Help an "old noob" find glass?
Hello-
I am not new to smoking (20+ years of use) however... I have been content with my old pieces for a very long time and not bothered to look at what is currently available. I've had the same recycled-glass waterpipe (double perc) for 12 or so years, the stem is a simple pyrex tube with pull-out stem (with neoprene gasket). It seems identical to the stems used by Graffix etc some years ago.
I have a couple nice pipes, one was made by a glassblower who lives near me named Buck who just did very well at the Champs flameoff (maybe some of you have heard of him?). His stuff is very beautiful but not utterly practical.
I've been looking at Aqualab and so on, and first of all, like many, I am pretty blown away at the prices. I am but a humble medical grower/user, although I am willing to pay what it takes for long-lasting tools that do the job well.
I mostly vaporize these days - I use an SSV and a MFLB. I do run my trim through bubblebags, though, and my hash pile is accumulating. I'd like to start to use more of it, but in my simply handheld pipe, it runs a little harsh and usually my throat complains for 2 days after using some hash.
I am really intrigued by these skillet style devices. But are they good for bubble, or only oil?
If they are not good, what is the preferred way to watercool bubble? In older days, I would just put a little in with my herb in a pipe but my throat issues are newer. My waterpipe does not accomodate a screen, though I am sure I can retrofit a bowl for it. However, since the stem is not Ground Glass, I am not sure how to go about this.
I am baffled when looking at the stuff available nowdays, much of it makes no sense to me. Is there some kind of guide to glass for people like me?
I do enjoy how beautiful the art pieces are, but I doubt I can put out more than 2-300 max for a hash piece.
Here are my specific questions I guess:
- Should I seek a stem for my current waterpipe? Is it possible to retrofit a graffix style stem with a ground glass (or whatever is needed) to take a hash skillet type bell? Is that even what I need? Some of you seem to use plain old bowl-looking things (with titanium screens?)
- Is it worth it to use the SSV as an engine for hash? I have tried putting some in the wand on the screen and setting the temp to max, it works sortof but seems unsatisfying. Does anyone really vape hash?
- I am open to trying to commission something from Buck but doubt I can afford full on waterworks from him. Maybe an adapter for my waterpipe? What would you suggest I talk to him about?
- I live near Eugene, OR which alledly has some great glass blowers... any tips on shops to check out?
Thanks for any and all input, I hope my ranting makes sense. Since I grow, trim, and process my own, I really don't have a ton of contacts to ask.
I'll throw 2 cents in.....
[QUOTE=upriver;71702]I am really intrigued by these skillet style devices. But are they good for bubble, or only oil? Not really the best for hash, unless it is the most pure of FMCD, and even then it will leave a little residue.
- Should I seek a stem for my current waterpipe? Is it possible to retrofit a graffix style stem with a ground glass (or whatever is needed) to take a hash skillet type bell? Is that even what I need? Some of you seem to use plain old bowl-looking things (with titanium screens?) It is possible to get retrofit downstems with ground glass joints that can accept slides and other devices with a ground glass joint, and even possibly new rubber grommets at nearly any smoke/headshop that sells glass water filtration smoking devices. Or a basic GonG water pipe complete should easily be under $200, but don't expect much in the way of fancy color work in this price range, but you will get some good functionality.
- Is it worth it to use the SSV as an engine for hash? I have tried putting some in the wand on the screen and setting the temp to max, it works sortof but seems unsatisfying. Does anyone really vape hash? I have tried vaping hash in my Herborizer a few times; goey sticky hashes tend to just clump up and clog the screen without really giving off much vapor, even on a bed of herb. Lower quality, dryer and less sticky hashes did vape better, without clumping too much, but still needed a herb bed to rest on.
Thanks for any and all input, I hope my ranting makes sense. Since I grow, trim, and process my own, I really don't have a ton of contacts to ask.[/QUOTE]
No worries, many of us are rambling posters :)
YBG
