Question about DIY

[Swegly]

Im an extreme noob when it comes to DIY and I was hoping to get some help to begin mixing my own liquid so I can save cash by not buying premium liquid all the time.

If I just buy this VG/PG Mix, with 3mg of Nic... -
http://esmokes.se/en/diy-in-stock/-vg-pg-vpg-500ml/-chemnovatic-vpg-500ml

...and this pack of flavors (as an example) -
http://esmokes.se/en/5x-flavor-essences-mbv

Can I just add however much flavor I feel like to say individual 30ml bottles of VG/PC/Nic Mix, Shake it well, steep it, and then start vaping it or is there something im missing? If Im totally off the mark can someone briefly explain what I should be buying (You can link from the site) and the steps to mixing.

Thank you all in advance for the help, tryna get off cigs without the more expensive cost of premium liquids.

 

[mattdarat]

Welcome to diy. In theory yes you could buy unflavored base add flavors and off you go. Unfortunately adding flavors to the base lowers the nic level. For instance say you want to make 100ml of a single flavor. The flavor percentage you are using is say 5% or 5ml. So you are adding that to only 95ml of base. This now brings the nic level down to 2.85mg/ml. If this drop in percentage is ok to give you the nic you want I would say it's ok. However some mixes need upwards of 15% with multiple flavors depending on the manufacture so you could lose a lot. I recommend using a diy calculator like at http://e-liquid-recipes.com and buying pg vg and at least 12mg/ml nicotineso you can raise or lower the nic level as needed for your satisfaction.

Hope this helps

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[Swegly]

Welcome to diy. In theory yes you could buy unflavored base add flavors and off you go. Unfortunately adding flavors to the base lowers the nic level. For instance say you want to make 100ml of a single flavor. The flavor percentage you are using is say 5% or 5ml. So you are adding that to only 95ml of base. This now brings the nic level down to 2.85mg/ml. If this drop in percentage is ok to give you the nic you want I would say it's ok. However some mixes need upwards of 15% with multiple flavors depending on the manufacture so you could lose a lot. I recommend using a diy calculator like at http://e-liquid-recipes.com and buying pg vg and at least 12mg/ml nicotineso you can raise or lower the nic level as needed for your satisfaction.

Hope this helps

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Thank you very much, that helps alot.

That website has the option to add Nic to either PG or VG if you buy them seperated, but it would be best to just get a bottle of seperate nicotine base right? I cant see a nic base on the site however which seems strange.

Also you said that 5ml of flavor into 95ml of VG/PG is 5%... so what is a recommended % of flavor for a neither overwhelming or underwhelming flavor.

 

[Heabob]

If I just buy this VG/PG Mix, with 3mg of Nic... -
http://esmokes.se/en/diy-in-stock/-vg-pg-vpg-500ml/-chemnovatic-vpg-500ml

As long as your sure you will only need 3mg to be able to quit as many have started out higher and worked downward over time.

...and this pack of flavors (as an example) -
http://esmokes.se/en/5x-flavor-essences-mbv

For the most part MBV is just using FW flavorings, or mixtures thereof.
Nothing wrong with using FW flavorings if you want but may be cheaper elsewhere.

Same principle here but better recipes to start with increase the odds of success IMO.
But just starting out you might be better off buying some of the "recipe packs" from BCF.
They're designed to match up some of the more popular recipes around here, and other sites.
Besides being mostly popular flavorings being used for other mixtures.
http://www.bullcityflavors.com/community-recipe-packs/

I really like the "Bust a Nut" recipe and it does use some of the better FW flavorings.
Many other good ones too, like "Game Over Custard".
Take your time deciding what you think you'd like to vape and read up on all the positive comments about them first.

And they're several other good DIY calcs you can download and store recipes on them too.

 

[Swegly]

As long as your sure you will only need 3mg to be able to quit as many have started out higher and worked downward over time.



For the most part MBV is just using FW flavorings, or mixtures thereof.
Nothing wrong with using FW flavorings if you want but may be cheaper elsewhere.

Same principle here but better recipes to start with increase the odds of success IMO.
But just starting out you might be better off buying some of the "recipe packs" from BCF.
They're designed to match up some of the more popular recipes around here, and other sites.
Besides being mostly popular flavorings being used for other mixtures.
http://www.bullcityflavors.com/community-recipe-packs/

I really like the "Bust a Nut" recipe and it does use some of the better FW flavorings.
Many other good ones too, like "Game Over Custard".
Take your time deciding what you think you'd like to vape and read up on all the positive comments about them first.

And they're several other good DIY calcs you can download and store recipes on them too.

**Oh Flavor west
Also how do the recipes work? I mean how to get the exact % of each flavor? it doesnt seem like I can order from that recipe site however since I live in sweden

 

[Heabob]

What do you mean by FW flavors?
Also how do the recipes work? it doesnt seem like I can order from that recipe site however since I live in sweden

FW = Flavor West
TFA = The Flavor Apprentice
FA = FlavourArt
INW = Inawera
CAP = Capella
etc.

Recipes use various amounts of different flavorings/brands to make different flavored e-juices rather than single flavor recipes.
Some single flavors can be quite good too though, but usually taste a bit better when adding a bit of "this and that".

Didn't know you lived across the pond, maybe someone here is from your area will jump in to help.

You should probably spend some time reading around the forums here as so much info is available to learn from.

 

[mattdarat]

Thank you very much, that helps alot.

That website has the option to add Nic to either PG or VG if you buy them seperated, but it would be best to just get a bottle of seperate nicotine base right? I cant see a nic base on the site however which seems strange.

Also you said that 5ml of flavor into 95ml of VG/PG is 5%... so what is a recommended % of flavor for a neither overwhelming or underwhelming flavor.

For percentage starting out with single flavors I use this
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr..._hQ6Fu8HdEwwR2dLRUJlVjlabEN1NG1ucktuUVE&gid=0
If I were you order 12mg/ml base 100% pg (better for storing in fridge/freezer easier to work with) then order pg and vg.

Honestly this is the best kit around that I actually purchased because I needed everything and flavoring (wanted this lol) but you get 15 x 10ml bottles of flavor 150ml of 48mg of nicotine 500ml of pg 500ml of vg gloves bottles and assorted tools for 50 USD. This will get you started but you MUST use a calculator and caution. I recommend mixing by weight so a good digital scale helps but you can mix by volume with this kit.

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[mattdarat]

For percentage starting out with single flavors I use this
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr..._hQ6Fu8HdEwwR2dLRUJlVjlabEN1NG1ucktuUVE&gid=0
If I were you order 12mg/ml base 100% pg (better for storing in fridge/freezer easier to work with) then order pg and vg.

Honestly this is the best kit around that I actually purchased because I needed everything and flavoring (wanted this lol) but you get 15 x 10ml bottles of flavor 150ml of 48mg of nicotine 500ml of pg 500ml of vg gloves bottles and assorted tools for 50 USD. This will get you started but you MUST use a calculator and caution. I recommend mixing by weight so a good digital scale helps but you can mix by volume with this kit.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Kit link my bad
https://www.nicotineriver.com/collections/diy-kit/products/eliquid-diy-kit

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Swegly]

FW = Flavor West
TFA = The Flavor Apprentice
FA = FlavourArt
INW = Inawera
CAP = Capella
etc.

Recipes use various amounts of different flavorings/brands to make different flavored e-juices rather than single flavor recipes.
Some single flavors can be quite good too though, but usually taste a bit better when adding a bit of "this and that".

Didn't know you lived across the pond, maybe someone here is from your area will jump in to help.

You should probably spend some time reading around the forums here as so much info is available to learn from.

So by using this calculator I can figure out exactly what to mix? So If I just buy 500ml of VG, 500ml of PG, and 100ml of PG w/ nic (32mg)... these numbers all make sense? I would just have to decide on which flavor i want to concoct? https://gyazo.com/db7cdfccf5136b01a2efd67fabe1ae55

 

[Swegly]

Kit link my bad
https://www.nicotineriver.com/collections/diy-kit/products/eliquid-diy-kit

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

thats awesome! I think that the shipping will cost a fortune going to sweden though or do they have warehouses in europe?

 

[mattdarat]

thats awesome! I think that the shipping will cost a fortune going to sweden though or do they have warehouses in europe?

I honestly don't know but they deal in euro so it wouldn't hurt to email or call them.

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[Heabob]

So by using this calculator I can figure out exactly what to mix? So If I just buy 500ml of VG, 500ml of PG, and 100ml of PG w/ nic (32mg)... these numbers all make sense? I would just have to decide on which flavor i want to concoct? https://gyazo.com/db7cdfccf5136b01a2efd67fabe1ae55

That's pretty much the just of it except maybe needing a way to measure the amounts.
A scale is a good way to measure flavorings more consistently but syringes are ok in a pinch.
Larger blunt tip needles will be needed for measuring VG & PG though.
Smaller needles for flavorings, I was using a glass 1ml syringe for flavorings as some like to eat the rubber plungers inside the plastic ones.
Since switching to using a cheapo scale I just use it for measuring NIC only now.

And of course some 10-15ml bottles to mix final recipes into.
Plus maybe some 120ml bottles to put your PG & VG into, just easier than trying to work with huge bottles when mixing.
Most of us like to break up our NIC base into smaller glass bottles to store in the freezer until needed.
Just keep one small one out to use for mixing juice.

Nicotine shipments may be harder to get through Customs in EU zone, might be easier if you can find some local sources.

 

[Heabob]

Think this place will ship to you.
http://www.inawerawinkel.com/

Shisha Strawberry
Shisha Vanilla
Vanilla Bourbon
Peach
Mango
Cherimoya
Blue Dwarf
YC Bubblegum
Orange

Some of the tobacco flavors are good.
all pretty good flavors anyway IMO.

 

[Swegly]

That's pretty much the just of it except maybe needing a way to measure the amounts.
A scale is a good way to measure flavorings more consistently but syringes are ok in a pinch.
Larger blunt tip needles will be needed for measuring VG & PG though.
Smaller needles for flavorings, I was using a glass 1ml syringe for flavorings as some like to eat the rubber plungers inside the plastic ones.
Since switching to using a cheapo scale I just use it for measuring NIC only now.

And of course some 10-15ml bottles to mix final recipes into.
Plus maybe some 120ml bottles to put your PG & VG into, just easier than trying to work with huge bottles when mixing.
Most of us like to break up our NIC base into smaller glass bottles to store in the freezer until needed.
Just keep one small one out to use for mixing juice.

Nicotine shipments may be harder to get through Customs in EU zone, might be easier if you can find some local sources.

I just dont understand why a scale would be easier to measure the amounts. Wouldnt you still need a syringe to move the liquid from the main container into the scale measuring container?
EDIT: SCRAP THAT I just watched a video and I see how the scale would work now. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Heabob]

I just dont understand why a scale would be easier to measure the amounts. Wouldnt you still need a syringe to move the liquid from the main container into the scale measuring container?

Most flavorings come with drip tips so you can use drops directly into the bottle on the scale for measuring.
No dirty syringes to wash in between different flavors.

Flavorings that come in glass bottles would still need a syringe to extract though.
Can use droppers but the drops are kinda big to work with for smaller amounts.
Some use disposable "pipettes" but it's more awkward once the level goes down and you can't reach it.
Maybe the make some with longer tips IDK.

 

[SteveS45]

For someone looking to get into DIY I recommend Liquid Barns starter kit because for what I used to spend on a weeks worth of smokes you get everything you need to make 1,400 Mls of e-Liquids.

 

[Swegly]

Most flavorings come with drip tips so you can use drops directly into the bottle on the scale for measuring.
No dirty syringes to wash in between different flavors.

Flavorings that come in glass bottles would still need a syringe to extract though.
Can use droppers but the drops are kinda big to work with for smaller amounts.
Some use disposable "pipettes" but it's more awkward once the level goes down and you can't reach it.
Maybe the make some with longer tips IDK.

I completely understand this whole process now, only took about 2 hours but I think im ready to order everything tomorrow. One last question about flavoring. Just to begin with would it taste bad to only use this single FW flavor at around 10% of the mix - http://esmokes.se/en/diy-in-stock/-fw-usa/-fw-fruit-rings

 

[SteveS45]

I also recommend to people venturing into DIY that they start with standalone flavors and perfect them before the mix flavors. Trying to find out why something does not taste right is easier when you know what one flavor should taste like for your liking.

 

[Heabob]

I completely understand this whole process now, only took about 2 hours but I think im ready to order everything tomorrow. One last question about flavoring. Just to begin with would it taste bad to only use this single FW flavor at around 10% of the mix - http://esmokes.se/en/diy-in-stock/-fw-usa/-fw-fruit-rings

Not a flavor I have used but it's going to depend on whether or not you like the flavor itself.
Not everyone's taste are alike and amounts used also vary among people, brands, and flavors.

If your sticking to FW...

FW makes a good tasting Cinnamon Roll stand alone at 5% if you like bakery types, just raise or lower the amount after testing.
(Make smaller test batches at first till you find your preferred amount)
FW Hazelnut, Butter Pecan, Butterscotch, Pie Crust, etc., are decent too.

Fruits
FW Blueberry, Blackberry, Orange Dream Bar, Jawbreaker, & Swedish Fish(kinda sweet)
(Blueberry & Blackberry won't need 10% and even 5% might be too much for the Blackberry)

Mixers (add a little something to soften the fruits) and (Fruit type Ice Creams)
FW Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (although I prefer TFA)
FW Milk (TFA Dairy Milk is my favorite)
FW Sweet Cream

Just need to experiment with amounts till you find what suits you best.

Don't discount CAP, Inawera, or TFA as they make some good stuff too.
It looks like the link(site) you posted carries some of these other brands too.
CAP Vanilla Custard v1 is pretty yummy.

The odds of ordering just 1 flavor and liking it are pretty dismal unfortunately IMO.