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This instructable is about a rather old project of mine. But as it seems, it didn't get too popular since then. I hope it changes after the submission of this instructable.
So what is it about?
The main idea describes how to clearly cut off the bottom from any glass bottles and then reuse it for something beautiful like a lantern, a flower pot, a vase or something totally different.
So for the first part you need:
a big bowl with cold water (may add ice, but without it works too)
40cm of a woolen thread for each bottle (any color, cotton works too, but no synthetics!)
a few empty clean and dry glass bottles (I prefer 0.7l wine bottles)
a few drops of petrol (the one that comes for your lighter works great)
a lighter or some matches
a glass cutter
So what is it about?
The main idea describes how to clearly cut off the bottom from any glass bottles and then reuse it for something beautiful like a lantern, a flower pot, a vase or something totally different.
So for the first part you need:
a big bowl with cold water (may add ice, but without it works too)
40cm of a woolen thread for each bottle (any color, cotton works too, but no synthetics!)
a few empty clean and dry glass bottles (I prefer 0.7l wine bottles)
a few drops of petrol (the one that comes for your lighter works great)
a lighter or some matches
a glass cutter
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Signing UpStep 1Carve the bottle
Take the glass cutter and one of the bottles.
Well glass cutter is a bit of a strong word for this device, as it only carves in a small notch. With flat glass this is enough to perfom a smooth break along this notch, when the glass is bent. Unfortunately not so with round bottles, but one step after the other. First we need to carve the notch at the same height all around the bottle some few centimeters from the bottom of the bottle.
Go and find some timber or a book to adjust the height of the cutting edge roundabout 3cm above the table. Hold the glass cutter straight down and move the bottle on the table to get ONE clear notch. Don't try to go over and over again, this will only worsen the problem. First try with a few spare bottles before you take your best one. You need quite a bit of a strength to get this notch straight.
You could also clamp the cutter to some timber or build a v-shaped device to cut it.
Well glass cutter is a bit of a strong word for this device, as it only carves in a small notch. With flat glass this is enough to perfom a smooth break along this notch, when the glass is bent. Unfortunately not so with round bottles, but one step after the other. First we need to carve the notch at the same height all around the bottle some few centimeters from the bottom of the bottle.
Go and find some timber or a book to adjust the height of the cutting edge roundabout 3cm above the table. Hold the glass cutter straight down and move the bottle on the table to get ONE clear notch. Don't try to go over and over again, this will only worsen the problem. First try with a few spare bottles before you take your best one. You need quite a bit of a strength to get this notch straight.
You could also clamp the cutter to some timber or build a v-shaped device to cut it.
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the use of hot and cold water is an interesting option for those who don't want to handle open fire.
And by the way, the cut looks better than mine too. I guess I will try this one first.
Once you have a notch around the bottle, boil a kettle (do it over the sink) run the cold tap, then slowly pour the hot water over the notch all the way around then put the bottle under the cold tap, then some more hot water, cold water etc.. you will hear it then they 2 parts of bottle will just fall apart.
After carving the initial line with the glasscutter, heat the line with boiling water in a very thin 'jet' (right word?). Then after 30s quickly cool it down with cold water. Repeat the last step until the crack goes through and through! I never have seen such a well break line.
I generally use only the edge of a piece of scrap glass to scrape the sharp edges. Works remarkably well since it's as hard as the surface you're smoothing. Not as likeley to cut your finger as with sandpaper that will tear through. Rotary tools, while fast do generate local heating which is just as likely to cause more cracking. For any serious glass cutting with an abrasive wheel, it should be water cooled - which isn't practical with hobby tools.
Nice i'ble, clearly lays out the steps you need to part a glass bottle. Hope it gets better traction than the last one.
Cheers!
Thanks for the tip!