Why not learn how to make a glass pipe at home to smoke your homegrown stash? Making glass pipes is something that humans have learned to master for centuries. Romans made glass pipes with a technique known as the blowpipe technique. This is blowing glass through a bubble using a blowpipe. This is the same method that many artists and pipe makers are using today.
Is it difficult to make your own glass pipe at home?
Making a glass pipe through glass blowing is a skill and a talent. You can’t learn this overnight as you must master how to work a glass tube, be familiar with the different new materials, and work in an extremely scorching hot environment. Also, glass blowing can be dangerous without the help of a professional. Although making a glass pipe should be done in a professional, safe, and controlled setting, it is possible to make your own glass-blowing working area at home.
How to make a glass pipe at home – things you need and instructions
You must maintain safety as you work with molten glass. Most of the equipment/materials we have on our list are safety equipment because glass-making is no ordinary DIY task. It is very dangerous and should never be done without the help of an expert.
Things you need
- Thick, industrial-type leather gloves (these gloves should fit you well)
- Heavy and thick clothing (could be a thick coat or an apron to shield you from heat and possible spills)
- Thick and adjustable goggles
- MAPP gas, a large cylinder with a torch head
- Carbon rod with a pointed head
- A borosilicate glass tube with a heavy wall should be 6 to 8 inches long
Instructions
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Wear your safety materials
Before starting your pipe, suit up. If you have never worked with glass before then you’ll find this a unique experience. Glass may be solid but in liquid form, it can be a menace as it can make its way on your skin, eyes, and hair. It’s best to use a long-sleeved thick coat.
Your goggles should be safely covering your eyes and your nose. Your hair must be tied up or use a cap to protect it. If you don’t you may end up burning strands of your hair. All your materials should be nearby and should be away from flammable items. It’s a must to select a room that’s not cold because your masterpiece could cool down fast and reheating this may only shatter it.
As we have said before, rely on the help of a professional. Learn all you can by watching how artists do it. Check out videos, guide tips, and glass blowing Instructables online to help improve your knowledge and skills.
2. Torch time
When you’re ready, it’s time to blast and blow. Ignite your torch and adjust the gas to make the flame feather-pointed (shaped like a feather). Once your torch is ready, apply heat to the portion of the tube that’s still unopened. Blow through the opposite end of the tube to create a bowl.
Apply heat evenly on the bowl as it attains a fixed shape as you blow it out. Once you have attained a good size, stop blowing and give it time to cool.
3. Create a hole in your pipe
Now that the bowl is in the shape you desire, you may now create a hole in the pipe. To create the hole, apply heat to the area along the outer part of the bowl. Then blow as hard as you can from the other end until you have created a good-sized hole. When done, give your pipe time to cool.
Now that the hole is done, apply heat along the part that’s surrounding the hole. Do this until the glass is malleable (easy to form to a particular shape). But don’t apply too much heat to the point that the material begins to melt. You will only ruin the shape of the hole.
Take the carbon rod and press on the part near the hole until you have made a bowl, a hollow part where you will place your weed. When you’re satisfied with the shape, let your pipe cool.
4. Construct the mouthpiece and carb
You’re done making the hole and bowl, it’s time to make the mouthpiece and the carb. From the outside part of the bowl, place heat to a small area as you blow on the other end of the glass until you have made a hole. To avoid air from getting in, use the carbon rod to prevent this. When you’re satisfied with the way the carb is formed, let the pipe rest and cool.
Finally, the last part to make is the mouthpiece. From the open part of the tube, apply heat to melt all uneven edges. Remember that the mouthpiece should be the smoothest part of the pipe as your lips would be resting on it as you take powerful puffs. When you think that the mouthpiece is smooth and polished, allow the pipe to rest and cool. When it has completely cooled down, you may now use it to smoke your favorite stash.
Many glass pipe makers prefer to add color to their finished works and you can too with acrylic-based paint. There are many acrylic paint colors to choose from; you may also use a plain glass pipe, a sophisticated option.
Take note that as you use a glass pipe, you must also know how to clean your pipes. You can use ordinary soap and water with a small amount of salt to remove all weed residue inside the pipe. If your pipe has twists and turns, salt can help you remove all dirt and residue all over plus will make your pipe smell and look fresh before use.
Now that you know how to make a glass pipe at home, we know you’ll be making more. But remember, stay safe and always work in a safe environment. Take time to polish your new skills and learn from glass-making masters online.
