Glass Cutter by Kreat0r

Hello,

a while ago, I saw an Instructable for a glass cutting jig, but it looked a bit limited in the choice of bottles it could cut,and in its stability. so I decided to improve on it.

Here is the result.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Scrap and leftover wood..

a bottle.

Glass cutter blade.

Jig saw.
Electric Drill.

Driver drill (or screwdrivers).

carpenter pencil.

Measuring tape.

Ruler.

Step 2: The Patterns

I drew the patterns for the parts using Google Sketch-up, the measurements and forms are correct, but the dimensions on paper( if you print the patterns) aren't- I'm new to this software...anyhow, if You need any clarifications, let me know in the comment section.

UPDATE: uploaded a pdf version of the layouts. I repeat here, because i'm not that handy with Google Sketchup, the layouts aren't 1:1 scale, the measurements on them are correct though. you can just draw them on your wood..most of them are rectangles.

Step 3: The Box

Use the layout patterns to get the correct measurements using the circled numbers you see on each part.

for example, here we have parts number 1,2 and 3.

The dimensions are written on them in the photos, and also in the layout patterns in the previous step..

Screw the parts together with wooden screws, it's easier to adjust them in case there is a slight variation in the cuts or so.

Screw the wheels on (placement in the photo).

Step 4: The Front Bottle Stop

This is a 2-parts element.

Parts numbered 7,8,9,10 and 11.

For number 8, you need 2 of them.

Step 5: The Rails

Parts numbered 4 and 5 are for the front rail, number 6 is the rear one.

Step 6: The Blade Handle and Slider

Numbers 12,13 and 14.

Step 7: All Together

The big screw on the slider (on top of the bottle-check last photo) and the handle screws are screwed in tightly before i start cutting.It help stabilize the handle.

Step 8: Testing 1 2 3

1. Place the bottle in the jig.
2. Adjust front stop to the bottle length and tighten the bottle cap diameter adjuster.
3. Adjust the cutting blade position by moving the handle slider.
4. Tighten the handle stabilizing screws.
5. Lower the handle, and turn the bottle slowly, while applying very light pressure, just to mark a line on the bottle with the blade..
6. Use a professional hot air blower ( or equivalent ) to heat the line you just created, turn bottle slowly for a minute.
7. Dip bottle in cold water and wait until you hear the cracking sound.Voila!

Comments

[clazman]

I don't understand.

There are have been a number of submissions on this topic.

What is wrong with the very simple bottle cutter of yesteryear?

It even came with a tapper that was inserted to tap from the inside.

I cut many a bottle using it.

[Onesaucywench]

It's like building a 'better' mousetrap: not only is it fun, we tinker-ers love to build stuff! Over analyzing takes the enjoyment out of the process. Sure, it's just as easy to go to Target and buy a set of polished and cut drink glasses, but there's NO satisfaction in that!

[Kreat0r]

I have addressed the reason I created this Instructable in the Introduction.

[Mihsin]

Not so appealing because I like my wood clean, but nice contraption, I'll make it coming summer with a block support to keep arm from swaying side ways. Long small screws sway under lateral pressure. Thanks

[esxman]

Nice instructable , I have the need to recycle old solar garden lamps ,usually totally plastic which rots in the sun into a glass and steel solar lantern .The glass lamphousing that I envisage will be made from a glass jar and the ones I would like to cut are ones with a waist in the glass, so I am giving your design some thought . Thanks

[Amit_Jain]

good design

[Old Coot Papa]

Great ideas! I've never done any bottle cutting, but the idea of using the two casters as rollers was an AHA! moment for me. I can think of lots of ways to use that. I may build it anyway just because it is a great project. My wife will be thrilled that I am adding another craft idea to my list of things to do to avoid her To Do lists. ?

[Kreat0r]

hehe. the workshop is indeed a man cave :). yea i ve never done any glass cutting before.its really awesome when the bottle splits when you drop it in water :)

[theoldguy]

Seems like a lot of effort just to cut a bottle. We used to use cut off bottles at work and we would fill a bottle to the height we needed with oil. Then put a hot rod through the neck and into the oil. In 2 or 3 seconds the glass always cracked clean at the top of the oil. We then flamed the top to melt the sharp edge. These days I just use a peanut butter jar.

[Kreat0r]

your method is good too :).fyi It took me around 2 hours to build this jig from design to finish,it would have taken me less time if i didnt take the photos for the instructable :).i enjoy wood work :)

[Eh Lie Us!]

I'm sure that I speak for all here that we definitely appreciate that time you took in documenting this Instructable.

And I'm personally a big fan of metric even tho I live in the US. Thanks again.

[Kreat0r]

thank you :). i ll do my best to put the measurements in inches too in my next projects.

[aussi001]

Having trouble downloading the layouts. What format are they in?

[Kreat0r]

I just uploaded a pdf version of the layouts.

the layouts aren't a 1:1 scale though, however the measurements on them are correct ( in mm ). you can just measure and draw them on the wood plates. most of them are rectangles.

[aussi001]

Got it.
Thanks!

[Kreat0r]

i made them using Google Sketchup. i can reupload them in pdf but it will be for tomorrow

[CrispuloM]

Having trouble downloading the layouts. What format are they in?

[Kreat0r]

I just uploaded a pdf version of the layouts.

the layouts aren't a 1:1 scale though, however the measurements on them are correct ( in mm ). you can just measure and draw them on the wood plates. most of them are rectangles.

[Kreat0r]

i made them using google sketchup. I can re-uplaod them in pdf but it will be for tomorrow

[Henry Naude]

Awesome instructable!