What I've learned after 2 days on ECF

[RoseJ]

I have spent a good part of last night and today reading posts, library articles, and other information on ECF. Wow, so much to take in!

The jargon is overwhelming. I read some explanations, but I'm still mega-confused. In the end, I gave up trying to learn it all. I'll figure it out as I go, and if and when I need to.

I looked at a whole heap of pictures of people's hardware, and my eyes crossed. I started wondering if I'm using the right stuff myself. In the end I decided that the little "pens" I'm using are working for me, and I like them.

I have thought several times that I'd like to mix my own e-liquids, but after reading some of the DIY stuff, I think I might need a degree in mixology! I did learn a whole heap about WTA, which was interesting, and super-applicable to me.

I learned that I'm not alone with a lot of the things I'm experiencing, and have discovered much good advice. The main thing I learned is that I still have a lot to learn!

 

[leftyandsparky]

I have spent a good part of last night and today reading posts, library articles, and other information on ECF. Wow, so much to take in!

The jargon is overwhelming. I read some explanations, but I'm still mega-confused. In the end, I gave up trying to learn it all. I'll figure it out as I go, and if and when I need to.

I looked at a whole heap of pictures of people's hardware, and my eyes crossed. I started wondering if I'm using the right stuff myself. In the end I decided that the little "pens" I'm using are working for me, and I like them.

I have thought several times that I'd like to mix my own e-liquids, but after reading some of the DIY stuff, I think I might need a degree in mixology! I did learn a whole heap about WTA, which was interesting, and super-applicable to me.

I learned that I'm not alone with a lot of the things I'm experiencing, and have discovered much good advice. The main thing I learned is that I still have a lot to learn!

It's ok I'm still new and learning! I just went from a pen to something a lot better but the pen helped me kick the habbit so whatever is working for you stick with til your comfortable! Good luck

 

[Canadian_Vaper]

I have spent a good part of last night and today reading posts, library articles, and other information on ECF. Wow, so much to take in!

The jargon is overwhelming. I read some explanations, but I'm still mega-confused. In the end, I gave up trying to learn it all. I'll figure it out as I go, and if and when I need to.

I looked at a whole heap of pictures of people's hardware, and my eyes crossed. I started wondering if I'm using the right stuff myself. In the end I decided that the little "pens" I'm using are working for me, and I like them.

I have thought several times that I'd like to mix my own e-liquids, but after reading some of the DIY stuff, I think I might need a degree in mixology! I did learn a whole heap about WTA, which was interesting, and super-applicable to me.

I learned that I'm not alone with a lot of the things I'm experiencing, and have discovered much good advice. The main thing I learned is that I still have a lot to learn!

Welcome to ECF! Enjoy your stay

 

[Karen Powell]

Welcome in! we're glad to be of service.

 

[suprtrkr]

Welcome to the nuthouse. If the pens are working for you, you don't need anything else. DIY is not as hard as you think, although it can be challenging to get the right ratios in complex flavor profiles. I DIY, but I favor simple tastes. Normally I only use 2 flavors, just a prime and some sweetener. That takes some experimenting to get the right amount so it tastes good but isn't overpowering; but once you have done so, it doesn't change much except you'll probably have to back off a bit as your taste buds heal from smoking.

 

[Brad84]

Lol, I gotta agree with you on this place being full of confusing jargon that I've never heard of in real life. I felt like an idiot, but at the same time proud, when I realized what analog meant... It will take some time for us to catch up I'm sure.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

It all reminds me of The Wizard of Oz. Cigs were Kansas, black and white and boring. Vaping is like Oz, colorful and exciting.

Welcome!

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Hello. So glad you found us. Yes, the learning curve can be daunting at times, but it can also be so fun. Once your body begins to heal, you will notice several positive things. One poster just mentioned taste buds returning, but in time, you will notice all the things you had become used to while smoking will feel like new again. For me, I noticed smell much more acutely, my skin took on a healthy look as well as my hair became shiny again. And it just keeps getting better.
Be sure to stay hydrated. This is very important as the ejuice can dry out your mouth and throat. De-hydration is no joke. Just keep your fav liquid handy and you should be fine. Some say to drink water, which is ok, but I say anything that is liquid should do.
Keep us informed to your progress and of course ask any questions/concerns that may come up. There is always someone home here 24/7.
Congrats on the switch. And welcome.

 

[Heybilox]

Rose, just go at a pace comfortable for you and enjoy this wonderful journey.

 

[MikeE3]

@RoseJ ... Welcome to ECF. Lots of good folk and information here. ECF was the start of my wife's and my journey 4+ years ago and we keep coming back and still learning too.

If you're looking for a comfortable place to ask questions and make friends drop by our front porch. No question is too basic (mods, juice, DIY, you name it) and it's a friendly place.

Older Folks and Vaping Front Porch - Part Four

 

[RoseJ]

Welcome to the nuthouse. If the pens are working for you, you don't need anything else. DIY is not as hard as you think, although it can be challenging to get the right ratios in complex flavor profiles. I DIY, but I favor simple tastes. Normally I only use 2 flavors, just a prime and some sweetener. That takes some experimenting to get the right amount so it tastes good but isn't overpowering; but once you have done so, it doesn't change much except you'll probably have to back off a bit as your taste buds heal from smoking.

Thanks! I'd be interested in knowing how you got started with mixing. How did you know what you needed? Best places for supplies, starter recipes, etc.

I know I can find these answers on this site and others, but the sheer amount of information makes it overwhelming for somebody who is just a wannabe beginner. Any tips?

 

[curiousJan]

Thanks! I'd be interested in knowing how you got started with mixing. How did you know what you needed? Best places for supplies, starter recipes, etc.

I know I can find these answers on this site and others, but the sheer amount of information makes it overwhelming for somebody who is just a wannabe beginner. Any tips?

I used pen-style vapes until very recently, almost 6 years. Use what works for you!

As for DIY, read the subforum here, and start simple. If you have a smartphone or tablet, there are apps that will help with the calculations necessary (they're not complicated, but a calc-app makes things so much simpler.) Most people use anywhere between 10-30% flavor (calc-app makes this simpler too.)

Always remember that anything going into your mix should never, never contain oil.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Thanks! I'd be interested in knowing how you got started with mixing. How did you know what you needed? Best places for supplies, starter recipes, etc.

I know I can find these answers on this site and others, but the sheer amount of information makes it overwhelming for somebody who is just a wannabe beginner. Any tips?

Well, I am not suprtrkr, but I also DIY. Loads of info in ecf DIY section(DIY E-Liquid)
I keep to just the basic flavors, ie. juicy fruit, banana, peach, etc. These one flavor ejuices are easy to mix and taste marvelous. Also, here is a link to a good vendor who has taken the time to make mixing very easy for us. One Stop DIY Shop, LLC
If you decide to order they have a couple of standard coupons ecf is one and pb&j is another.
This is only one of many good vape shops, but Kim has taken the time to mix the more complex flavors and provide users with a finished product to mix ourselves.
Just have a look. I am sure there will be many more peeps chiming in on this subject.
In the ecf DIY section, there are many calculators to help you with the correct amts of pg/vg/nic/flavor to mix.

Good luck.

 

[RoseJ]

@curiousJan and @Sugar_and_Spice - thanks a bunch!

I will definitely take a look at the suggested vendor.

 

[HauntedMyst]

Welcome aboard Rose! Getting started in DIY is actually pretty simple with simple recipes. You need a few things but basically, if you can make an omelette, you can DIY. Creating more complex recipes can take the skills of a master mixer but most of us dont create those. We just copy the recipes done by others.

 

[Plumes.91]

all ya need is a DIY calculator, VG, PG, a syringe with measurements on it, and some nic base.

(plus flavorings)

ENJOY the vape journey! OH and there ARE vape dictionaries. Have fun!

 

[TheVapingKitty]

I have spent a good part of last night and today reading posts, library articles, and other information on ECF. Wow, so much to take in!

The jargon is overwhelming. I read some explanations, but I'm still mega-confused. In the end, I gave up trying to learn it all. I'll figure it out as I go, and if and when I need to.

I looked at a whole heap of pictures of people's hardware, and my eyes crossed. I started wondering if I'm using the right stuff myself. In the end I decided that the little "pens" I'm using are working for me, and I like them.

I have thought several times that I'd like to mix my own e-liquids, but after reading some of the DIY stuff, I think I might need a degree in mixology! I did learn a whole heap about WTA, which was interesting, and super-applicable to me.

I learned that I'm not alone with a lot of the things I'm experiencing, and have discovered much good advice. The main thing I learned is that I still have a lot to learn!

Don't worry, we're all in this together! Glad you found this community and hope you enjoy your stay

With DIY-ing e-liquids, you might be interested to take a look at this tutorial video by New Amsterdam Vape. He has also put together a playlist of recipes to try out which I think is very informative for people who wanna learn DIY-ing. Hope this helps!

 

[BreSha6869]

I found that many of the recipes online are super easy to mix. Even some of the "clone" recipes are really close.

I have been vaping for less than 2 months and started making my own juice about a month ago. My trick was to stay away from recipes that are complicated. Using a juice calculator, it is simple to add "X" amount of PG/VG, nic and flavours. I try to stick to only a few flavours. Handling concentrated nic is a bit of a pain, but simple if you are careful.

Bottom line IMO? If a pen vape and store bought juices help you quit smoking, perfect. No rules that say you have to DIY or buy super powerful large box mods.

Have fun!

 

[RoseJ]

Don't worry, we're all in this together! Glad you found this community and hope you enjoy your stay

With DIY-ing e-liquids, you might be interested to take a look at this tutorial video by New Amsterdam Vape. He has also put together a playlist of recipes to try out which I think is very informative for people who wanna learn DIY-ing. Hope this helps!

That's a good video, and just what I need. Thanks!

 

[Nimaz]

I learned that I'm not alone with a lot of the things I'm experiencing, and have discovered much good advice. The main thing I learned is that I still have a lot to learn!

Like the Socratic expression "I know one thing: that I know nothing". Wise statement... In wanting to grow too fast, I often loose my cool mind... There is this other one from Molière “Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” Welcome to ECF!