Introduction: 5 Things to Make From Bottles
What to do with all those empty bottles?
Why not try bottle cutting!
In this instructable we are looking at 5 things you can make from empty glass bottles.
- Drinking glass
- Ashtray
- Vase
- Candle Holder
- Egg Cup
There are different techniques to cut the bottles.
I personally do it this way.
I score the line with a bottle cutter and use candle and ice method to split the bottle in 2 pieces.
I heat the bottle on the candle and cool it with an ice cube, repeating the procedure until bottle splits in two pieces.
45 Comments
8 years ago
Hello I was intrigued by the candle holder in your video so I ended up making a chandelier with different size and color bottles today. It turned out quite nice feel free to ask how I did any of it!
Reply 7 years ago
Beautiful!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Wow, that's amazing!
8 years ago on Introduction
i love this video tutorial. I AM going to do alll of these ideas. thhanks so so much. you have a great personality on video.
8 years ago on Introduction
what did you use to score the bottle?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Ephrems bottle cutter
8 years ago on Introduction
What'd you use to drill the hole in the glass?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Something like this
Ceramic/tile/glass drill bit.
http://goo.gl/q03le9
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
TY for posting the link to the drill bits....
I have been looking to buy some I was not sure what to get for my basic glass bits....now I do. 8-)
You just made my millinium!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
You're welcome :)
I am sure there are better glass drill bits on the market. I got these from a dollar store/Pound land type of shop.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks. I think I might actually have a couple of those. Any tips on drilling? Should I use some sort of lube/coolant?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
This is what works for me:
Go slow and cool the bottle with the water. I usually put the bottle in the bucket of water. That will cool the glass and also prevent glass dust in the air.
Don't put too much pressure on the bottle. If I need to drill a bigger hole, I start with a smaller drill bit, then change it to a bigger one. In the video I actually used a smaller drill bit first, then changed it to bigger size.
8 years ago on Introduction
AWESOME!
very well explained, easy to follow, & I like how you kept showing over & over how to cut the bottle...score, candle, ice. for someone who has never done this, that repetitiveness will help a lot I think.
I also like how you explained that there are many ways to do this, & that this is just your way, not the only way.
Thank you for sharing Sir. 8-)
I have found that once the score line on the bottle is heated, place the bottle under running cold water, & it will break apart in 2 seconds or less.
And as for sanding where the bottle was cut....
medium or fine sandpaper will do just as good(without the mess I saw in the video) and so will an emery board or emery paper. either of these items will make that cut area as smoothe as a baby's bottom.
One thing you forgot to mention...
you DID say this was only 5 things one can make from cutting bottles...
but in actuality, the things one can make from cutting bottles is limited only by one's own imagination.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks You!
Yes indeed, there are many ways to cut/separate the bottles.
I am not sure why I have stuck with candle and ice method.
I have tried cold/hot water technique, but somehow I always come back to the candle and ice.
Maybe for the next project I will separate the bottle different way, so people can see that it's not the only way to do it.
Definitely bottle cutting is limited by your own imagination. So many things can be made.
8 years ago on Introduction
I didn't know it was that easy to cut and polish a bottle. Thanks for shsrin
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
cutting a bottle is just a wee bit harder than polishing your nails....not much, just a wee bit.
but polishing a cut bottle is easier than polishing your nails...especially if you use sand paper or emery paper.
Using one of these two items, will may\ke that cut as smooth as a baby's bottom...no sharp edges, no burs, & nothing else that would cause you harm.
Just a very sweetly smooth surface.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Yes, it's easy.
Cheers
8 years ago
What's an ashtray?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I wish more people had that attitude...lol
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
A place to put ashes from cigarettes/cigars.