you can get this clear disposable glassware at most party supply stores, which is easy to make into cheap ice luge funnels.
updated 7/29/23 with seo stuff and a little additional info
ice luge funnels in an emergency?
Ron Meyn of Millennium Ice was previously credited elsewhere for an idea about a money saving source for clear plastic luge funnels. You buy the disposable party glassware with detachable bases and you just cut off the end of the stems: instant ice luge funnels! (Last I checked, this glassware is widely available at party supply stores in packs of at least 50.) I’d have to agree that this is a great idea. Another sculptor suggested it to me a while back and I’ve used it whenever needed.
Even though I was beaten to the punch, I’d still like to say a little bit about it. Ron’s talked about using the glassware that I show on the right side of the photo above (the wine glass.) On the other hand, I like the type shown on the left, which is supposed to be for champagne. The reason I like this type is that it doesn’t stick up as much as the wine glass type and it gives the bartender a larger target for pouring the drink.
However, if you don’t have much horizontal space, the wine glass type might be better. Both types of glassware can be found at party supply stores like Party City and it cuts down your funnel costs dramatically.
As for cutting off the bottom, Ron suggests using an angle grinder. I’ve used a Dremel tool with a cutting wheel or, this one time, melted it a bit with a lighter and then poked a hole with an ice pick also. I don’t really think that’s a good idea though, since I don’t know how melting affects the plastic. So I’m not doing that again…
The tubing shown works well because it fits tightly over the stem of the funnel. It’s Watts clear vinyl tubing with in outside diameter of 5/8” and an inside diameter of 1/2”. You should be able to find it at Home Depot or Lowes.
despite the easy availability of the makeshift disposable “funnels,” I still prefer the dedicated clear plastic ice luge funnels that I get from Icecrafters. The mouth of the funnel isn’t as wide, but the tubing connection works better for me. However, that’s just personal preference and the disposable glassware funnels work well.
links and stuff
This post is listed on the ice sculpting techniques page, as ice luge funnels are a super important part of making tube ice luges. (Channel ice luges, on the other hand, could give a rat’s a** about funnels 😬) You could also find photos and info from this entry on the ice sculpting secrets Instagram account or the facebook page and you can comment there as well as below. And if it won’t LET you comment below, then definitely try fb and IG. Thanks!
