If you are looking for a creative way to enjoy your herb or tobacco, you might want to try making your own glass bong from a glass bottle. A glass bong is a device that filters and cools the smoke from burning herb or tobacco through water, making it smoother and less harsh on your lungs. You can use any glass bottle that has a narrow neck and a flat bottom, such as a wine bottle, a beer bottle, or a soda bottle. The only thing you need to do is drill a hole in the bottle to insert a stem and a bowl, which you can buy online or at a smoke shop.
Drilling a hole in a glass bottle may sound intimidating, but it is actually quite easy if you follow the right steps and use the right tools. In this blog post, we will show you how to drill a hole in a glass bottle to make a glass bong in 5 simple steps.
Step 1: Gather the materials
To drill a hole in a glass bottle, you will need the following materials:
- A glass bottle of your choice
- A power drill with a variable speed control
- A small spear-tipped carbide or diamond drill bit (either 1/8-inch or 3/32-inch) for making a starter hole
- A larger spear-tipped carbide or diamond drill bit (depending on the size of the stem and bowl you want to use) for enlarging the hole
- Painter’s tape or masking tape
- A felt-tip marker
- A folded towel or a soft pad
- A bucket of water or a spray bottle
- Protective goggles, dust mask, and gloves
- A 600-grit diamond file or sandpaper
- A stem and a bowl for your bong (you can buy them online or at a smoke shop)
- A rubber grommet or sealant to secure the stem and bowl in the hole
Step 2: Mark and secure the bottle
First, you need to decide where you want to drill the hole in your bottle. The best place is usually on the side of the bottle, near the bottom, where it follows the curve of the bottle. This will make it easier to drill and also allow you to fill the bottle with enough water to filter the smoke.
Once you have chosen the spot, mark it with an ‘X’ using two pieces of painter’s tape or masking tape. Then, draw a dot in the center of the ‘X’ with a felt-tip marker. This will help you keep track of where your hole needs to go and also provide some traction for your drill bit.
Next, you need to secure your bottle on a work surface that is around waist- or chest-high. Place your bottle on a folded towel or a soft pad to prevent it from rolling, sliding, or shifting while you drill. Make sure that the taped side of the bottle is facing up.
Step 3: Drill the starter hole
Now, you are ready to drill your starter hole. Fit your power drill with the small spear-tipped carbide or diamond drill bit (either 1/8-inch or 3/32-inch) and make sure that it is fully seated. Put on your protective goggles, dust mask, and gloves before you start drilling.
Align the pointed tip of the bit with the center of the dot on the tape and hold the drill so that it forms a right angle with the surface of the glass. Squeeze the trigger of the drill lightly while pressing the bit straight into the bottle. Start at a low speed (below 400 rpm) and moderate pressure. If you drill too fast or too hard, you might generate too much heat and crack the glass.
To keep your drill bit cool and lubricated, dip it in water frequently or spray some water on it while drilling. You can also submerge your bottle in water while drilling, but make sure that your drill is waterproof and that you don’t electrocute yourself.
As you drill, start at a 45-degree angle and then gradually become perpendicular to the bottle. This will help you avoid slipping on the glass surface. Drill slowly and steadily until you break through the other side of the glass. Be careful not to push too hard at the end to avoid chipping the glass.
Step 4: Enlarge the hole
Once you have drilled your starter hole, you need to enlarge it to fit your stem and bowl. Fit your power drill with the larger spear-tipped carbide or diamond drill bit (depending on the size of the stem and bowl you want to use) and make sure that it is fully seated. Put on your protective goggles, dust mask, and gloves again before you resume drilling.
Align the tip of the bit with the center of the starter hole and hold the drill so that it forms a right angle with the surface of the glass. Squeeze the trigger of the drill lightly while pressing the bit straight into the bottle. Use a low speed (below 400 rpm) and moderate pressure. Dip or spray your drill bit with water frequently to keep it cool and lubricated.
Drill slowly and steadily until you enlarge the hole to the desired size. Be careful not to push too hard or too fast to avoid cracking or chipping the glass.
Step 5: Smooth and cover the hole
After you have drilled your hole, you need to smooth and cover it to prevent cutting yourself or leaking water. Use a 600-grit diamond file or sandpaper to gently sand the edges of the hole until they are smooth and even. You can also dip or spray some water on the file or sandpaper to make it easier.
Next, you need to secure your stem and bowl in the hole. You can use a rubber grommet or sealant to create a tight and waterproof seal between the stem and the bottle. Insert the grommet or apply some sealant around the hole, then insert your stem and bowl into the grommet or sealant. Make sure that they are firmly attached and that there are no gaps or leaks.
Congratulations! You have made your own glass bong!
You have successfully drilled a hole in a glass bottle to make a glass bong. Now, you can fill your bottle with water, pack your bowl with your favorite herb or tobacco, light it up, and enjoy!
Remember to clean your bong regularly to keep it in good condition and prevent bacteria growth. You can use rubbing alcohol, salt, and hot water to rinse and scrub your bong.
We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy crafting!
