Whether you’re an Pro 420  expert glassblower or a novice with just the right tools, creating a DIY bong is a rewarding hobby that helps you save money on smoking gear and connects you to nature through woodworking. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about building a custom glass bong, including how to choose the best materials and accessories for your personal preferences.

After crafting the mouthpiece and neck, glassblowers begin shaping the base of a bong. This is a key part of ensuring that the piece is stable for spill-free use. The base may involve cutting a bottle or hollowing out a natural material like rock or wood. For added stability, it is important to ensure that the base is airtight and sealed.

Top Smoke Shop Products Every Smoker Should Try

Once the base of a bong is shaped, the next step is to forge a downstem. The downstem is where you load your weed and where smoke passes to be filtered and cooled by the water in your pipe before reaching your lungs. Glassblowers often add design features to their downstems like indents, ribs, twists, and ice notches to increase ergonomics and aesthetic finesse.

Regularly changing the cold water in your bong prevents resin buildup and promotes a cleaner, smoother smoking experience. Additionally, storing your bong in a cool, dark place between sessions reduces resin accumulation by exposing it to less sunlight. Lastly, regularly replacing your screens prevents ash and plant residue from entering the water and sticking to glass surfaces. Modular bongs also make it easy to inspect and replace components without removing the entire piece.