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How can I get a smooth cut when cutting plastic bottles?
I am cutting the bottom portion of a LOT 12 & 24 oz soda bottles (green craft!) and I am having problems getting a smooth edge. Right now I'm using a miter saw with a very fine plywood blade in backwords. I need something that would work quickly and not too time consuming.
Discussions
Best Answer 8 years ago
Band saw with a fine tooth blade.
Answer 8 years ago
Start the cut and then rotate the bottle rather than push it through the blade
Answer 4 years ago
Thanks, this helped. After cutting the bottle, I used scissors (another tipster here mentioned them) to even out the cut.
Answer 8 years ago
I think I might try this. Do you think I should freeze water in the bottles first?
Answer 8 years ago
Actually, rotating the bottle against a simple knife blade (razor blade?) might work pretty well, if you can keep it from deforming too much.
Answer 8 years ago
+1
8 years ago
Would scissors be too time consuming? That would be my tool of choice.
Answer 8 years ago
Scissors has my vote too.
I've found soda bottles deform too much using any other method.
Answer 8 years ago
I was actually thinking about partically putting water in so far up and then freezing the bottles. ????
Answer 8 years ago
If you use the band saw then you shouldn't need to do any freezing. I would avoid getting the blade wet. Just make sure that the part that is being cut is on the bottom, on the table. That's why I suggested rotating the bottle. The blade moves down through the table so it will support the plastic at the point that it exits through the table. This way it won't distort or crush. The hardest part will be making the initial cut. After you do the first few and get the method down it should just fly through the rest.
Answer 8 years ago
Hey Thanks Vyger! and to everyone else also...great ideas and thanks for all your help!
Answer 8 years ago
This is the band saw that I have, and now its on sale for $30.00 less.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921400000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
Answer 8 years ago
WOW!!!! Thanks Vyger :) Again!!!!!!
Answer 8 years ago
Cool! Thanks for your input...I'm going to try this as soon as I can buy a band saw...Thanks Vyger
Answer 8 years ago
Unfortunately for me yes....I have arthritis and nerve damage in my right hand/arm ; (
8 years ago
oh and then take some sand paper afterwards and smooth it out a little bit i do not condone sing and heated objects because the fumes from the plastci when heated are extremely toxic
8 years ago
clamp the bottle just enough to keep it steady and then make a small cut then unclamp the bottle turn it a little reclamp it and do the same until it is fully cut i suggets using an exacto knife
8 years ago
Hot-wire cutter?
Answer 8 years ago
Is a Hot-wire cutter the same as a foam cutter? If so, I did try it, but the fumes were too much for me
Answer 8 years ago
Hm. There ought to be a temperature at which it cuts without vaporizing too much, but... Oh well; 'twas worth a thought.
Answer 8 years ago
OOOOoooo..... That sounds like fun.
8 years ago
Anyone selling a band saw cheap?? LOL!