How to Cut Glass Bottles With a Dremel

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Using a Dremel rotary tool, you can turn a bottle into a drinking glass, vase or candle holder. The best method for cutting the glass varies slightly depending on the thickness of the bottle. Be mindful that Dremel does not recommend cutting glass with its rotary tool, although it is possible. You may also want to consider an alternative glass-cutting tool.

Advertisement

Warning

To avoid injury, wear safety gloves, goggles and a dusk mask when cutting glass.

Video of the Day

Cutting a Beer Bottle

Most beer bottles are thin enough for the Dremel rotary tool to cut directly through the glass.

Video of the Day

Warning

Cutting through glass with a rotary tool may require cooling the blade with water during the cutting process, which isn't recommended by Dremel.

Things You'll Need

  • Dremel rotary tool

  • Masking tape

  • Pen

  • Diamond wheel for Dremel

  • Faucet or other running water source

  • Safety goggles

  • Safety gloves

  • Dust mask

  • 80 grit abrasive grinding bit

  • 200 grit sandpaper

Step 1

Wrap a piece of masking tape around the bottle at the height you plan to cut it. Draw a level line on the masking tape to guide the Dremel blade: Place the bottle flush against a right angle and turn it while keeping a pen in one place against the tape. For example, a pair of heavy books, positioned at a 45-degree angle, can create the proper guide.

Step 2

With the diamond wheel attached to the Dremel rotary tool, hold the bottle under running water and cut along the line on the masking tape. The running water helps make the blade more effective.

Step 3

After the top of the bottle falls off, the resulting edge will likely be jagged. Use an 80 grit abrasive grinding bit to sand down the edge. Finish the smoothing by applying 200 grit fine sandpaper.

Advertisement

Cutting a Wine Bottle

Cutting a wine bottle, which is typically thicker than a beer bottle, requires a combination of heat and cold shock.

Things You'll Need

  • Dremel rotary tool

  • Masking tape

  • Pen

  • Diamond wheel for Dremel

  • Faucet or other running water source

  • Safety goggles

  • Safety gloves

  • Dust mask

  • 80 grit abrasive grinding bit

  • 200 grit sandpaper

  • Candle

  • Matches

  • Bucket of ice water

Step 1

Wrap a piece of masking tape around the bottle at the height you plan to cut it. Draw a level line on the masking tape to guide the Dremel blade. The line can be created in the same way described in the first step for cutting the beer bottle

Advertisement

Step 2

With the diamond wheel attached to the Dremel rotary tool, score the bottle along the line on the masking tape.

Step 3

Prepare a bucket of ice water, big enough to hold the bottle, before beginning the next step. Light a candle, and while wearing heat-resistant gloves, rotate the scored seam on the bottle over the flame.

Advertisement

Step 4

Quickly submerge the heated bottle into the ice water. Wait to hear a slight cracking sound, which is when the bottle will break in two. If necessary, repeat the process.

Step 5

The resulting edge will probably be jagged. Use an 80 grit abrasive grinding bit to sand down the edge. Finish the smoothing by applying 200 grit fine sandpaper.

Advertisement

references