who goonna drop stem...

[dnug42]

i've been lampin for bout few years and dont get to hang in too many peoples space or perhaps i might have seen someone do this- but anyhow can some one tell me how to drop a stem in a bubbler? please....i have tryed two on my own and wrecked two pieces....my thoughts where- take piece of nine mm tube with a resriction and kinna drop it into can and close the can piece around 9mm close off slightly- till smaller hole is formed and seel is tight and then i thought i would use a bowl push to form bowl just heat it up and push....well did not work...it seemed like it was going to work out but fell short...i have heard people doing it with open bottom cans..? i just dont have any clue on that one....so anyhow thanks for any help- and happy new year!
dnugs

[ScurvySee]

I have never made one, but this should help you. http://www.ecu.edu/glassblowing/ringseal.html

[dnug42]

interesting...how close to dropping a bubbler stem is that? def seems helpful...i wunder if people drop a stem like that long- then flame cut and blow or pick it open then bowl push....hummmmmmm someone could probly answer that- or i could just be complicating this more....dunno?!

[Primathon]

Another opportunity for a contribution to the Wiki (http://www.thegldg.com/wiki/Drop_Stem). Post an entry, get some rep points!

[mistahead]

well its kinda one of those things that i personally think you really need to see someone do...to do properly anyway. honestly i done lots that now would just be unacceptable..and afte rtryong lots someone showing me has made it go smooth every time...throw down some cash for some lessons from a reputable blower..best thing you could do for youself. and if not try to find someone to show you how?? i know not much help eh. so you have your can just attached to the blow handle no mouth peice yet....carefully open a hole at the top not leaving to much extra"mick jagger lips" as one freind called it make your down stem flare/ constriction/difussor whatever. drop it in make sure its a lil bigger than your hole.get a laser flame and carefully seal it on then once its on give it a bit more heat then give it a lil push and to puff on it just a wee bit while your pushing. itll take some practice to get it platinum.
good luck, it was a tough one for me

[Firekist]

putting a piece of 3 or 4 mil rod up your can handle, so your stem fits around the rod, will keep your downstem centered.
this way you can crank up the heat and melt the seal all you want.

if you use a downstem without a constriction in it, you can melt the entire top closed when you weld it to the can. melt it even. pop a hole that leads into the downstem, push bowl.

or, you can make a constriction in your downstem, flare above the constriction, drop it into the can and over your centering rod (the 3-4mil rod in your blowtube) and carefully seal it on with that small flame. let cool a bit. heat to push a bowl, push the bowl.

the rod up the handle is the best way i've tried/seen. the hole popping seems to be a wash, either way seems just fine.

random tips: don't push the bowl so far that it tags your rod.
premeasure the rod so it goes from end of handle to halfway or so up the can.

i like having my blowhose swivel in the end of the blowtube so i can puff air in, and the centering rod can't fall out, or go into my mouth... who am i kidding, i always use my blowhose. just another reason to use one :p

z---seth

[dnug42]

hey thanks so much- good stuff- ah i would drop some coin on a bubbler class- have not yet heard of any- but i am sure i run across someone whom will invite me in for a lesson in the art of da bubbler...

so one more q- i am going on bottom of can with my blow tube? i think i might have screwed myself the first time i tryed...cause i thought i would go from side connect which looking back now dont make a whole lot of sence....and people drop stem before connecting other pieces of pipe? i not too sure on that step- anyhow this will be a better place to start from- thk again for the help!
peace

[puddletown]

I have seen some people drop their stem as the last thing they do before they pop the carb hole. I personally drop the stem before i add any other pieces, cuz i thinks its easier while its all in one line. I havwe also seen people put a piece of small rod up through their point to keep the downstem straight. I do not do that. I have a six inch piece of tungsten rod that is tiny so it will fit in the bowl hole. So after I am done pushing the bowl, I can go back and straighten the stem, and make sure the hole is the right size. If you ever make it to portland, I'll give you a quick tutorial, you really only need to see it done a couple times to get it down.
whatever you do, dont forget to account for the depth of the bowl, and how much room flattening the bottom is going to take up. If you tag the bottom, its kind of a pain in the ass to open it up and fix it.

[mistahead]

im in manitoba canada in tha middle of nowhere...if you feel like stoppin in ill show you how we do!

[Meerkat]

putting a piece of 3 or 4 mil rod up your can handle, so your stem fits around the rod, will keep your downstem centered.
this way you can crank up the heat and melt the seal all you want.

That is how I was taught !

[dnug42]

more good info- i would have tagged the bottom fo sure...if i got that far...but hehe thanks man- and shit i am going to be in portland tommorrow then on to middle on nowhere canada...so i'll check you guys out..or should i say owut.jk...i wish- i have been kinna suck in town- but shitttt i might be up that way some time soon- that is portland, oregon not mi...cause that would be one more tank of gas for me..anyhow bless man- tks
dnug

[Gibsons Glassworks]

im in BC canada on vancouver island common by!

[dnug42]

nice i'll go after portland....soon- i wuz just sayin i wanted to check out up dat way- i know some people who own some shops in van. so nice it up- chanks!
d