How to Cut the Bottoms Off Wine Bottles

Don't toss out those empty wine bottles, especially ones that contained wine you really enjoyed. You can recycle them into novel and sturdy vases and small dishes. Practically everything you need for this project, you already have around the house. The process is straightforward, requiring little investment, and it can add another dimension to your enjoyment of wine.

Things You'll Need

• Glass-cutting tool
• Large bowl
• Funnel
• Large heat-proof measuring cup (one quart)
• Ice cubes
• Sandpaper, wet and dry, coarse and fine grit

Instructions

1. Position a clean, empty bottle against a glass-cutting tool, at the height where you want to cut it. Score a line around the bottle in one continuous motion, stopping at the point you began. Do not over score.

2. Place the scored wine bottle in a large bowl. Insert a funnel into the mouth of the bottle.

3. Boil two cups of water. Transfer to a large heat-proof measuring cup and add one cup of cold water. Pour the water slowly into the scored wine bottle.

4. Hold the wine bottle firmly and run an ice cube along the line you have scored in the bottle. Do not stop moving the ice. If you do this correctly, the bottle will separate along the score line, and you will be able to easily lift away the bottom.

5. Place coarse-grit sandpaper on a flat surface, and set the cut edge of the wine bottle flat on it. Rotate the cut piece, moving it back and forth at the same time. Repeat with fine-grit sandpaper until you a smooth and safe edge.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have the glass-cutting tool needed for this project; you can find one at a local craft store or online.

• Several bottle-cutting kits are available. The less expensive kits do not work well. If you are planning on making a set of glasses from wine bottles, the more expensive kits are well worthwhile.

• While this is a safe project, remember that you are handling and cutting glass. Wear heavy gloves for protection.

References

• "Simple Glass Crafts;" Martha Levon; 2002
• "Dictionary of Glass;" Charles Bay; 2001
• "Glass Notes;" Henry Halem; 2006

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Glass-Cutting Tools