DIY Basics...What you NEED to know...Part 2

So before jumping into the wide world of flavoring, let's make sure we get this first step down pat.

     For me, and for many others, my base liquid is the most important part of my mix.
By base, I mean my mixture of Nic, PG and VG.
I usually make up about 120mls at a time, and keep it handy for mixing; simply because I can't be pulling out that calculator and mixing in high concentrate nic in every single bottle I make.
Also, I should note here that I mix for myself, and the only time I deviate from my personal nic level is when mixing for a friend.
One size does not fit all when it comes to base. Commercial vendors of eliquid can't possibly accommodate the personal preferences of every customer, so it's lucky you started doing this.
Most companies offer 80/20, 60/40, 50/50 and then in the opposite direction.
Traditionally, the PG number is first, followed by the VG. You may find when making your mixes that you like the viscosity a certain way. You want something for dripping, maybe for a tank, maybe for Kayfun styles...whatever you use, don't be locked in...make what works for you.
Most importantly, whatever blend you make, make sure it is BLENDED...
Whether you shake, stir, jump up and down; use an ultrasonic or a magnetic stirrer, make sure your base is well mixed before starting out.

Let's start by going over our carrier, or diluting liquids.

Propylene Glycol (PG)
Sometimes the media gets nuts over PG. They claim it is an anti-freeze agent, that its eating up your lungs, whatever the scare tactic of the day is.
In fact, PG is often a prominent ingredient in inhalation medications, and many vapers have found improved pulmonary function as the result of using it. We all kind of knew this, but a rediscovery of the research done in 1942 by Dr. Oswald Hope Robertson reveals the success he had in 'cleaning' toxic air and treating victims of fallout and exposure to 'bad air' conditions.
PG is what most of the flavoring we use is suspended in, and for many, it is the nicotine suspension of choice. It will make your eliquid manageable; high VG mixes are great for dripping and big clouds, but PG will keep the train rolling, so to speak.
In the early days of eliquid manufacturing, Chinese brands used very high PG mixes, possibly due to air concerns, possibly due to the higher throat hit (TH), or maybe because the early cartomizers simply burned better with PG mixes.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Everybody wants high VG mixes, right? It just sounds better...it's probably made from vegetables, which are good for you, and it....just sounds better.
The choice of cloud chasers everywhere, they scream for 100% VG.
Well, here's the thing.
Not all VG is created equal.
Made from 'plant sources', vegetable glycerin is mainly included in eliquid to produce vapor and add sweetness.
This article by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM ... Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN)
will give you a breakdown of exactly what VG is. Probably the MOST important thing to know about VG is that it needs to be the highest purity you can find. In liquids, a 90% purity level is giving you 10% toxins, which you will inhale.
Our lungs don't have the necessary metabolizing functions that say, our digestive systems have, to break down impurities; PG helps with this, since PG is an antiseptic agent, but why invite trouble?
Essential Depot provides a COA (Certificate of Analysis) on every product they sell, and is the choice of many serious DIYers.

You can save yourself a lot of time and money by simply going with Essential Depot. It is what Wizard Labs use as their carrier for nic, and like I said, it is the choice for many of us.

Amazon is a good source for Essential Depot (ED) PG and VG, especially if you have Prime, and take advantage of free shipping, but they run sales quite often on their own website.

Can't you just use the Walmart brand of VG?
Sure- you can do whatever you like...just check the purity levels and decide if that is a good enough choice for you.

OK I have my stuff, now what?

     Depending on the strength of the nicotine solution you bought, and whether it is suspended in PG or VG, you will now create a base liquid to be used for mixing.You can use the Ejuice Me Up calculator, or you can use some basic math skills- your choice.
My personal blend of working base is about 25PG/75VG of 8MG...Remember that your flavorings DO NOT contain nicotine and are usually suspended in PG or alcohol. Pure grain alcohol (PGA) is popular among people who don't want much PG in their mixes, but we will cover that later under flavorings; the point is that the flavoring amount you add is going to lower your nicotine level, just as any PG or VG will. I start my base slightly higher so that after adding flavorings, I come close to my target of 6mg nic.I'm not neurotic about this; if it tastes like too much nic, I add a bit of PG or VG; like I said, we're making it for ourselves, and so we control it.
One final thought on base materials.We are doing this for a number of reasons; whether its to save money, fight against Big Corporate, or to control the ingredients of your vape, you have taken steps to insure that you have within your power the ability to create a product custom-tailored to your own tastes.Don't skimp on the materials. If you save a dollar by buying a 96.7% pure VG opposed to a 99.7% pure, that's a conscious choice to introduce 3% more toxins into your liquid.For a dollar or two, get the best quality ingredients available.