Do you want to save some money by building your own water pipes? Are you tired of using cheap plastic and scraps to make one that works? In this case, you can switch to a better tool by making a glass pipe; this material allows you to get a stronger vessel, smoke longer and get a bong that works just as well as commercial ones.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting the Materials
Step 1. Choose a bottle
While it is possible to turn any bottle into a water pipe, some models work better than others; those with long necks and a wide base are best. In addition, it is easier to drill a precise hole for the stem in bottles that have a small curvature at the top, where the base narrows towards the neck.
Step 2. Get an appropriate drill bit
To drill the glass you need a diamond with a diameter of 18 mm; do not worry about the cost, despite the adjective "diamond", this tip generally costs 7-10 euros. Sometimes it may be necessary to order it online, so make sure you don't leave this detail for last.
Step 3. Get a stem, a bulb and a sealing ring
The bulb and the stem must have a diameter of 14 mm; it also checks that the length of the stem is compatible with that of the bottle. Measure the diagonal distance between the top, curved portion of the bottle and the opposite point of the base and purchase a stem that roughly meets this value, but is no longer.
- You can find glass bottles and stems online.
- You also need a rubber grommet with these specifications: 24mm outside diameter, 12mm inside diameter and an 18mm notch; you can buy a ring of this type in any hardware store or online.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing to drill
Step 1. Clean the bottle
Empty it and wash it with hot water because the heat facilitates the drilling operations; you should use the drill on the sink, so make sure you have space available.
Step 2. Draw a reference mark for the hole
Remove any plastic liner on the bottle and find a relatively flat surface near the top bend; place the ring on this point and draw the outline with the marker.
Step 3. Prepare the tools
Engage the diamond tip on the drill; use a cordless tool, as you have to run the water over the glass. It is worth wearing protective goggles as splinters may be generated.
Part 3 of 3: Drill and Assemble the Pipe
Step 1. Let a steady stream of water flow over the spot to be drilled
Open the tap to cool the glass and prevent it from breaking; adjust the flow to be more than a trickle, but not a powerful jet that prevents you from seeing what you are doing. Hold the bottle so that the water flows over the point you marked.
Step 2. Start drilling slowly
Set the drill at 3/4 of its maximum speed and gently push the bit into the designated area. To proceed steadily, position the tip so that it just touches the top of the surface; then slowly tilt it using the engraved portion as a pivot until it becomes perpendicular to the glass. When you have almost pierced the material, reduce the pressure a little to avoid cracking or breaking the bottle.
Step 3. Sand the sharp edges and clean the glass
Use the drill bit to smooth the edges of the hole, pour water into the container and rinse it several times to get rid of any residue or splinters. The last thing you want is to inhale some glass powder, so proceed with this operation with great care.
Step 4. Insert the o-ring, stem and bulb
Fit the gasket into the hole, run a little water over the stem and carefully slide the stem into the sealing ring to prevent it from falling into the bottle. Put the ampoule on the stem to finish the job!
Advice
- Don't be in a hurry at any stage; you could waste several good quality bottles breaking them in an attempt to speed up time.
- The bigger the bottle, the better the result. The one liter spirits are the best, but avoid the low and squat ones; instead opt for the tall, thin ones because they cause the smoke to travel a longer distance in the water.
- At the end of the job there may be glass splinters inside the container. You must delete them for security reasons; for this you can use a vacuum cleaner or wash the bottles with high pressure water.
Warnings
- If you are a minor, fearful of getting caught, or just throw away your handcrafted pipes often, it's not really worth the effort to build one. If you want an easy-to-hide model, use glass bottles of soda or beer.
- Remember that you are working the glass, be careful in case it breaks.
