A glass bong is a device that allows you to smoke herb or tobacco through water filtration, which cools and smooths the smoke. Glass bongs are popular among smokers because they are durable, easy to clean, and come in various shapes and sizes. However, glass bongs can also be expensive and hard to find, especially if you live in an area where they are illegal or frowned upon. Fortunately, you can make your own glass bong at home using some cheap, basic supplies and some creativity. In this blog post, we will show you how to make a glass bong in 8 simple steps, what materials and tools you will need, and some tips and tricks to make your homemade glass bong more enjoyable.
Materials and tools you will need
To make a glass bong, you will need the following materials and tools:
- A glass bottle: This will be the body of your bong. You can use any kind of glass bottle, but keep in mind that the larger the bottle is, the bigger the bong hits will be. Also, choose a bottle that has a relatively flat surface on the upper curve of the body, where you will drill a hole for the downstem. Bottles with a long neck and a wide base work best.
- A piece of glass tubing: This will be the downstem of your bong, which is the tube that connects the bowl to the water chamber. You can buy glass tubing online or at a local hardware store. Alternatively, you can use an empty highlighter or pen as a downstem, but it may not be as sturdy or safe as glass.
- A bowl: This is where you will pack your herb or tobacco. You can buy a glass bowl online or at a local head shop, or you can make one yourself using aluminum foil. However, be aware that aluminum foil may release harmful chemicals when heated, so it is not recommended for long-term use.
- A grommet or cork: This is what will seal the hole where you insert the downstem into the bottle. You can buy a rubber grommet online or at a local hardware store, or you can use a cork from a wine bottle. Make sure the grommet or cork fits snugly around the downstem and into the hole.
- A propane torch: This is what you will use to heat and cut the glass tubing. You can buy a propane torch online or at a local hardware store. Make sure to follow the safety instructions and wear protective gloves and goggles when using it.
- A drill: This is what you will use to make a hole in the bottle for the downstem. You will need a 3/4″ diamond drill bit to drill through the glass. You can buy a drill and a drill bit online or at a local hardware store.
- A working surface: This is where you will do all the cutting and drilling. You will need a flat, stable, and heat-resistant surface, such as a wooden board or a metal tray.
- Water: This is what you will fill your bong with to filter the smoke. You can use tap water or bottled water, but avoid using hot water as it may crack the glass.
How to make a glass bong in 8 simple steps
Once you have gathered all your materials and tools, follow these steps to make your own glass bong:
- Clean the bottle. Empty the bottle and wash it out with warm water. Remove any labels or stickers that may be on it.
- Mark a spot to drill. Find a spot on the bottle where the surface is relatively flat, somewhere on the upper curve of the body. Place the grommet or cork there and use it to trace a circle with a marker. This is where you will drill the hole for the downstem.
- Drill a hole in the bottle. Attach the diamond drill bit to your drill and set it to 3/4 of its max speed. Hold the bottle under running water in your sink to keep it cool and prevent it from cracking. Gently push the drill against the marked spot until you make a hole through the glass. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or move too fast as this may break the bottle.
- Cut the glass tubing to the desired length. The length of your downstem will depend on the size of your bottle and how deep you want it to go into the water. Measure the distance from the hole in the bottle to the opposite side of the base and cut the glass tubing accordingly. You can use a glass cutter or a hacksaw to cut the tubing, but the easiest way is to use a propane torch. Heat the tubing with the torch where you want to cut it until it glows red, then quickly pull it apart with your hands or pliers. The tubing should snap cleanly at the heated spot.
- Insert the grommet or cork into the hole. Push the grommet or cork into the hole you drilled in the bottle until it fits snugly. Make sure there are no gaps or leaks around the hole.
- Insert the downstem into the grommet or cork. Push the open end of the downstem through the grommet or cork until it reaches the water chamber. The downstem should be angled downward so that the end inside the bottle is submerged in the water. The bowl should be angled upward on the outside of the bottle.
- Add the bowl to the end of the downstem. If you bought a glass bowl, simply attach it to the end of the downstem. If you made a bowl using aluminum foil, wrap it around the end of the downstem and press it down to make a dent. Poke some small holes in the foil to allow air to flow through.
- Fill the bottle with water. Pour some water into the bottle through the mouthpiece until it covers about an inch of the downstem. You don’t want too much water as it may splash into your mouth when you smoke, but you also don’t want too little water as it may not filter the smoke properly.
Tips and tricks to make your homemade glass bong more enjoyable
Congratulations, you have just made your own glass bong! Now you can enjoy smoking your herb or tobacco with your homemade device. Here are some tips and tricks to make your experience even better:
- Clean your bong regularly. To keep your bong fresh and smooth, you should clean it after every use or at least once a week. To clean your bong, empty the water and rinse it with hot water. Then, fill it with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and salt and shake it vigorously. The alcohol and salt will dissolve any resin or dirt that may have accumulated in your bong. Rinse it again with hot water and let it dry.
- Change your water often. To avoid stale or harsh smoke, you should change your water every time you use your bong or at least once a day. You can also experiment with different liquids instead of water, such as juice, tea, or soda, to add some flavor to your smoke.
- Decorate your bong. To make your bong more personal and unique, you can decorate it with stickers, paint, glitter, or anything else you like. Just make sure not to cover any holes or damage any parts of your bong.
Conclusion
Making a glass bong at home is not as hard as it may seem. With some basic materials and tools, you can create your own device that will allow you to smoke herb or tobacco through water filtration. You can also customize your bong to suit your preferences and style. Just remember to follow the safety precautions and instructions when making and using your bong, and enjoy!
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