG]

I appreciate it that, glass! Thanks for the nice tip, too. Makes sense.