How to: Make a DIY Glass Bottle Cutting Jig

created at: 01/09/2012

Bottle cutters were everywhere in the 1970s…tucked in with the macrame and string art kits, they allowed hands-on folks to create recycled vases from wine bottles, or drinking glasses from jars, cool lamps and lighting fixtures, and all kinds of upcycled goodness, like this great project by my friend Tyler Goodro:

Unfortunately, the kits are increasingly rare and growing more expensive on eBay, so it’s a pretty big investment if you’re just interested in learning and not planning on cranking projects out in bulk.   So, Instructable user Grammers created this great jig from inexpensive pine lumber that allows you to create safe, reliable, and clean-edged cuts in glass bottles. She says, “I wanted to recycle some old wine bottles into glasses and chandeliers.  I have seen a lot of online tips about how to buy a jig to make the cut,  sand the glass with a dremel, etc.  But why buy a $20-30 jig that you can make yourself?  Here are directions for an easy, solid jig using a cheap stained glass cutter and a few other supplies from your local hardware store.”

I know what I’m doing this weekend.

Want to cut wine bottles? Build this jig!