Glass Bottle Cutter

A few weeks ago my wife and I saw some interesting wine bottle lamps and after one glance at the price tag, instantly thought to ourselves "we could totally make this!" As i did some research though, I found that cutting the glass wasn't going to be as straight forward as I thought. I had seen plenty of videos all with completely different methods; some people wrapped a flaming piece of string around the bottle, others took a file to it, and some simply scored and snapped. I think all of them had the right idea, but i couldn't find both a reliable method for consistent cuts AND an adjustable platform on which to cut various shapes and sizes at different points on the bottle (unless of course you wanted to shell out upwards of $50...but I just wanna cut glass here people not build rockets!).

So, in true instructables fashion I decided to make my own on the cheap. Hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading! 


WHAT YOU'LL NEED:


Materials:

1  kobalt glass cutter
4  patio door rollers
1  1x6x14 piece of wood for the base
1  5/8" dowel
2  pieces of wood for the dowel holder/bottle stop (these can be any size...use your judgement)
4  small pieces of wood for the feet (again size is not important, they just have to clear the bottom of the rollers)
1  1/2" conduit hanger
2  1/4"-20x1" cap screws
2  1/4" hex nuts
a small length of coat hanger wire (1" should be plenty)
wood glue
wood stain (optional)

Tools:

Dremel/router
Drill
Forstner bits
drill bits
sandpaper
files

Step 1: Layout the cutting areas

Before you start cutting anything, make sure you've laid out/sketched where all the pieces will go. It helps to have an idea of what you plan to cut. In this case I know I intend to cut cut bottles ranging in size from a beer bottle to a magnum wine bottle...so the layout of the four rollers has to accommodate that.

Comments

[floydpanther951]

Nice set up! Ever try cutting a square shaped bottle with your rig? Any tips besides using a wet saw?

[warehouse32]

thanks! i haven't attempted a square bottle yet, but a wet saw will probably be the fastest way. you can always go the cheap 'n' dirty method and use a file, just take your time and waer a dust mask!

[ArtisanEclectic]

Excellent design!!
If I may just critique your technique though. (I used to work in a custom glass shop) You don't have to use a lot of pressure on the cutter, but you should use a little bit of mineral spirits as lube. You are right about not going over the line twice, I see a lot of people that do that. But try to make your cut in one smooth motion without stopping. It makes a smoother cut that way.
Technically we aren't "cutting" glass, we are scoring it for a controlled break. Breaking glass, like electricity or water, will always take the easiest route.

Again, This is the best bottle cutter design I have seen yet. Thanks for posting.

[warehouse32]

Hey thanks for the tips! I've never thought to use any sort of lubricant for that. I'll have to try it out.

[RainDog07]

I'm in the midst of making one on these for scoring the glass. I'm hoping it'll work better than my present unit. To break the glass, I put the bottle on a modified record player and heat it with a propane torch until it cracks.

[warehouse32]

Cool idea! the record player probably gives you a nice even heat...the only issue with a torch is that sometimes i find it's too much heat too quickly and if you don't score it perfectly the glass tends to crack unevenly. Especially if it's thinner glass Let me know how this works compared to what you have now...always looking for ways to improve!

[brock33]

I really like your set up. I saw a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6g5-AdJxJI) that uses a torch to get the final break after using a scoring rig. I wanna try to use a rig like yours and try to fire polish the edge. Now to figure out how to build a kiln to finish the glass after i torch it... any ideas are welcome. I just have to figure out how to regulate the heat without breaking the bank. (college budget)

[warehouse32]

Ya i remember watching that video...the fire polishing gives it a nice clean finish. As far as the kiln goes...those bad boys are pretty pricey! Maybe this helps...http://www.ehow.com/how_5031143_make-small-kiln-ceramics.html.

Thanks for the comment!

[rimar2000]

Interesting device.

I would like to see how you use it, and how the bottles cut with it are.

[warehouse32]

If you look at the last picture or two in the instructable you can see how the bottle sits on the rollers. Then you simply adjust the cutter to the right length by sliding it up and down the dowel, tighten it in place, press firmly with the cutting head, and slowly turn the bottle until you get a nice even score all the way around. Then i alternated pouring boiling water and cold water over the score line until it came apart.

[rimar2000]

OK, thanks. Anyway, a short video would be a good add to yous instructable.

[warehouse32]

Hey sorry about the delay, but i finally got around to making the videos for this instructable...hope it helps! And thanks for the comments, positive feedback is always welcome.

[rimar2000]

Thanks for the videos.

I give you an idea: if you put captions to the video, those like me who can read English but don't understand when listen it, we understand much better what you say. You can earn thousands of spectators.

Your device is very useful, the cutting is neat and right.

[warehouse32]

Hmmm...I've never thought to do that. I'll have to use that in my next instructable!