well on that subject (to close to the flame) you could always not cash the bowl all the way, so no flame actualy ever reaches the dice. it's cutting it kinda close yes, but it can still be done safely... also, just dont' torch the bowl lol... just keep the flame there long enough to light the bud.... or, even better get a screen in it, if it's a socket i'm sure the screen isn't going to go all the way down, probably be about a half inch up from the dice... far enough from the dice as long as you're not trying ot res-hit the pipe.