Introduction: Glass Bottle Planter

Hi All,

In this instructable, I will share how to cut a glass bottle using a Dremel and make a planter.

This is a recycling project, helps in reducing our wastes and could be used as a gifting idea for coming festive season

Step 1: What Do We Need ?

  • Empty wine bottle
  • Scrap wood
  • Superglue
  • Dremel with extension
  • Diamond disc 50mm

Step 2: Building the Setup

  • For my first version, I made a simple "L" stand and attached Dremel to it as shown
  • The bottle would wobble and I could not slide the bottle, for a straight cut
  • I had to take inspiration from a typical saw table
    • I needed a larger base
    • and a sidewall to slide the bottle against it
    • I found that the best position to cut a glass bottle was to have 3/4" space between the cutting disc and the sidewall

  • In my updated version,
    • I took a scrap wood piece with 2" height and fixed Dremel on it
    • To adjust the space to 3/4", I added few more laminated scrap wood pieces as shown
    • For the base, I took a large piece of laminated wooden/MDF plank and clamped it to the sidewall

Step 3: Cutting

  • We need to take precautions while cutting the glass bottle
  • Use safety glass for eyes, earplugs for ears, a respiratory mask, and gloves
  • While cutting the disc must be cooled down using a water siphon
  • This also helps to catch glass dust which is a must
  • Once the setup is ready, mark reference lines on the bottle
  • Gently place the bottle on this jig and start cutting it
  • Do not push, let the disc do it's cutting job
  • Cut the sides first, then top and base at the last
  • depending on the size of the bottle, you may have to elevate the bottle at the top and base to get a crosssection, easiest way is to place another plank below the bottle

Step 4: Wooden Stand

  • I used Jigsaw to cut a wooden stand from scrap wood
  • I glued the pieces together
  • Stained it using diluted acrylic paint

Step 5: Finishing

  • The cut bottle edges needed to be sanded using 80 grit for removing any sharp edges
  • post which, we need to polish the edge as smooth as possible by sanding by 150, 220, 400, 600, 1000, and finally with 2000 grit
  • This takes about 30 minutes and is worth the effort
  • Get some soil and succulents and plant it
  • Admire your work and cut some for your neighbors too and gift them