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Transforming your empty wine bottles, beer bottles, mason jars, and other glass products into eclectic and creative works of art is a fun pastime and can yield some really beautiful results.
It’s a great way to recycle your glass rather than throwing it away, but a lot of people simply don’t know how to do it.
Many people melt their glass to create other items, but you can also cut it. It’s also a fantastic excuse to get together with your friends, have a glass-cutting party, and drink more wine! You can even decorate for the party using items you’ve already created with your wine bottle cutter.
There’s no shortage of items you can create out of old wine bottles. From chandeliers to flower pots, you can make some awesome home and garden decor easily and with a minimal investment.
Table of Contents
About Wine Bottle Cutters
Wine bottle cutters are actually glass bottle cutters. They can cut all sorts of glass. They’re machines designed to hold a bottle in place while it’s scored. They contain boards with cutting surfaces, rollers and other elements that hold the bottle steady.
Many of them also require the user to hold the bottle steady and apply pressure to it at the same time. However, it helps you rotate the bottle consistently and get a straight, even cut without cracking or shattering the glass.
After you score the bottle, you simply alternate pouring hot and cold water on it to separate the pieces. Then sand down the edges so they’re smooth rather than sharp.
Typically, the machines come with other tools like glass sandpaper and extra rollers. They’re usually designed to handle round bottles, so if you want to cut other pieces of glass, you’ll have to use a different kind of cutter.
There are several benefits to getting your own glass bottle cutter, including:
- Preventing injury
- Scoring bottles with high precision and no breakage
- Upcycling bottles for home and garden decor
- Fun DIY projects on your own or with friends
Wine Bottle Cutter Buying Guide
There are several things you need to think about before buying a wine bottle cutter, especially if you’ve never had one before. They’re not all the same. Some are really easy to use and others are meant for those who have been doing this a long time.
Here are all of the things you should be looking for if you’re in the market for a glass cutter for your old wine bottles.
Quality
The wine bottle cutter you buy should be sturdy and made of quality materials. It should be robust and solid enough to last for a long time. You want it to create quality scores, good results, and smooth cuts.
Most glass bottle cutters are made of plastic and metal, but some are made of wood. The board is made of either metal or wood while the holders are made of plastic. The cutting wheels should be made of metal.
The best glass bottle cutters will be polycarbonate plastic and stainless steel.
Kind of bottles you cut
What you buy will depend on the kind of bottles you want to cut. Every machine is different and some are built to cut certain types of bottles. Some machines will only tolerate straight cylindrical bottles while others can handle tapered bottles.
You may also find top of the line models that can handle cuttle the neck of your bottle, so if you want to do some specialty cutting, you can expect to spend a little bit more on your bottle cutter than if you want to do simple cutting.
The kit
You may also want to look at the entire kit and what it includes. Not only will you want to get a cutter that works for you, but you may want a kit that includes sandpaper and a grinding stone.
Once you cut your bottles, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper tools for sanding down the edges and making them smooth, so you can handle the glass without hurting yourself.
Also, check to see if it comes with a tool for adjusting the wheel. Often, this looks like a hex key. Adjusting the wheel allows you to line up the rollers for proper scoring and cutting.
A tapping tool is also convenient for when you’ve scored and cut your bottle. It helps you to break off the part of the bottle you don’t want. If your kit doesn’t come with a tapping tool, you’ll want to invest in one.
You’ll also want to make sure it comes with an owner’s manual, so you’ll be able to learn how to use it.
Cutting size
For those serious about DIY, you’ll want to think about the cutting length and height as well as bottle circumference. You will want a machine that allows you to score the widest variety of bottle sizes.
You’ll get the most use out of a cutter with an adjustable cutting width, height, and diameter.
How to Use a Wine Bottle Cutter
Every wine bottle cutter is made differently, so it’s operated differently, too. You should always check the owner’s manual to make sure you’re doing it correctly before getting started. This is just a general guide.
The most common design includes a board make of metal or wood that holds rollers and wheels for cutting. Here are the basic steps:
- Choose a bottle with a length and circumference your glass bottle cutter can handle.
- Clean the bottle of all dust and dirt and dry it completely. Anything on the surface of the glass will prevent the blades from giving you a smooth and even cut.
- Always wear cut-resistant gloves and some form of eye protection to avoid accidental injury. The blades that score your glass are incredibly sharp.
- Create a score line on your bottle around the point where you’d like to cut the glass.
- Line up the rollers by following the instructions in your owner’s manual. If your machine came with a hex key, you can use it to adjust the wheels and line them up properly.
- When you’re ready, press down on the bottle while rotating it on the rollers. Make sure your grip is firm and steady and be sure not the shake the bottle so you get a straight cut. When it’s done, you should hear a clicking sound.
- Alternate pouring hot and cold water directly on the cut.
- Use your tapping tool to tap inside the bottle below your cut line until your bottle separates.
- Use glass sandpaper or a grindstone to smooth out your rough or sharp edges.
Once you’re done, you can use your cut bottle to decorate in whatever way you please! However, you may want to heed a few extra tips, just in case.
- Cutting too deep will mean you have to tap on the bottle harder to get it to separate. Tapping on the bottle harder may cause it to break.
- You need proper lighting in your workspace so you can see what you’re doing. If your workspace is too dark, you could get a line that’s too deep or not straight.
- Only alternate pouring hot and cold water on the cut. Don’t pour it on other parts of the bottle or it won’t separate properly.
Caring for a Bottle Cutting Tool
Luckily, bottle cutting tools don’t require a lot of maintenance. Make sure you wipe it down after each use and store it in a place where it won’t come into contact with a lot of moisture or temperature changes.
Always read the owner’s manual before you use it, to make sure you’re using it properly. Be careful only to use bottles it’s intended to cut. You can’t use a glass bottle cutter on glass that’s too thick, or you risk breaking it.
Always clean the glass you intend to cut before you cut it. Any dirt, dust, labels, glue, or water on the glass can cause damage to the blades or other parts of the machine. It will wear out more quickly and won’t last as long.
When you score and cut glass, it releases dust. As the dust settles on your blades and other parts of the cutter, you’ll have to make sure you clean it off. Invest in some sort of blower to get the dust out of every crevice and then wipe it down with a soft, clean towel.
Best Cutter Brands
There are a lot of great brands out there, but don’t make the mistake of buying a cutter just because it looks cool. This will only result in wasted money, broken bottles, and a lot of frustration.
The top brands make high-quality products, but they may look overwhelming, so rather than judging it by how it looks, just make sure you’re putting these at the top of the list.
Diamond Tech
Diamond Tech is one of the most trusted craft brands on the market. They make a lot of glass crafting supplies for DIYers and professionals alike. They consistently produce high-quality products, and in 2008, they won the Crafts and Craftrends Award of Excellence for groundbreaking works.
They’ve been around for 15 years, their contribution to the industry goes beyond most other brands, and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon. If you buy one of these glass cutters, you may pay a little more, but you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
Bottle Cutting, Inc.
This Canadian brand manufactures the most efficient cutting equipment on the market. It was founded by a man with the passion and the qualifications to produce something that is both fun and functional.
Armour Products
Armour products offers glass etching and mirror decoration supplies at reasonable prices. Their supply operation is based in New Jersey and you’ll find everything you need in their online shop.
They’re reliable and easy to work with.
Creator
This manufacturer sources all of its labor and materials from the United States. You get excellent quality that you can trust. You’ll find fantastic reviews everywhere and most people love their value.
Their machines are durable and will last for thousands of cuts.
AGPtEK
This is a small company that makes more than just bottle cutters. They also produce toys, home improvement products, and electronics. They’re known for a rich and diverse product line that features both quality and efficiency.
With them, you’ll get a cost effective purchase and a machine you can trust.
Types of Bottle Cutters
Most bottle cutters are similar in how they work. While they have slightly different designs, you’ll have to apply the same basic principles.
They have blades, and you have to apply pressure to rotate the bottle against the blade to create a score.
There’s no industry standard when it comes to glass bottle cutting, but there are two basic ways of categorizing the machines.
With rollers
The bottle cutters that are designed with rollers are typically easier to operate. The rollers are attached to the board, and you simply lay the bottle on its side to score it.
All you have to do is apply consistent pressure, which is easier with the support of the board underneath.
Without rollers
These can be a bit harder to operate, but once you get the hang of it, they may not be. They contain a component at the top allowing you to hook the bottle at its opening. It can be tougher to keep it steady because it’s operated upright, but you could potentially lay the machine on its side.
The Best Wine Bottle Cutters
Now that you know what you’re looking for, here are some of the best wine bottle cutters for the money. There are pros and cons to each, so make sure it has what you’re looking for before you buy it.
Creator Bottle Cutter
If you’re one to put quality before price, this is an excellent choice. It’s pricey, but when it comes to performance, durability, and ease of use, you’ll get more of it than other models. To put it plainly, it’s simply one of the best glass bottle cutters on the market.
The kit is also perfect for beginners because it comes with everything you need to get started. It has a grinding stone that’s abrasive enough for creating a smooth edge and a palm protector for keeping your hand safe when you use the machine.
There are also rings to help you separate the glass after you cut it. The entire thing is ready to use out of the box. This tool is really easy to use to make everything. Whatever fun and creative ideas you have, you can bring them to life and transform your glass bottles into flower vases, light bulb covers, terrariums, and more.
This particular tool is made of stainless steel and polycarbonate plastic. It’s durable and resistant to wear and tear. The stainless steel bars definitely contribute to its longevity.
The carbide cutting wheel makes it a more durable tool overall than other cutters, and it cuts glass a lot more effortlessly, so you don’t have to apply a lot of pressure. It’s made with rollers, so it’s designed to be used on its side, which makes it nearly effortless for you.
It comes with safety glasses, which is a plus, but you’ll still need to purchase some extra safety equipment, like gloves, before you use it.
The really cool thing about the Creator model is that it comes with both a standard and a metric scale so you get precision scoring with every single bottle. No more guessing or using other tools to measure your bottle first.
Pros:
- Rubber-coated ball bearings prevent the glass from cracking
- Easy to use and ready right out of the box
- Made of durable stainless steel and polycarbonate plastic
- High-quality manufacturing made in the United States
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands
AGPtEK Bottle Cutter
You’ll be delighted by the price of this machine because it’s one of the most affordable options on the market. Prices change all the time, but you’ll still enjoy the comparatively low cost of this one.
It comes with a hex key so you can adjust the screws when needed and four polishing papers. It’s super convenient and easy for any DIYer who wants something small and lightweight. It only weighs 2 pounds, so you can even take it with you wherever you go.
The bright green design is eye-catching and fun, and it features an elegant gloss, so it’s something you’ll be proud to show off to your friends at a crafting party, and it’ll be easy to show them how it works.
The small board has rollers, so just lay it down and apply a small amount of steady pressure to your bottle for straight scores.
It comes with a hex key to adjust the position of the wheel up to 9 inches from the bottom of your bottle. It will only cut straight round bottles, so if you’re looking for something that can handle tapered bottles or bottlenecks, this isn’t it. However, it’s sturdy, durable, and rated to cut over 10,000 bottles, thanks to a super sturdy blade.
Pros:
- Adjustable cutting height from 2-9 inches
- Lightweight and portable
- Fun design that’s easy to use
- Sturdy, durable, and long lasting
Cons:
- Only cuts straight bottles
- Doesn’t come with a grinding stone or any safety gear
G2 Bottle Cutter from Diamond Tech Crafts
Diamond Tech makes fantastic quality cutters. This one is made for upright use and comes with 6 cutting blades for cutting even more bottles. It can cut wide-mouth bottles and jars up to 5 gallons. It also has a removable glass cutter for straight cuts. Not only can you cut straight bottles, but you can also tackle those with tapered sides.
One arm holds your bottle while the other arm holds the scoring tool. It takes some practice to learn how to use it, but it comes with a lot of the accessories you need like a tapper and sandpapers.
You can actually use this machine upright or lying down. It’s lightweight and made of recycled aluminum, which makes you feel good about the environmental impact you’re having by purchasing it.
With this particular machine, you’re getting a great mix of durability and affordability, so the value is superior to a lot of other options.
One of the downsides to this particular cutter is that you have to assemble it out of the box before using it, but it only comes with 6 small parts, and you should be able to handle it with the included instructions.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Made of recycled aluminum
- Comes with a tapper and 2 sandpapers
- Handles straight and tapered bottles
- Durable and affordable
- Can be used upright or lying down
Cons:
- Requires assembly
Kinkajou Bottle Cutter
This Kinkajou bottle cutter is made by Bottle Cutting, Inc. This North Ontario-based company is all about upcycling. All of their products are named after wildlife, and everything is designed to make the process quick and easy.
It’s a high-quality product, but the price is pretty high as well, especially if you want the bundle that comes with everything you need to get started. You don’t have to buy the bundle though if you just want the cutter, which could save you a few.
The saber tooth bundle includes the cutter and a sanding pad kit. If you really want to go all out, you can purchase the deluxe kit, which comes with the following:
- Bottle cutter
- Separation ties
- Finishing tool
- 3 silicon carbide sandpapers
It comes with adjustable screws that allow you to adjust the circumference to allow for different bottle sizes. It can accept circumferences from 43-102 millimeters.
The cutting height is also entirely flexible because you can position your bottle at whatever height you want to cut, allowing for all heights, sizes, edges, and tapered shapes.
It’s as easy as inserting your bottle, tightening the screws to hold it in place, and then turning it until you hear it click. If you purchased the kit that included the silicone ties, separation is super easy and they fit all size bottles. With the sandpaper, you can smooth the cut when you’re finished, and you’re done.
Perhaps the coolest thing about this particular bottle cutter is how simple the design is and how many colors in which it comes. You can choose your favorite from more than a dozen.
Pros:
- Will cut many different bottle sizes and shapes
- Steel blade will last more than 200 cuts
- Separation ties fit all size bottles
- Simple, innovative design
- High quality
- Comes in a lot of colors
Cons:
- No board to stabilize the bottle
- Kits and bundles are pricey
Ultimate Edition Bottle Cutter by Creator
As if the standard Creator bottle cutter wasn’t good enough, this one is a step above. It still comes with separating rings, a palm protector, and a grinding stone. But it also comes with a few other things you won’t find in most other bottle cutters.
With this machine, you can cut bottlenecks. It’s tough to get a smooth cut on a bottleneck, but this one comes with a kit that makes it a lot easier. By cutting bottlenecks, you can make shot glasses, candle holders, and a lot of other cool smaller things.
There are also assorted glass stoppers that allow you to cover the mouths of your bottles, which means you can display them after you cut them.
The cutters and slide bars on this machine are made of stainless steel, so they’re strong and durable. They’re also enhanced with carbide so you can cut thousands of bottles before it wears out.
Anything non-metal is made of polycarbonate plastic, so it’s sturdy and durable as well. The rollers are coated in rubber, which helps protect your glass from cracking as you’re cutting.
Just like the regular version, the Ultimate Edition also comes with standard and metric measurements for accuracy. However, it goes a step further and can cut bottles of all shapes rather than just straight bottles. It can even cut triangular bottles.
Pros:
- Comes with a palm protector, neck cutter, and glass stoppers
- Rollers are rubber coated to protect glass
- Made of durable stainless steel and polycarbonate plastic
- Can cut bottles of all shapes
Cons:
- Very pricey
Armour Bottle and Jar Cutter
This is an interesting bottle cutter, it’s affordable, and it may be worth taking the time to learn. It’s actually one of the cheapest bottle cutters on the market, and it comes with everything you need to get started.
One of the most unfortunate things about this bottle cutter is that it doesn’t get very good reviews, but the problem is that most users don’t take the time to get to know the machine before they use it.
If you read the owner’s manual, you’ll find that it has two cutting wheels. One you can’t see, but the instructions tell you how to access it. It produces really fantastic results if you just follow the instructions to learn how.
The important thing with this machine is not to open it up and start using it intuitively. It will only lead to frustration. The kit comes with two glass tappers, a hex key, two cutting wheels, and five sandpaper pieces.
It’s not the highest quality cutter, but it works great if you read up on it and have the patience to learn how to use it. If you are on a tight budget, this might be the perfect way to get started.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Strong blades
- Comes with everything you need
Cons:
- Features a big learning curve
FAQs
Answer: A lot of people like to do DIY crafts, and turning your old wine bottles into cool home decor pieces is just one way you can do something fun with your spare time. Not only that, but it can declutter your space, get rid of old glass lying around, and help you recycle things that you would normally throw away.
There are plenty of fun things you can make like flower vases, drinking glasses, candle holders, chandeliers, and more.
Answer: At first, it won’t be easy at all. You may get frustrated or be close to giving up. Cutting bottles takes practice, even with the easiest bottle cutter to use. You’ll crack your bottles, make crooked cuts, and feel like you’re wasting your time.
Your success rate won’t be great at first, but it’s the perfect excuse to drink more of your favorite adult beverages until you get it right.
Answer: A bottle cutter is meant to make one complete turn around the bottle. Making any additional turns could damage your blade or the glass.
Once you’ve made one turn, you’ve already scored the glass, which means the blade would have to sink into the glass even deeper to make another turn. Forcing the blade to turn between two pieces of glass could make it dull or cause your glass to crack.
Any pressure on the glass or the blade in the wrong direction could also break your blade.
Answer: Ideally, you shouldn’t cut over anything but clean glass. Before you cut it, you need to clean your bottle thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris, including labels and the adhesive beneath them.
Cutting through a label and the adhesive that adheres it to the bottle will dull your blade, causing you to have to replace it sooner. Your cutter won’t last as long and you certainly won’t get your money’s worth.
A dull blade won’t score your glass properly, which can also lead to cracked or broken glass, rather than a clean cut.
Answer: Alternating pouring hot and cold water over the cut makes for a clean separation, but separation rings can make it a lot easier. They ensure that you only pour water over the cut rather than the entire bottle.
Place one rubber ring directly above the scoreline and one directly below it. Then pour water directly on the scoreline and rotate your bottle so that the water covers the whole line.
Answer: You can cut all kinds of bottles if you have the right kind of bottle cutter. You just need to be sure you read your owner’s manual and use the right kind of bottles for your cutter. You can cut wine, beer, soda, spirits, and champagne bottles as well as all different shapes as sizes.
Final Thoughts
Which bottle cutter you buy will depend on your budget and the type of bottles you want to cut. There are plenty of options to choose from, and even if you start small, you can always upgrade once you get better and start doing it more.
Buying a more expensive, the higher-quality machine will pay off in the long run. My favorite wine bottle cutter is the Kinkajou because I appreciate what the company stands for and I’ve been happy with the results.
It’s a bit harder to learn, but in the end, it’s portable, high-quality, and comes in my favorite color.
My second choice for staying at home is the Ultimate Edition by Creator because I can cut all shapes and sizes, it’s safer, and I can make some really cool things out of it.
If you are a wine collector, you might also want to consider investing in wine coolers, wine racks, wine openers and wine chillers.
Read more:
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- The Best Under Counter Wine Cooler Options in 2021
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- Ullo Wine Purifier Review
- The Complete Guide to Finding the Best Wine Aerators!
- The Best Under Counter Wine Refrigerators On The Market!
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