Cheap downstem?

[Magic9]

I have a 10in. HVY straight tube that I was cleaning up for Super Bowl Sunday. Dropped the d/s right into the sink. I think I found the one I need.

http://www.brotherswithglass.com/HVY_Glass_Replacement_Downstem_p/bwg-hvyds2.htm

Problem is, I'm too cheap to drop $25+ on it. The piece itself was only around $50. I know GBD offers a free one, but I don't want to order only a free d/s and nothing else. I'd feel like an ass.

I even checked ebay, but they didn't see anything that small (4in overall/ 2.5in from joint).

Appreciate any help.

 

[clouded vision]

Check green buddah
http://www.ioffer.com/selling/greenbuddah/DOWN-STEMS--357628

 

[Magic9]

Much better prices, but even his smallest is just a tad too big. I wonder if he'll do a custom one.

 

[SSVUN~YAH]

Green Buddah = Chinese glass middleman he doesn't do custom orders. Why not order a j hook and/or some k clips with the downstem from GBD?

 

[Magic9]

I found some on ALT for $16. The new problem is the sizing. BWG measures from the the bottom of ground joint to the bottom. ALT measures from top of ground joint to bottom. So I'm not sure which one is the correct size. Any help?

Stock d/s
http://www.brotherswithglass.com/HVY_Glass_Replacement_Downstem_p/bwg-hvyds2.htm

Replacement option
http://aqualabtechnologies.com/glas...nstems/14-18-mm-replacement-downstem-3-5.html

Any ideas if it will be an exact match?

 

[SSVUN~YAH]

Stick a pencil in your piece and mark it where you want it to end, then measure.

 

[placetime]

Another option you could check out is glassblowersdirect.com

Edit: oops missed the gbd bit in the OP

 

[SD_haze]

I know GBD offers a free one, but I don't want to order only a free d/s and nothing else. I'd feel like an ass.

I honestly wouldn't feel bad about it. There's a reason they offer it: marketing!
If you get a free downstem and tell your friends that it turned out well, that's free word-of-mouth for GBD.

IMO it's not like they offer a FC discount, so might as well take 'em up on it!

 

[Magic9]

I shot them an email to see if they could make one in that size. I figure for the price I could order an extra one or two. Still cheaper than the stock one.

Edit* Next time, stemless lol. Is there an adapter I could use so I could use a longer d/s? A sort of "high profile" maybe?

 

[Magic9]

Sorry for double post. Past edit time.

GBD didn't get back to me today, so I spent some time on Ebay. Found one on there for 9.50 shipped. I ordered two. If they are decent quality, I might try the showerhead he's got.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Downstem-Do...885?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e852cdd75

 

[SD_haze]

Sorry for double post. Past edit time.

GBD didn't get back to me today, so I spent some time on Ebay. Found one on there for 9.50 shipped. I ordered two. If they are decent quality, I might try the showerhead he's got.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Downstem-Do...885?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e852cdd75

I have a slitted downstem with the same kind of tiny thick hole at the end. Works purty well :-)

 

[Magic9]

The Ebay downstems got here. Decent quality. A little variation between the two of them and gets a little messy at the bottom. IMO, well worth the price.

Only issue is, it kind of sits off to the side in my tube so it clinks. I think it's just the way the tube is made. I'm going to message the guy and see if I can get one that is 2". If he can, I'll get one that doesn't clink and grab one of the fancy looking ones for $12.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Downstem-Do...179?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20dd4eeb03

EDIT* Could I just use an 18m/18f adapter as a spacer? K clip to hold d/s to adapter?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18MM-MALE-1...d=100005&prg=1088&rk=1&rkt=4&sd=141131681780&