DIY (Do-It-Yourself) vaping has gained popularity among vaping enthusiasts who seek greater control and customisation over their vaping experience. From creating unique e-liquid flavours to building coils tailored to their preferences, DIY vaping offers a world of creative possibilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the art of DIY vaping, providing step-by-step instructions and essential tips for mixing your own e-liquids and building coils. By understanding the fundamentals and mastering the techniques, you can embark on an exciting journey of self-expression and create a truly personalised vaping experience.
Section 1: Mixing Your Own E-liquids
1. Understanding the Components:
To begin your DIY e-liquid journey, it’s crucial to grasp the key components involved. E-liquids typically consist of four main ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and nicotine (optional). Each ingredient plays a role in determining the characteristics of the e-liquid, such as throat hit, vapour production, and flavour intensity. Thus, before attempting to mix your vape liquid, know the ingredients that would affect its overall hit.
2. Equipment and Safety Precautions:
Before diving into e-liquid mixing, gather the necessary equipment, including measuring cylinders, syringes, gloves, and safety goggles. Safety is paramount when working with concentrated flavourings and nicotine. Always handle these substances with care, ensuring proper ventilation and appropriate safety measures.
3. Calculating Ratios and Nicotine Strength:
Understanding how to calculate ratios and nicotine strength is crucial for achieving desired results. Including nicotine is entirely optional, of course. The nicotine strength you decide to purchase depends on your desired nicotine level and your comfort with handling the equipment. For beginners, a 100 mL bottle of nicotine at 36 or 48 mg/mL should be sufficient. Ratios refer to the proportion of PG to VG in your vape juice mixture. Nicotine strength is measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml) and can be customised to suit individual preferences.
4. Flavour Selection and Mixing Techniques:
Experimenting with flavours is where the true creativity of DIY vaping shines. Choose from a vast range of flavour concentrates available in the market and begin by selecting a few primary flavours. These flavour concentrates will determine what your e-liquid will finally taste like. Start with small quantities and gradually mix them together, adjusting ratios and flavours until you achieve the desired taste. Steeping, the process of allowing the flavours to blend and mature over time, enhances the overall taste of the e-liquid.
All these steps may appear daunting at first, but rest assured, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. You don’t require an extensive background in chemistry to engage in DIY vaping. If you can mix a cocktail, you have the skills to create your very own vape juice.
Section 2: Building Coils
1. Understanding Coil Building:
Building your own coils allows for customisation and can greatly impact your vaping experience. Coils consist of wire wrapped into a specific configuration, creating resistance and generating heat when current passes through. By adjusting coil material, diameter, and the number of wraps, you can alter factors such as resistance, ramp-up time, and vapour production.
Note – when making your own coils it is absolutely paramount that you follow OHMS LAW
2. Required Tools and Materials:
To begin coil building, gather essential tools such as wire cutters, ceramic tweezers, screwdrivers, and an ohmmeter. Additionally, select the appropriate coil wire material, commonly including Kanthal, stainless steel, or nichrome.
3. Coil Types and Configurations:
Coil building offers a wide array of possibilities, from simple single-coil setups to more complex multi-coil configurations. Popular coil types include standard coils, Clapton coils, fused Clapton coils, and alien coils. Each coil type produces different vaping characteristics, influencing factors such as flavour, vapour production, and heat distribution.
4. Step-by-Step Coil Building:
Start by determining the desired resistance and selecting the appropriate wire gauge. Measure and cut the wire to the desired length, considering factors like coil diameter and the number of wraps. Wrap the wire carefully around a screwdriver or coil jig, ensuring even spacing between wraps. After completing the coil, attach it to the atomizer deck, ensuring proper positioning and alignment. Finally, use ceramic tweezers to adjust the coil and eliminate any hot spots.
When it comes to complex builds, wrapping vape coils can become challenging. However, basic vape coils are relatively easy to create with basic tools and some dexterity, along with a pinch of patience. If you encounter difficulties during your initial attempts, don’t be discouraged. Rebuilding and wrapping your own vape coils let you save money and provides you with a level of control over your vaping experience that pre-made coils simply cannot offer.
Conclusion
DIY vaping offers an exciting and rewarding experience for vaping enthusiasts. By mastering the art of mixing your own e-liquids and building coils, you can unleash your creativity and tailor your vaping journey to your preferences. Remember, DIY vaping requires attention to safety precautions, precise measurements, and patience to achieve desired results. With practice and experimentation, you can create unique e-liquid flavours and fine-tune your vaping setup to deliver a truly personalised experience. So, grab your ingredients with tools, and immerse yourself in the world of DIY vaping where the possibilities are limitless.
