Gathering the Necessary Materials
To craft an apple bong, you will require the following materials:
1. A firm, ripe apple
The ideal apple for a bong is one that is firm to the touch, with no bruises or soft spots. This ensures a sturdy base that will not easily collapse or puncture. Choose an apple that is ripe; the riper the apple, the easier it will be to carve and manipulate. Granny Smith apples, with their firm texture and slightly tart flavor, are a popular choice for apple bongs.
Additionally, consider the size and shape of the apple. A larger apple will yield a larger bong, while a smaller apple will be more compact and portable. The shape of the apple can also affect the design of your bong. An oblong apple, for example, can be used to create a bong with a long, slender neck, while a round apple can create a bong with a shorter, wider neck.
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple | 1 |
| Pen or skewer | 1 |
| Knife | 1 |
| Tinfoil | 1 sheet |
| Mason jar | 1 (optional) |
Preparing the Apple
To craft the perfect apple bong, you’ll need a firm, ripe apple. A Granny Smith or Honeycrisp variety works well due to their crisp texture and sweetness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your apple:
1. Wash and dry the apple thoroughly
Ensure the apple is clean by washing it with water and drying it with a towel. This step removes any dirt or debris that could affect the smoking experience.
2. Core the apple
Using an apple corer or a sharp knife, carefully remove the core from the apple. To create a wide enough hole for the smoke to pass through, aim to remove the core in one clean, straight cut. The diameter of the hole should be about the size of a dime or a bit larger.
Alternatively, if you don’t have an apple corer, you can cut the apple in half horizontally and use a spoon to scoop out the core. This method provides more precision and allows you to create a slightly larger hole if desired.
| Core Hole Size | Optimal Smoke Flow |
|---|---|
| Dime-sized | Moderate airflow, easy to control |
| Nickel-sized | Increased airflow, smoother hit |
| Quarter-sized | Maximum airflow, potential for coughing |
Creating the Down Stem
The down stem is the part of the bong that connects the bowl to the water chamber. It allows the smoke to travel from the bowl to the water, where it is cooled and filtered. To create the down stem, you will need:
- 1 nail
- 1 hammer
- 1 drill
- 1 drill bit (size: 1/4 inch)
- 1 metal rod (size: 1/4 inch diameter, 6 inches long)
- 1 rubber grommet (size: 1/4 inch diameter)
Creating the Hole in the Apple
Use the drill to create a hole in the bottom of the apple. The hole should be about 1/4 inch in diameter and about 2 inches deep. This hole will be used to insert the down stem.
Inserting the Metal Rod
Insert the metal rod into the hole in the apple. The rod should be long enough to reach the bottom of the water chamber. Use the rubber grommet to seal the hole around the metal rod.
Attaching the Bowl
Attach the bowl to the metal rod. The bowl should be made of glass or ceramic, and it should have a hole in the bottom that is about 1/4 inch in diameter.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a hole in the bottom of the apple. |
| 2 | Insert the metal rod into the hole. |
| 3 | Insert the bowl into the hole. |
| 4 | Attach the bowl to the metal rod. |
Connecting the Bowl
4. Connecting the Percolator
The fourth step is to connect the percolator to the bowl. This is important because it will help to filter the smoke and make it smoother. There are different types of percolators, so you can choose one that fits your needs. Once you have chosen a percolator, simply connect it to the bowl by inserting the stem into the hole in the bottom of the bowl.
If you are using a glass bong, you may need to use a rubber grommet to create a seal between the bowl and the percolator. To do this, simply place the grommet around the stem of the percolator and then insert it into the hole in the bottom of the bowl. Once the grommet is in place, it will create a seal that will prevent smoke from leaking out.
Once the percolator is connected to the bowl, you can now enjoy your bong! Simply fill the bowl with your favorite herb, light it, and inhale the smoke through the mouthpiece.
| Type of Percolator | Description |
|---|---|
| Tree Percolator | A tree percolator has multiple arms that extend down into the water chamber. This helps to cool and filter the smoke. |
| Honeycomb Percolator | A honeycomb percolator has a series of small holes that are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. This helps to break up the smoke and make it smoother. |
| Showerhead Percolator | A showerhead percolator has a series of small holes that are arranged in a circle. This helps to create a dense cloud of smoke that is easy to inhale. |
Assembling the Bong
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to assemble the bong. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Cut the Apple: Cut the apple in half horizontally, creating a bowl and a base. Remove the core and seeds from the bowl half.
2. Create the Downstem: Take the carrot or celery stick and make a hole in the center of the bowl half. Insert the stick into the hole, creating a downstem that will allow smoke to pass through.
3. Insert the Mouthpiece: Make a small hole in the center of the base half. Insert the straw or pen into the hole, creating a mouthpiece.
4. Connect the Halves: Align the bowl and base halves and press them together firmly. The downstem should fit snugly into the hole in the base.
5. Prepare for Use:
- Fill the Bowl: Place your desired herbs in the bowl half, packing them down lightly.
- Add Water: Fill the base half with about an inch of water to create a bubbling effect.
- Light and Inhale: Light the herbs in the bowl and inhale through the mouthpiece. The smoke will pass through the downstem, water, and into your lungs.
Covering the Carb Hole
The carb hole is a small hole located on the side of the apple. It is used to control the flow of air into the bong. When you cover the carb hole, the smoke will fill up the bong and you will be able to take a hit. When you release the carb hole, the smoke will be released and you will be able to inhale it.
To cover the carb hole, you can use your finger, a piece of tape, or a small piece of fruit. If you are using your finger, be sure to keep it clean. If you are using a piece of fruit, be sure to wash it thoroughly before use. You can also use a small piece of tape to cover the carb hole. This is a good option if you are using a fruit that is difficult to wash, such as a strawberry.
The size of the carb hole will affect the way the bong hits. A larger carb hole will allow for more airflow, which will make the hit smoother. A smaller carb hole will allow for less airflow, which will make the hit harsher. You can experiment with different sizes of carb holes to find the one that you like best.
| Carb Hole Size | Effect |
|---|---|
| Large | Smooth hit |
| Medium | Mild hit |
| Small | Harsh hit |
Smoking from the Apple Bong
Now that you have your apple bong assembled. It’s time to learn how to smoke from it. Here are the steps:
1. Load the bowl
Grind your cannabis and load it into the bowl of the apple bong. Do not overpack the bowl. Just enough to cover the bottom.
2. Light the bowl
Hold a lighter to the bowl and inhale slowly. As you inhale, the smoke will travel through the stem and into the apple chamber. The water in the apple chamber will help to cool and filter the smoke.
3. Inhale the smoke
Continue to inhale slowly until you have filled your lungs with smoke. Hold the smoke in for a few seconds before exhaling.
4. Exhale the smoke
Exhale the smoke slowly through your nose or mouth.
5. Pass the bong
Once you have finished smoking, pass the bong to the next person in the circle.
6. Clean the bong
After you have finished smoking, it is important to clean the bong. This will help to prevent the build-up of resin and tar.
7. Removing the smell of apple from the bong
If you don’t like the smell of apple in your bong, there are a few things you can do to remove it. One way is to rinse the bong with hot water and vinegar. Another way is to fill the bong with baking soda and water, and let it sit for a few hours. Finally, you can also try soaking the bong in a solution of lemon juice and water.
8. Cleaning the bong with isopropyl alcohol
If your bong is particularly dirty, you can clean it with isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful solvent that will dissolve resin and tar. To clean your bong with isopropyl alcohol, simply fill the bong with isopropyl alcohol and let it sit for a few hours. After a few hours, pour out the isopropyl alcohol and rinse the bong with hot water.
| Cleaning Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Hot water and vinegar | A few minutes |
| Baking soda and water | A few hours |
| Lemon juice and water | A few hours |
| Isopropyl alcohol | A few hours |
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular Cleaning
To keep your apple bong functioning properly, regular cleaning is essential. After each use, empty the water and rinse the chamber with warm water. Avoid using harsh detergents or chemicals, as they can damage the apple.
Deep Cleaning
Materials:
| Isopropyl alcohol |
| Salt |
| Plastic straw or pipe cleaner |
Steps:
- Fill the bong with isopropyl alcohol, leaving a few centimeters of air space at the top.
- Add a handful of salt.
- Seal the holes and shake vigorously for several minutes.
- Use the plastic straw or pipe cleaner to clean the downstem and mouthpiece.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Allow the bong to dry completely before using it again.
Maintaining the Apple
Apples will naturally deteriorate over time, so it’s important to take steps to preserve the bong. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If the apple starts to soften or brown, it’s time to replace it with a fresh one.
Safety Precautions
Before embarking on the task of constructing an apple bong, it is imperative to prioritize safety. Observe these precautions to minimize potential risks:
1. Ensure the apple is washed thoroughly to remove surface contaminants.
2. Use a sharp knife or hole punch to create the holes, minimizing jagged edges.
3. Avoid using a pen or pencil to make the holes, as the ink may leach into the smoke.
4. Avoid placing the bong directly on any heat source.
5. Do not inhale deeply if the bong is hot.
6. Stop smoking if you experience any discomfort or adverse effects.
7. Dispose of the apple bong responsibly after use.
8. Keep the bong out of reach of children and pets.
9. Never smoke from an apple bong that has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
Detailed Precaution for Point 9:
| Reason | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Pesticides are toxic | Exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to serious health problems |
| Other chemicals can be harmful | Inhaling unknown chemicals can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects. |
Variations and Experimentations
The world of apple bongs is vast and endlessly customizable. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to find what suits your tastes best.
Fruit Combinations
Explore the endless possibilities of combining different fruits with your apple bongs. Watermelon, pineapple, and grapefruit all offer unique flavors and textures.
Flavor Enhancers
Enhance the flavor of your bongs by adding fruit juices, syrups, or even spices to the water chamber. Experiment with different combinations to create your own custom blends.
Ice-Cold Hits
Chill your apple bong by freezing the fruit or adding ice to the water chamber. This will result in smoother, cooler hits that are less harsh on your throat.
Multiple Chambers
Create multi-chamber bongs by connecting multiple apples together. This allows for more filtration and a smoother smoking experience.
Water Filtration
Instead of water, experiment with using different liquids in the water chamber. Coconut water, juice, or even milk can offer unique flavors and effects.
Percolators
Add percolators to your apple bong to enhance smoke filtration and create a smoother, more diffused hit. Perforated apple slices or pebbles can serve as simple and effective percolators.
Decorations
Express your creativity by decorating your apple bongs with stickers, paint, or other embellishments. Make them truly unique works of art.
Safety Precautions
Remember to always prioritize safety when using apple bongs. Avoid using sharp objects, and keep the fruit in a stable position to prevent any accidents.
