Seed Beads: affordable, available, and effective vapor diffusion!
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MichMartin
Well-Known Member
My dream is a nice stemless straight tube with beads in it.
If you put the beads in the freezer before you go, it has to be way better at cooling then anything else.
There is so much direct contact with the beads and the vapor.
Anyone know where they sell nice stemless straight tubes?
If you put the beads in the freezer before you go, it has to be way better at cooling then anything else.
There is so much direct contact with the beads and the vapor.
Anyone know where they sell nice stemless straight tubes?
biojuggernaut
Snob
I have been using floral glass. The kind that weights down the bottom of a vase. Prolly is Scratching my cheap china glass but who cares. Ill post so pictures... they are pretty big but they fit in my flashlight perc awsome and my ion's forced air spins them around like a blender
Progress
'Socratic Existentialist, MD'
I have a website to recommend for anyone is interested in taking the plunge, but not sure where to get the seed beads. Try http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/catal...derBy/sku/itemsPerPage/20/page/4/item/10SB212 The clear, glass 6/0 should make quite a nice starter kit. 
Sounds good. Can't wait to see your pics. If interested, try the beads in the link above.Biojuggernaut - I have been using floral glass. The kind that weights down the bottom of a vase. Prolly is Scratching my cheap china glass but who cares. Ill post so pictures... they are pretty big but they fit in my flashlight perc awsome and my ion's forced air spins them around like a blender
Stemless is a great match for seed beads IMO, and I agree that seed beads in the refrigerator or freezer can cool VERY well (and they don't melt, causing your water level to rise). I hope you find the stemless you are looking for.
the center hole does help to encourage diffusion, but the spheres seem like they could work well nonetheless. FYI, I could not access that link when I tried it.DeepFried said:
2clicker
Observer
Pappy said:
ordered a set of stones from http://www.stonesdiffusion.com/ last thursday
received an order confirmation almost instantly after payment
i have yet to receive any shipment confirmation of any kind
i emailed them yesterday to see if they could update me on my orders status, but i have yet to hear from them...
so i wait
Progress
'Socratic Existentialist, MD'
I updated my first post to include some more information to help others understand what I am suggesting. Feel free to let me know if there is anything I left out:
Seed Beads like the ones in the link below are an affordable, extremely effective, and versatile/customizable alternative to expensive diffusers. Many companies sell beads http://rainboweyecenter.com/stones/index.html that are much larger than the seed beads http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/catalog/B 12#10SB212 and MUCH more expensive. I recommend between 6/0 and 12/0 http://www.landofodds.com/store/seedsize.htm . They pose virtually no risk to glass pieces and downstems, get shuffled around by the vapor that is traveling through the water, and provide excellent diffusion of the vapor, splitting it into carbonation-like tiny bubbles (due to their size, the holes in the center, and the spinning/shock-absorbtion of the shuffling beads). I am hoping that this thread will become THE place to share ideas about using beads for diffusion, to provide links for those trying to find beads, to discuss experiences using beads for diffusion, and to seek insight from others who have used beads for diffusion. What kinds of beads have people used? How did they work for you? Does anyone have a video of seed beads in action?Thank you in advance for contributing to this thread and helping to keep it 'on topic'. I cant wait to hear the experiences and ideas of others.
Progress
'Socratic Existentialist, MD'
No problem, 2clicker. 
It is cool to talk about any beads that aide diffusion in this thread (but thanks for the consideration).
It is just that there are so many companies that make diffusion beads that don't diffuse nearly as well as the seed beads and cost MUCH more.
Have you ever considered trying the beads I have suggested in this thread? They are relatively cheap and easy to find (you can even use the link I included in an earlier post).
I think that people today just need to be spoon-fed with a video of the seed beads in action.
Those who have tried them have been virtually universally impressed by their performance.
However, those who have been inspired by this thread have mostly caved to the marketing hype of those companies that sell larger beads for much more (and sometimes have even reported downstem breakage, which is virtually impossible with the seed beads I recommended...plus they are cheaper & diffuse the vapor more due to their smaller size). I try not to judge people for the decisions they have made, but I do admit that this trend makes me a bit confused.
Happy holidays all, and (as always) toke it easy!
It is cool to talk about any beads that aide diffusion in this thread (but thanks for the consideration).
It is just that there are so many companies that make diffusion beads that don't diffuse nearly as well as the seed beads and cost MUCH more.
Have you ever considered trying the beads I have suggested in this thread? They are relatively cheap and easy to find (you can even use the link I included in an earlier post).
I think that people today just need to be spoon-fed with a video of the seed beads in action.
Those who have tried them have been virtually universally impressed by their performance.However, those who have been inspired by this thread have mostly caved to the marketing hype of those companies that sell larger beads for much more (and sometimes have even reported downstem breakage, which is virtually impossible with the seed beads I recommended...plus they are cheaper & diffuse the vapor more due to their smaller size). I try not to judge people for the decisions they have made, but I do admit that this trend makes me a bit confused.
Happy holidays all, and (as always) toke it easy!
hereatlast
Well-Known Member
Got some of the clear-glass 10-0 beads recommended recently: been playing around a bit with bead and water levels in the past few days and finally got where I really like them...the process of experimenting is (obviously) very fun as well 
Taken a few vids in the past couple days but the lighting was really bad, gonna try one more time tomorrow morning before uploading one. Will go a little more in depth in the morning as well
EDIT:
Cleaned the beads today (just a hot water rinse with the strainer) and messed around levels a little more. The thing that amazes me about using these beads is how completely different it makes hit feel.
I'm using the beads in a 250ml Ehle with a diffused downstem. I'm still experimenting so I haven't found a perfect level. That said, the beads if arranged in certain configurations allow no chug at all(and especially non-diffused downstem, thinking about picking one just for this application). Instead of the violent rocking of bubbles (just a description relative to the beads with the same Ehle 250ml) there's almost a fizzling. That said, when I stack the beads up to the pinches a fair amount of resistance is added. I haven't been stacking the beads that high since they are so small (again these are the 10-0's) and water bubbles bring allow them to splash up really easily.
I think the next step is definitely getting some larger beads to stack on the small ones, that way the beads could be almost all the way up to the 'mouthpiece.'
Again, the beads make the piece feel completely different. While some types of diffusing pieces may allow a reasonable amount of variable resistance (not sure about that terminology, just describing that you may pull very hard or very soft with different pieces allowing a different amount of airlow) I've noticed that when there's a lot of beads and consequently much more resistance, there's not so much variation in input: its as if you start pulling and once the threshold (of air passing through the water/beads) is passed you're getting air very easily. This isn't the case with all set-ups, with a lot of water, i.e. water above the bead-level, there's still some of that chug, I like this actually and in the beginning it feels more recognizable to actually feel the water in there as well.
Gotta run now, but I've noticed a couple things with taste when using the beads. The beads (if they're clean of course) don't seem to add any taste but allow a different experience of tasting the vapor in my experience. The beads don't allow a lightning fast clear but I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing: instead of all that accumulated vapor being shotgunned so-to-speak (an alternate and very enjoyable experience as well IMO) its a slower draw to get at it all. I haven't done enough back-to-back (beads and water vs. just water) testing but I'm enjoying playing with the beads for now
EDIT: will add a video in the next couple days, the lighting in the ones I took is so bad you can't really see whats going on.
Taken a few vids in the past couple days but the lighting was really bad, gonna try one more time tomorrow morning before uploading one. Will go a little more in depth in the morning as well
EDIT:
Cleaned the beads today (just a hot water rinse with the strainer) and messed around levels a little more. The thing that amazes me about using these beads is how completely different it makes hit feel.
I'm using the beads in a 250ml Ehle with a diffused downstem. I'm still experimenting so I haven't found a perfect level. That said, the beads if arranged in certain configurations allow no chug at all(and especially non-diffused downstem, thinking about picking one just for this application). Instead of the violent rocking of bubbles (just a description relative to the beads with the same Ehle 250ml) there's almost a fizzling. That said, when I stack the beads up to the pinches a fair amount of resistance is added. I haven't been stacking the beads that high since they are so small (again these are the 10-0's) and water bubbles bring allow them to splash up really easily.
I think the next step is definitely getting some larger beads to stack on the small ones, that way the beads could be almost all the way up to the 'mouthpiece.'
Again, the beads make the piece feel completely different. While some types of diffusing pieces may allow a reasonable amount of variable resistance (not sure about that terminology, just describing that you may pull very hard or very soft with different pieces allowing a different amount of airlow) I've noticed that when there's a lot of beads and consequently much more resistance, there's not so much variation in input: its as if you start pulling and once the threshold (of air passing through the water/beads) is passed you're getting air very easily. This isn't the case with all set-ups, with a lot of water, i.e. water above the bead-level, there's still some of that chug, I like this actually and in the beginning it feels more recognizable to actually feel the water in there as well.
Gotta run now, but I've noticed a couple things with taste when using the beads. The beads (if they're clean of course) don't seem to add any taste but allow a different experience of tasting the vapor in my experience. The beads don't allow a lightning fast clear but I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing: instead of all that accumulated vapor being shotgunned so-to-speak (an alternate and very enjoyable experience as well IMO) its a slower draw to get at it all. I haven't done enough back-to-back (beads and water vs. just water) testing but I'm enjoying playing with the beads for now
EDIT: will add a video in the next couple days, the lighting in the ones I took is so bad you can't really see whats going on.
Progress
'Socratic Existentialist, MD'
Congrats on the seed beads hereatlast! I am really glad that you are liking them.
The 10/0 seed beads are pretty tiny, so do be careful if the water in your piece ever splashes up to the mouthpiece.
However, I imagine that they pose ABSOLUTELY no risk of breakage for your glass, and diffuse like nothing else.
Any size seed beads from 6/0-12/0 shouldn't put glass pieces in danger. It mostly depends on how tiny you like your bubbles.
Mixing some 6/0-8/0 seed beads in would decrease the drag of filling past the ice pinches and prevent the beads from shuffling as much (and prevents the possibility of them leaving the water with the force of the traveling vapor).
A video sounds cool.
I do imagine that it may be hard to see the seed beads shuffling around much in a video, as they are pretty tiny (unless you got a variety of colors). Audio should definitely highlight the chugless purr of the seed beads. I guess we will see. Can't wait!
I am really glad that you are liking them. The 10/0 seed beads are pretty tiny, so do be careful if the water in your piece ever splashes up to the mouthpiece.
However, I imagine that they pose ABSOLUTELY no risk of breakage for your glass, and diffuse like nothing else.
Any size seed beads from 6/0-12/0 shouldn't put glass pieces in danger. It mostly depends on how tiny you like your bubbles.
Mixing some 6/0-8/0 seed beads in would decrease the drag of filling past the ice pinches and prevent the beads from shuffling as much (and prevents the possibility of them leaving the water with the force of the traveling vapor).
A video sounds cool.
I do imagine that it may be hard to see the seed beads shuffling around much in a video, as they are pretty tiny (unless you got a variety of colors). Audio should definitely highlight the chugless purr of the seed beads. I guess we will see. Can't wait! 
gvape
Well-Known Member
I am excited to try this as I am one always looking for new methods of changing things up!
I just wanted to make sure before I purchased some beads that Im getting the right thing.
http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/catal...msPerPage/20/page/4/item/10SB212/item/10SB269
Are these good to go, and how much I should order. I dont mind getting some extras so I can play with levels. Just have no clue about how much I would get.
I just wanted to make sure before I purchased some beads that Im getting the right thing.
http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/catal...msPerPage/20/page/4/item/10SB212/item/10SB269
Are these good to go, and how much I should order. I dont mind getting some extras so I can play with levels. Just have no clue about how much I would get.
Progress
'Socratic Existentialist, MD'
gvape said:
Those beads look great! I prefer clear for cleaning and less chance of other materials used in their production. If paranoid like me, but set on colored beads; I am sure you could email shipwreckbeads about the composition of the beads you want (they have info on their site so you can know/understand what you/they are talking about).
As far as the size, those seed beads will NOT be able to break glass enen if dumped in forcefully, but can be carried a bit by the gurgling water.
As far as how much to order, I recommend 20 hanks (a hank is the length of the string they come on). This amount will cost about $30 and should be enough to completely fill the bottom of a HVY beaker, as a reference point). Plus, ordering 20 hanks will keep you from paying the shipping charge for ordering less (if ordering from shipwreck).
Just out of curiosity, what size/shape tubes do you plan to fill with the seed beads?
Please don't hesitate if you have any more questions, and please tell (or show) us how the work for you.
Toke it easy.
gvape
Well-Known Member
I got a blue label illadelph and would love a little color added to it. I understand some people have had problems with colors peeling or chipping off. I just wanted to make sure that this would not happen to me If I got these blue ones. I am more then fine with getting the clear, I just thought it would be nice to add a little more blue to the bong. Now that I dont use combustion much anymore all my colored bowls barely get used.
All my glass is straight tubes or bubblers so I figured I didnt need a crazy amount of beeds, but if you say 20 hanks is what I need, 20 hanks is what I will get.
I will have pictures up once I get things going with these. Pictures do so much justice
Thanks for all your help
All my glass is straight tubes or bubblers so I figured I didnt need a crazy amount of beeds, but if you say 20 hanks is what I need, 20 hanks is what I will get.
I will have pictures up once I get things going with these. Pictures do so much justice
Thanks for all your help
Progress
'Socratic Existentialist, MD'
Blue beads SHOULD be fine. I, as well as others, have used colored beads without chipping or flaking.
My guess would be hat the beads which chipped colors were either coated or not glass (these are very likely too small to have coatings, but feel free to follow the cleaning recommendations in this thread nonetheless).
If concerned, I suggest asking at shipwreck or some bead enthusiast site (there are surprisingly many).
20 hanks is alot of beads, but you may lose some over time and can always sell/give some to an impressed friend, so I'd recommend that amount. You may be able to mix the colors too.
One cool thing about this size is that they can be vacuumed up easily (be careful when cutting your strings
)
My guess would be hat the beads which chipped colors were either coated or not glass (these are very likely too small to have coatings, but feel free to follow the cleaning recommendations in this thread nonetheless).
If concerned, I suggest asking at shipwreck or some bead enthusiast site (there are surprisingly many).
20 hanks is alot of beads, but you may lose some over time and can always sell/give some to an impressed friend, so I'd recommend that amount. You may be able to mix the colors too.
One cool thing about this size is that they can be vacuumed up easily (be careful when cutting your strings
)
hereatlast
Well-Known Member
I've got to upload a video now that I'm back at my desktop and have access to my files.
2clicker: no need for those pricey stones IMO. This type of diffusion doesn't have to be expensive whatsoever.
2clicker: no need for those pricey stones IMO. This type of diffusion doesn't have to be expensive whatsoever.
hereatlast
Well-Known Member
Here's one of the videos I took last week or so. Unfortunately the sound is a little soft but the end does give some sense of the sound when clearing. Hard to see the vapor in there as well because of bad lighting. Really it doesn't look like much is going on because you can't see the beads trading spaces and jumping around.
I'm still in the market for some larger beads (and maybe a couple multicolored ones to throw in to allow an easier visual) that I can plop on top of the small ones which would facilitate a higher bead level in the end I guess.
Anyways:
Will try again later (always a great excuse ) and hook up my LED to show the beads/vapor. Happy new year!
I'm still in the market for some larger beads (and maybe a couple multicolored ones to throw in to allow an easier visual) that I can plop on top of the small ones which would facilitate a higher bead level in the end I guess.
Anyways:
Will try again later (always a great excuse
) and hook up my LED to show the beads/vapor. Happy new year!
Progress
'Socratic Existentialist, MD'
Hereatlast, that video is really cool for someone who has experienced the diffusion power of seed beads and knows what to look/listen for, but I agree that some colored or larger beads in the mix could help make the action of the beads more visible (6/0, 2/0, shapes?). I am glad that you have been playing around with bead levels and figuring out what balance of diffusion/drag is best for you. Do keep us posted about your experiences.
Gvape, I hope you like the seed beads. I recommend a cheap stainless steel mesh strainer for ease of cleaning, etc (I found one with a pointy spout). The ones you got IMO pose the least risk to your glass and provide the best diffusion. Be aware that the beads can be carried a bit by the water if stacked too high during a powerful clear. If you like them, you may find yourself inspired to get some larger beads to scatter around (6/0, 2/0, shapes?).
2clicker, I hope the stones work well for you (whether you get more or a piece with a smaller water chamber). Be careful with your downstem if you use alot of diffuser stones. I also (still) recommend checking out the seed beads (especially before buying more stones or selling your beaker). You may want size 6/0 beads...
6/0 beads: http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Detail?no=24048
shapes: http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Categories?category=EAST+INDIAN+LAMPWORK+GLASS:FISH+TURTLES+FROGS http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Categories?category=GLASS+ANIMALS:PIGLETTE http://www.landofodds.com/store/fruit.htm http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Categories?category=SKULLS+AND+SKELETONS
Gvape, I hope you like the seed beads. I recommend a cheap stainless steel mesh strainer for ease of cleaning, etc (I found one with a pointy spout). The ones you got IMO pose the least risk to your glass and provide the best diffusion. Be aware that the beads can be carried a bit by the water if stacked too high during a powerful clear. If you like them, you may find yourself inspired to get some larger beads to scatter around (6/0, 2/0, shapes?).
2clicker, I hope the stones work well for you (whether you get more or a piece with a smaller water chamber). Be careful with your downstem if you use alot of diffuser stones. I also (still) recommend checking out the seed beads (especially before buying more stones or selling your beaker). You may want size 6/0 beads...
6/0 beads: http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Detail?no=24048
shapes: http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Categories?category=EAST+INDIAN+LAMPWORK+GLASS:FISH+TURTLES+FROGS http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Categories?category=GLASS+ANIMALS:PIGLETTE http://www.landofodds.com/store/fruit.htm http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Categories?category=SKULLS+AND+SKELETONS
2clicker
Observer
hereatlast said:2clicker: no need for those pricey stones IMO. This type of diffusion doesn't have to be expensive whatsoever.
yeah ive been thinking about getting some smaller beads/stones to use with the SD stones
different sizes would be great, but i kinda want to find them in black if possible...?
gvape
Well-Known Member
Well I got my beads and first things first. They are nice, but I have not gotten to where I like them yet. I still would prefer not to use them. They cause a lot of drag and this way be due to either my diffuser or the amount of beads I put in. I noticed that the 20 hands I ordered could fill this thing at least a dozen times. I am set on beads for a very long time. So If you have a straight tube, you could easily get away with 10 hanks and have plentttty to spare.
Ill have some pictures posted soon of the new addition once I get these beads to where I like them.
Ill have some pictures posted soon of the new addition once I get these beads to where I like them.
Progress
'Socratic Existentialist, MD'
Gvape, fewer beads (or larger ones) will have less drag.The ones you got are the safest for the flimsiest of glass and diffuse the most (without being too small). If I were only using the 10/0 beads I'd likely only fill beads to 1/2 of the water level (at least at first). There are other uses if you have more beads than you need (and not worth paying $4 extra for ordering less than 20 hanks from shipwreck imo). They work well for use with oil in the extreme cyclone bowl (or as a layer between two screens at the bottom of a cyclone bowl). I hope you quickly find an set-up that provides your ideal level of diffusion. Don't hesitate if you have any questions or problems.
2clicker, the seed beads are soft glass afaik. Size 6/0 are about the size of whole green peppercorns. 10/0 are like coarse ground pepper (or large poppy seeds).
Danielofski, you can usually flood pieces with water to get fresh water without removing the beads, but will have to dump the beads into a strainer for a full cleaning.
2clicker, the seed beads are soft glass afaik. Size 6/0 are about the size of whole green peppercorns. 10/0 are like coarse ground pepper (or large poppy seeds).
Danielofski, you can usually flood pieces with water to get fresh water without removing the beads, but will have to dump the beads into a strainer for a full cleaning.