How to Cut Wine Bottles for Crafts
A great way to recycle old wine bottles is to use them for home decorations. However, if you need to change their shape for the craft, you'll find that cutting them takes a lot of practice. Moreover, since you're dealing with glass, it's very important that you learn to cut wine bottles the right way.
Using a String
1
Wrap a string around the bottle several times, then tie it on. You want to wrap it at least 3-4 times tightly around the widest part of the bottle. Then cut off the ends of the knot.
2
Slide the wrapped string off the top of the bottle. Keep it tight, trying to leave the string in a nice ring.
3
Soak the string in acetone, which is often used as nail polish remover. The acetone will burn, heating the bottle along your string line to make it break off cleanly. It only needs to soak for a few minutes.
4
Slip the string back on the bottle, stopping it roughly where it starts to taper up into the neck. You can put the string anywhere, depending on how tall you want your bottle. This is more or less where the bottle will cut.
5
Light the string on fire over a tub of water, with the bottle held horizontally. The string should catch quickly.[1] Always have your bucket of water right there on hand to prevent any mistakes or accidents.
6
Spin the bottle as it heats up to distribute the heat evenly. Use both hands to turn the bottle as if it were a piece of corn. Keep spinning until the acetone stops burning, which is usually when it starts to smoke.
7
Dunk the bottle in cold water to "cut" right at the hot, flaming string. The abrupt change in temperature should sheer the bottle right where the flame was. Take a piece of sandpaper and smooth out the edges to prevent any possible shards or rough spots.
