How a Vaporizer Works
What is a vaporizer?
A vaporizer is a device used to release the active ingredients of plant material, commonly herbs or herbal compounds, or to release therapeutic compounds from herbs. Vaporizing is an alternative to smoking. Rather than burning the herb, which produces numerous harmful by-products, a vaporizer heats the material, to ideally 180°C, so that the active compounds contained in the plant melt and phase into an aromatic vapor, not smoke.
With little to no smoke produced, cooler temperatures and less material required to achieve the same effect, the harmful effects of smoking are greatly reduced by using a vaporizer. This makes vaporizers useful in places where there are public bans on smoking.
How a vaporizer works
Vaporizers work by using heating elements rather than flames. Substances are heated to the exact temperature at which the active chemicals in herbs turn into vapor. For example herbs and tobacco will actually vaporize into a ‘thin mist’. This mist is the vapor, comprising of active chemicals which are then captured in a small glass dome ready to be inhaled via the tube whenever you want to.
How to use a vaporizer
While the usage depends on the model you currently own, there are some basic things to keep in mind while using a vaporizer:
- Make sure the lid is screwed on properly before you start.
- Wait for the vapor to form properly before you start inhaling.
- Do not inhale more than you need/can handle.
- Do not use too much herb.
- Turn off the vaporizer properly when you are finished.
Build you own vaporizer
The easiest and most common way to make your own vaporizer at home is by using a blow light-bulb. In addition to a bulb, you will need a knife, plastic straws, electrical or duct tape, bottle with plastic or metal cap and soldering iron.
Cut the end of the light bulb at the last turn of the metal screw and remove the wiring inside the light bulb. Make two holes on the bottle cap and then place it on the light bulb. Secure it with tape. Insert the straw into one of the holes, leave the second hole unobstructed. It will serve as a ’smoker’. Place the herbs you plan on smoking through the hole. Use a lighter to create heat under the light bulb. The herbs will start releasing vapors as soon as they start heating up.
When you make a vaporizer, bear in mind that it will last for a limited time. Because of the constant heating and cooling, the glass will eventually crack. Once this happens, you can always build a new one.
