burning tobacco

[jamie_lib]

hey ppl, i have a very big problem. when i smoke my shisha, i find that the tobacco always burns. this is causing the smoke to be very harsh. what can i do to stop this from happening? i pack the tobacco only half way up the pot, and use one layer of tin foil. i put about 15 holes where the coal is going to be put. the coal i use it excelsior coals. thanks, jamie_lib.

[Mathazar]

I've been having the same problem.  But the way I combat it is
that after I've poked holes in the foil thru the top,  I then poke
holes thru the bottom thus creating  airholes for the heat to
escape and also making it easier to draw smoke thru the bowl.  I
know that using one coal is usually not enough,  and using two
coals is usually too much.  But,  I've also found that when I
changed-over from one charcoal brand to another,  I had better
results.  I was using Golden Coals (Quick-Lightes) from
Hookah-Shisha.com,  but I found that those were a little too
hot.  So I switched over to Nour Natural Wood Coals,  from
HookahCompany.com and I've had GREAT results sofar.  They're
finger-style coals,  you simply break-off a couple small pieces
and load them on the bowl,  and that seems to do the trick. 
The only drawback is that you either need a Torch or a Stove to light
them,  regular lighters won't be powerful enough. 
Also,  to combat your problem,  it's generally known that if
you puff alot,  your coals are going to constantly be generating
heat,  whereas if you puff less,  your coals will be cooler
and won't very likely burn your tobacco.

Hope this helps 

[ZAP]

I was also having the same problem but then i tried putting 2 layers of
foil over it first and then poking holes in an i got pretty good
results.

Try that.

[chown]

My shesha has been coming out as ash lately and i have been using the
metal screens. But it maybe its the sahara smoke coals. Is there any
way other than packing a smaller bowl to keep it from burning?

[HookahCulture]

Use smaller holes.
Find my foil pattern guide in the graphics section.
Use a toothpick.
I've also perfected another great pattern that I'll post soon.