Yes, a regular stainless steel screen will work. Also for a "quick fix" get a lighter and run a flame through the screen. Just like running a flame through a partly clooged pipe will clear it, running a flame through the screen will clear it. Haven't filled the whip like that, no need! I would wonder if all the pot had been exposed to the hot air or did the air just make one channel and the rest is untouched. More is not always better. Maybe you should look into the mechanics of making a vaporizer and you could make one with interchangable whips of varying sizes. And I have found that you can vape "fresh off the plant" bud with nice results.