How To: Hole Pattern For A Small Phunnel

[rigor]

Let me start by saying that I am in no way stating that this is the absolute best hole pattern you can possibly use. However, after experimenting and making minor adjustments one at a time, for some time now, I've come to the conclusion, that this is MY best hole pattern, for a small phunnel bowl. This hole pattern is what I use for Al Fakher, Starbuzz, Fusion, Layalina, etc... NOT used for Tangiers shisha.

This is just my opinion, nothing else. However, I think this would give any hookah newbies great results in getting a lot of flavor and clouds, so I'm making a how to type of post. Heat management and packing method of course also decide those factors too, but I believe the hole pattern you use can also change the level of flavor and clouds a lot.

I make toothpick sized holes, and push the down through the shisha to the bottom of the bowl. Do this carefully so you don't accidentally make the holes any bigger than they need to be. The pattern ends up being 2 rings of holes, totalling 20. No more, no less. Yes, really.

Start by making a 4 hole cross pattern


Then make 4 sets of 2 more holes, spaced evenly, between the original 4 holes


Once done, you'll have 12 total holes around the outer ring of the small phunnel


Then make another cross pattern as an inner ring. Keep it not too far from the outer ring, about 1/2"


Then proceed to make another cross pattern on the inner ring, opposite of the one you just did. Done!



I usually use 3 Coconaras or 3 similar size pieces of coal on the small phunnel, in a triangular pattern. If you get harshness at all, back to down coals, opposite one another on the bowl.
NOTE: Coals are not lit at all





Happy Smoking

[MrMoodz]

Interesting post. I have always poked holes around the middle hole. With the hole method above wouldn't the foil get sucked onto the hole?

[Barnaby]

Interesting post. I have always poked holes around the middle hole. With the hole method above wouldn't the foil get sucked onto the hole?

The secret is to make sure your foil is REALLY tight, and then it won't suck in, assuming your phunnel isn't an odd shape with the middle being up to high.

[Bulldog_916]

I'd still poke a center hole. I'm OCD like that. It cant hurt.

[mushrat]

you smoke tangiers witht hat much heat and it isn't harsh???

[inino]

Ive done both hole in the middle and no hole in the middle, both make good smoke, hole in the middle makes it slightly thinner. but i havent had a problem with the foil sealing the bowl and not being able to smoke.

[rigor]

Interesting post. I have always poked holes around the middle hole. With the hole method above wouldn't the foil get sucked onto the hole?

Take a piece of foil and only cover 1/2 to 3/4 your bowl sometime, so you can see the inside of the bowl as well. Pull it down tight as usual. Even taking your fingers and pressing down with a good amount of pressure, FAR more pressure than any coal is ever going to put on the foil, the hole is still not close to being blocked at all.

you smoke tangiers witht hat much heat and it isn't harsh???

Sorry, perhaps I should have clarified. This hole pattern is what I use for AF, SB, Fusion, Layalina. I've edited this info back into my original post, thanks.

[staygone]

I use a ton more holes and two cocos. Whatever works though.

-QM

[willbb123]

I use more holes, most of the time use two coals but sometimes one is enough

[Stuie]

I use more holes and a lot smaller holes. Coco's ash is too fine for big holes.

[Guest DJ_HOSSEIX]

i use the same amount of holes but smaller, works like a charm for me as well.

[Codename067]

I use more holes, most of the time use two coals but sometimes one is enough

What? Wait, one coal, on a Phunnel?

Are you sure? Because one is never enough..lol.

[rigor]

I use more holes, most of the time use two coals but sometimes one is enough

I don't see how you could actually get a phunnel to smoke on only one coal... ? Sometimes I can use only 2 with a windcover.

[drabin]

possibly cut in half with a windcover but i agree seems a little low on heat...

[mattathayde]

honestly i think there is wayyyyy to much put into hole patterns, i just poke a bunch of holes in a semi spiral/layer of rings and fill in big gaps. make a few more and little bigger for tangiers but not a big difference

the only think i can see being much of a difference is that you keep in more heat so it would allow you to use less coal maybe

o forgot to mention that on phunnels the only thing special i do is not poke holes in the center
-matt Edited October 31, 2008 by mattathayde

[Scoop]

i use toothpick holes all over. whatever works i guess

[blckngld760]

whoa thats a lot of heat

[Bulldog_916]

I use only 1 cut in two for Tangiers. The coals I use put off massive heat. You gotta reduce the size of them in order to have good smoke.

[Hippo_Master]

I do two rows when i have a mod, about 1/2" spaced.

With tangiers (no mod) i have a ton of randomly placed holes very close together, no hole in the middle because it shouldn't really be needed.

[Click]

That is some nice hole poking.

[christopherj]

I used this method because I was having some trouble and it worked great! Thanks for posting

[mdl]

We use the following hole pattern at the lounge and never run into issues. Poke the holes the size of a skewer or oyster fork and make sure to hit the bottom of the bowl. I've done this poking method on large through extra small bowls with constant results (just vary the amount of coals).

[SixPackSunday]

can't really argue with the tangy lounge itself

[mattathayde]

can't really argue with the tangy lounge itself

of course you can, ive seen different people from tangiers here on the boards disagree how to pack it.

also just because one method works for someone doesnt mean it will work for you

also if a more cost efficient way works for you then go with it

-matt

[rigor]

can't really argue with the tangy lounge itself

I've stated more than once in this thread, this is NOT a hole pattern I use for Tangiers shisha. This hole pattern works well for me with SB, AF, Laya, Fusion.

I used this method because I was having some trouble and it worked great! Thanks for posting

Glad to hear you got good results!