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Chapter 2 - Pipe Etiquette
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Building a Pipe
Are you having
trouble finding the ultimate pipe to meet your smoking needs?
Well, if you can't find it, build it. Most shops that sell metal
pipes also have a box or two of separate pipe pieces for sale.
But before you go inventing some useless creation, here are a
few helpful hints:
1) Don't make
your pipe too short. A pipe that is too short is called a
"lip burner." And for good reason. When "sparking" (igniting)
the bowl of a small pipe, the lighter comes too close to your
face. (If the flame gets too close, you can say goodbye to your
eyelashes.) Also, with a shorter pipe, your hits will be more
brutal, because the smoke doesn't have time to cool down before
entering your lungs.
2) Don't make
your pipe too long. When a pipe is too long, it's hard to
carry around. If you need to hide it quickly, your pipe should
fit in your pocket.
3) Choosing
an elbow joint. Another thing to consider is a flat
elbow joint (Figure 2.1) A flat elbow will give your
pipe a nice stable surface on which to sit. With a round elbow
joint, your pipe is more likely to tip over and spill the bud.
4) Choosing a bowl. When choosing a bowl (Figure
2.2), think about the number of people who will be sharing your
pipe. For larger groups, you'll want to use a bigger bowl.
5) Building
with a chamber. If you build your pipe with a long
chamber (Figure 2.3), it can be used to "resonate"
(strengthen and concentrate) your weed. But keep in mind: it may
become harder to hit the pipe once the chamber-weed is
resonated.
6) Make your
pipe airtight. should be used at any point where you have
metal to metal contact. These small rubber rings help to create
an airtight seal between the pieces.
7) Your pipe
must have style. You can standout from the crowd by owning
the pipe that everybody wants to smoke from. Buy the best pieces
you can find and create a unique, yet functional, smoking
device.
Clean Your Pipe
Make sure to
clean your pipe on a regular basis. Every so often, give your
pipe a bath in rubbing alcohol or some other cleansing solution,
such as those sold in "head shops" (marijuana paraphernalia
stores). To achieve the best results, disassemble every piece
and then let each soak overnight. (Soaking will allow the
solvent enough time to loosen the resin.) Then, after soaking,
clean the piece as best you can, paying special detail to the
mouthpiece (Figure 2.4)and elbow joint. After you have
finished cleaning, rinse off the pieces and put them back
together. Once again, you can enjoy a superior hit from your
clean-ass pipe.
Extra Screens
One way to keep
your pipe smoking great is to change the screens (Figure
2.5)on a regular basis. Screens always seem to develop small
holes that let ash through the pipe and into
your mouth. Also, replacing the screens frequently will save you
time in the long run, because you will not have to clean the
entire pipe as often. It's not a good idea, however, to use a
screen from your faucet or screen door. Both are more costly and
more difficult to replace than genuine pipe screens. Next time
you're in a head shop, buy a dozen or so extra screens. That
way, you can replace them when necessary.
Nipple First
Do you remember
when your kindergarten teacher taught you to hand the scissors
"handle side out?" Good, because when you're having a session
with your buddies, the pipe's bowl can get extremely hot. Of
course, there aren't any handles on a pipe, so it has become
common practice to pass it "nipple first." Simply stated - hand
the pipe with the mouthpiece facing the next smoker, even when
the bowl isn't hot.
Glass Pipes
Glass is another
option to consider when looking for the perfect pipe. Listed
below are several advantages and disadvantages to owning a
glass pipe (Figure 2.6).
Disadvantages of a glass pipe:
1) Cost.
Glass pipes are more expensive than metal pipes.
2) Breakable.
While most glass pipes can take a knock or two, they will
shatter if dropped hard enough.
3)
Replacement parts. Glass pipes are one solid piece of glass.
If you chip the pipe, you have to buy a new one.
4) Harder to
clean. Because you can't take a glass pipe apart, they are
often harder to clean the metal pipes.
Advantages
of a glass pipe:
1) Heat.
Glass pipes don't heat up like metal pipes.
2) Smoke.
You can watch the smoke as it fills the chamber.
3) Taste.
Marijuana smoke tastes better from a glass pipe. (Just as beer
tastes better from a bottle than from a can.)
4) Color.
Many glass pipes become richer in color with extended use.
Cornering
If you're
offered the "green hit" (first hit), take it, but don't light
the entire bowl. You can take a nice hit and still leave most of
the green intact. This is called "cornering the bowl." Hold the
lighter at the end of the bowl and suck the flame towards one
corner of the weed. If the bowl is packed, there should be
enough green for three or four people. (This tip is most
appreciated with smoking expensive marijuana.)
Vaporizers
MarijuanaVaporizer.com
Vaporizers work by heating your marijuana to the exact
"vaporizing" temperature of the active chemicals. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
and cannabinoid's (like CBN) will actually vaporize into a thin
mist. After this "mist" is vaporized, the active chemicals are
captured in a small glass chamber and are ready to be inhaled.
*For
more information on vaporizers, please
visit:
MarijuanaVaporizer.com.
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