A great way to recycle old bottles is to use them for home decor. However, if you need to change the shape for crafting, you will most likely have to cut it. Also, since this bottle is made of glass, you have to learn to cut it the right way.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using the Rope
Step 1. Wrap the string around the bottle several times, then tie a knot at the end
Tie the rope at least 3-4 loops tightly at the widest part. After that, cut the end of the knot.
Step 2. Slide the rope over the bottle
Keep the knot tight and form a neat ring.
Step 3. Soak the string in acetone, which is a substance commonly used as a nail polish remover
The acetone will burn and heat the string on the twisted portion of the glass and will cleanly split the bottle. The rope only needs to be soaked for a few minutes.
Step 4. Put the string back on the bottle and position it near the neck that is starting to shrink
You can place the rope anywhere you want, depending on how high you want it to be. The point where the string will be will be the intersection of the bottle.
Step 5. Burn the rope with fire over a bucket of water
Hold the bottle in a horizontal position. The rope will burn quickly. Always have a bucket of water under it to prevent mistakes or accidents.
Step 6. Rotate the bottle as it burns to distribute the heat evenly
Use both hands to twist the bottle as you would a corncob. Keep turning until the acetone stops burning, usually when it starts to smoke.
Step 7. Dip the bottle in cold water to cut it right at the hot part of the string
Drastic changes in temperature will make the bottle break right where the fire started. Take a piece of sandpaper and smooth the end of the bottle to prevent any glass shards or sharp edges.
Method 2 of 2: Slicing and Slicing
Step 1. Purchase an industrial grade bottle cutter or a precision sharp knife
This is a small machine made to cut round glass evenly. You probably won't need it for anything other than this, but it's cheap and really helps if you do cut bottles a lot. Otherwise, just use a glass cutting knife or a sharp precision knife.
Step 2. Loop the industrial hose clamp tightly around the bottle as a tracing line
Place it wherever you want the bottle to be cut. Make sure it is level. The clamps will serve as guide lines as you incise the bottle, much like a ruler to draw straight lines. You can also use a large roll of duct tape and place the bottle in the center of the hole to create a neat straight line.
Step 3. Cut the bottle following the guide line with a sharp, precise knife
Follow the clamping line so the notch is even. Work slowly and regularly.
You may need to follow the line 3-4 times for a neat, deep cut. Remember, you don't need to cut through the bottle, but just draw a neat, even line
Step 4. Heat the line that has been inscribed on the candle
Rotate the bottle so that the entire line is neat and hot. The change in heat will weaken the glass and the streaks around the bottle will speed up the cutting process and ensure an even finish.
Heat the nick line for about 5-6 seconds
Step 5. Rub an ice cube around the nick line
As you do so, you will hear a soft cracking sound. Carefully pull the two halves of the bottle.
Step 6. Reheat the bottle and rub in the ice cubes again if the first one didn't work
Repeat up to two or three times. The bottle will break and you will get 2 separate pieces.
Step 7. Sand the rough edges before using the bottle
While this will result in a relatively clean cut, you still have to be careful. Sand the end of the bottle to smooth out any sharp or rough edges.
Warning
- Always wear gloves when you cut glass.
- Be careful not to work in a hurry. If you cut too quickly, the bottle may break and cut your hands.
