DIY unflavored Nic. PG or VG ?

[Ittles]

I am getting into the DIY of making juice, I am having a hard time deciding what to buy when it comes to the Nic. I don't want the strangth to be to high, at least not until I am used to working with it. I don't know what strangth would be best nor do I know if it should be in PG or VG or 50/50. I need help... I want to vape with 18mg nic. and I am looking for a strong TH. I can get Glycern at next to nothing but will have to pay the going rate for PG. So what do you suggest; Nic. in 100% PG or VG or 50/50 and what strangth. Thanks for your help.

[~Mary23]

I usually get the 36mg nic from My Freedom Smokes b/c I feel like it is safest to work with, but last night I ordered the 60mg. Liveaboard had the perfect idea to break the larger nic down as soon as you get it so you only have to do the gloves and safety glasses the one time. I am not brave enough to work with anything over 60 without safety equipment. 24 or 36 is probably safer to start out with until you are comfortable with it.

I usually get the 50/50 but I think the price is the same if you get the 100% PG.

If you use a nic calculator for your recipes, you can make your desired juice nic level and PG/VG ratios whatever you want them to be regardless of your original nic level. I highly recommend ordering a few syringes from there for accurate measuring.

[liveaboard]

I'd recommend getting 100% PG -- for a couple of reasons -- PG doesn't go bad as fast as VG (not that it's much of a consideration if you go through juice fast or order a smaller quantity) -- as you said -- you can pick up VG at any Walgreen's, Wal-Mart, etc... -- AND -- it's easier to do the math when you are trying to mix a specific percentage of PG/VG (like for use in the tankos).

As far as strength goes -- if you're wanting to mix 18mg juices and you want to start "safe" to get your feet wet - go ahead and order twice as much as you were thinking about getting but in 24mg -- that way you can probably get away with just adding VG to your mixes and don't have to worry about ordering extra PG.

You also might want to take a look at these threads:
diy-websites-and-notes-t2074.html
diy-recipes-t1259.html
diy-recipe-masterlist-compiled-t3776-10.html
diy-flavoring-reviews-t4613.html

[davej]

Mary makes some valid points,

If you are brand new to DIY, by all means, stick to the lower levels until you become more familiar with what you are doing, and how to handle it.

One accidental subcutaneous injection of nicotine, or something totally unexpected like wiping off a spilled drop on your clothing that you did not realize was nicotine, and then wiping your eyes could have disastrous results.

Once you have become comfortable handling these products, and have mastered the safe handling procedures, then is the time to consider using a higher concentration level, and mixing it down for later use upon receipt.

Other considerations are whether there are small children, grandchildren, etc in the home, even if only occasionally, and/or inquisitive pets. Since lethal concentrations are a function of body weight, what may be safe for a full grown adult to handle is still quite deadly to a child or pet.

Safe and secure storage is imperative if you plan to do any type of DIY, at any concentration level.

Inherently, a plain PG base is easier to work with. You mentioned having a cheap source of VG, so it could be to your advantage to use a PG base, instead of having a PG/VG blend, which adds an additional level of complexity when working up your recipes, particularly when you are first starting out. The obvious exception to this would be if you are one of the folks that have allergic reactions to PG in ejuice.

As always, when starting out with DIY, SAFETY, for yourself, and those around you, is the most important consideration. Go slow, learn well, keep good notes, and never ever substitute safety for expediency.

[Ittles]

No doubt about it Dave, Nicotine is very dangerous! Thats why I want to start low. I use chemicals around the farm and I know that even with strict controls accidents do happen. Thanks for warning folks!