FTR
The realization of a decade old idea, the FTR will get you there as fast as you dare. Just be wary, you are flying blind. And it will get you.
My first design in the realm of what is traditionally called a waterpipe, the four-piece FTR presents a small frame with devastating ability. Standing at eleven inches in overall height, this modular pull slide pipe can be broken down into four separate parts by unscrewing and unlatching the pieces. Printed in PLA, the reservoir is coated internally with food-safe resin, with a port to accept the slide screw and nut for connecting the neck. Gaskets ensure that there are no leaks where the parts go together.
The base has a recessed shelf and custom gasket for accepting the lip of the top, with three latches to hold the halves of the reservoir together. The glassware, a three inch “14mm to 19mm slotted diffuser down stem”, is seated in a screw and seals into place with the help of a rubber gasket. The neck, also utilizing an internal custom gasket, is secured to the exposed nut to complete the FTR.
As with our smaller products, the FTR is built to allow access to every surface of your pipe, which means that cleaning is easy. It also means you can add ice by simply putting it in the base before securing it. The lip of the top is designed to slide into the base with a little pressure before the latches are shut, and when done in unison emits a satisfying snap. The slide screw is next, simply twist it tight to ensure the gasket makes a good seal.
At this point it is best to add the water through the neck nut and test the bubble, something that can be done in any sink when the neck is detached. Once you are satisfied, screw the neck down, insert the 14mm bowl, and your FTR is ready to go. Disassembly requires the same simple procedure: Remove the neck, dump the water through the nut, unscrew the slide assembly, and unlatch the reservoir.
Unlike the BLR series, there are no designed breakpoints on the FTR. It will survive punishment that would otherwise destroy similar glass waterpipes. That does not mean you will not be able to break things if you set out to do so, yet it still holds to the doctrine that any damage can be repaired at home.
Double-walled construction in the reservoir means that damage to the exterior will not impact the internal functions. The bolt of the neck is printed in an offset orientation to add strength. If a latch is broken off, epoxy resin should be used to reattach it. The glassware can be removed from the slide screw with a little pressure, however, the FTR can only accept three inch (or smaller) down stems.
If you are in the market for a pull slide waterpipe that can go anywhere, survive any mishaps, and is built around ease, then the FTR is ready to join your collection.
