Category: Glass

Is a broken downstem in a bubbler pipe (hammer or saxophone style) repairable?

Yes and no. It all depends on how it breaks.  If there are cracks spreading out, more than likely it will end up cracking apart. Yes if it is a clean break.  These do take longer as the bowl has to be reworked and re blown and re pushed.   It can be a long process, …

Can any joint size be blown onto any size piece? (i.e. a 19mm joint on a mini rig, or a 10mm joint on a 2ft waterpipe)

Yes, the joint size is usually chosen by the blower for the size of the rig.  A 19mm female would look crazy on a 3 inch tall dab rig.  We find the 14mm to be the best overall size for the industry.  Not too big, not too small.

What’s the difference between 18mm and 19mm glass joints?

they are the same.  People that do not understand how rounding works in math will call the 18.8 18.  This is not right.  18.8 should round to 19, and this is how the two numbers get used in the industry. Learn about how to measure your joint in our blog

Is it possible to use a nail and dome with a female jointed water pipe?

yes but a male to male adaptor is necessary

Are different colors of borosilicate glass different to work with? (i.e. does one color play differently than the other as far as bending, temps, kiln time, etc.)

Yes.  Only clear is 33 COE.  Minerals are added to the glass to get it to change color.  When this happens the properties of the glass change.  This is part of the art of glass.  The blower must know how the color will work.  Also, the blower must also know what kind of flame atmosphere …

What is the average cost of a glass pipe repair?

We charge $100 an hour.  There is no way to know what the average cost is.  This yes, is the hard part.  Our minimum charge to do a repair is $60.  This covers the cost of the blower and materials.  This is even if it takes us 10 minutes.  It took 10 minutes because we …

Do sherlock pipes have better airflow than straight pipes?

No.  Airflow is based on the smallest hole, be it the bowl hole or mouthpiece hole. A sherlock is a pipe for a pipe connoisseur who appreciates style. We do feel that less Scooby snacks are had with a sherlock do to the shape.

Is there a percolator that works better for flower or concentrates more than another?

A perc is a perc.  Well not really.  The larger the holes the less easy it will be to clog. One of the coolest percs is a frit perc, but it is also the easiest to clog.  They suck for concentrates.  

What makes a pipe an “inside out” pipe?

When a glassblower adds colored rods, worked cane, fume, frit, and/or clear glass to the inside of a glass tube then forms a pipe Learn more at our terms and techniques page

What is a frit disc percolator?

A fritted disc is sintered glass particles forming a solid but porous body of glass in a disc shape. A glass fritted disc allows gas or liquid to pass through while filtering or trapping solid particles. While this would appear to be amazing perc, and it is.  We find it gets clogged WAY easy.  So …