Nicotine

[NnoS]

This is true, but you can either

a) Get (or measure) specific gravities for different concentrates
b) Assume identical specific gravities for all concentrates and adjust your recipes by taste accordingly (in fact, this is how many of the well-known Reddit DIYers do it - the percentages they post is for identical specific gravities, even though it is not objectively true.

I really urge you to try scales! Unless you already have and mixing by volume just suits you better - then who am I to tell you what to do!

Btw, converting weight to volume through specific gravities gives the same effect as mixing by volume...

Much easier to mix by weight. You set the conversion for PG and VG in the calculator once and it does it automatically. For concentrates it is so close to 1 on 1 between volume and mass and they take up the smallest part of your mix, that it is not worth the effort to get the specific gravities.

I agree entirely. There may be issues of it not being as accurate as mixing by volume but, as mentioned, any decent app allows you to input the necessary density of your ingredients. Besides, DIY is a hobby for people that are largely amateurs and personally, I don't mind if things are a bit inaccurate. I'm just happy to don my mad scientist coat and mix up some juice that may be horrible, or may be brilliant, as long as I'm having fun with it.

Also, clean up on mixing with a scale is amazing. When I started with the syringes I managed to mix about 3 juices before being just sick of all the rinsing and spilling that it wasn't fun or worth it at all.

 

[method1]

Volume isn't necessarily more accurate, especially for small batches, unless you're using lab grade equipment.

Beakers & such vary in accuracy from one manufacturer to another - and eyeballing the meniscus isn't the most accurate either.

For small batches, a scale is hard to beat.

 

[Lord Vetinari]

Much easier to mix by weight. You set the conversion for PG and VG in the calculator once and it does it automatically. For concentrates it is so close to 1 on 1 between volume and mass and they take up the smallest part of your mix, that it is not worth the effort to get the specific gravities.

OK I will give it a whirl then! If I may ask which calculator do you use, mine is VERY basic indeed, only works in volume... Scales seem cheap enough. Any recommendations as to types/brands? I only have kitchen and bathroom scales lol

 

[Andre]

OK I will give it a whirl then! If I may ask which calculator do you use, mine is VERY basic indeed, only works in volume... Scales seem cheap enough. Any recommendations as to types/brands? I only have kitchen and bathroom scales lol

I use the software downloadable here: http://diyjuicecalculator.com/
This is a good guide to mixing by weight: https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY_eJuice/comments/2iq3km/botboy141_guide_to_mixing_by_weight/
Am using this scale: https://valleyvapour.co.za/product/diy-e-liquid-mixing-scale/
Valley Vapour also has this scale with calibration weights included: https://valleyvapour.co.za/product/diy-digital-mixing-scale-incl-calibration-weights/
Find these pump glass pipettes very useful for adding Nic, PG and VG in small amounts to the bottle on the scale: https://www.blckvapour.co.za/collections/accesories/products/pipette-pump

 

[Lord Vetinari]

Thank You @Andre

 

[rogue zombie]

Ya @Lord Vetinari dont even worry about individual weights of concentrates - the difference is not worth going through the effort of actually noting them.

I still measure the VG and PG with a syringe, but mixing by weight, I had no mistakes until my previous EL-CHEAPO scale went bonkers.

 

[MoneymanVape]

Hey @MoneymanVape

It seems like you did everything right. I had exactly the same problem with my Nic tasting waaaay too harsh. Most of the time its Vg nic, and that can be solved (entirely) by giving your nic bottle a good shake right before adding. With PG its less necessary, but useful either way.

In VG, nicotine tends to form aggregates, which your tongue perceives as higher concentration.

I do shake nic before adding. Um thinking i store nic in the fridge could that cause something?

 

[method1]

I do shake nic before adding. Um thinking i store nic in the fridge could that cause something?

Nope that's good. You have to wait for it to warm up a bit so you can shake it properly.