I've since broken the bong I base this on, and haven't built another one because I have more than enough smoking devices already, but this is extremely pretty easy, and damn cheap as far as nice glass bongs go.

Step One
Go to a discount store with nice vases (Burlington Coat Factory is my paradise for this, as you won't find a vase over $20), you can usually find ones similar to this for around $20 (though probably not quite as detailed).




Step Two
Buy a Glass drill bit or a diamond drill bit (about $8 at any hardware store)
How to Drill Glass

Step Three
Buy a correct size female piece and rubber grommet for the hole you drilled in step two, you could even get a female piece with a diffuser on the end if you wanted. Buy a bowl to fit the female piece. (Around $15 total probably)

Step Four
Smoke!

Total Cost: ~45 bucks
Probable cost of a bong like this in a headshop: $150 at least

what the hell is a female piece? a tampon tube?

It's the part that sits in the water, also called the stem or downspout, the bowl slides into it.

Get a Dremel drill and a diamond tipped glass cutting bit (not as expensive as it sounds.) Do NOT put the item to be drilled in a vice while you drill it or it will shatter. Mark out any holes you need to drill. Now slowly and steadily start the hole don't use too much preasure but use enough to start the hole, once you get it going get up to a medium - fast speed and drill drill drill. You need to keep the glass cool while drilling so have a friend slowly pour some water over the drilling area or stop a couple times to pour water over it and then start again. If you're drilling a shotgun/carb it should go just above where you plan the waterline to be.

Any tips on what to use to seal the downstem? I've used epoxy but it doesn't bond to glass very well. I was thinking about using caulk but I'm not sure it will work...

Clear silicone caulk

now this is bong modding cool

__________________
keep the thumb green and the gun oiled, !

this one
IKEA | Vases & flowers | Vases | TAJT
and this one
IKEA | Vases & flowers | Vases | SNÄRTIG
are just askin for it

gonna get shoppin

__________________
keep the thumb green and the gun oiled, !