The Generation Green (g²) Bottle Cutter is a versatile tool designed for eco-crafting, enabling users to repurpose glass bottles and jars into functional and artistic items. This device is made from recycled aluminum, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Generation Green Bottle Cutter is to score and separate round glass bottles and jars, allowing them to be cut at various heights and angles. This enables crafters to transform discarded glass containers into new objects, promoting recycling and reducing waste. The cutter is designed to work with nearly any round glass bottle or wide-mouth jar, ranging in size from 6 ounces to 5 gallons.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Material: The bottle cutter is constructed from recycled aluminum, highlighting its eco-friendly design.
- Cutting Blade: The device is equipped with six cutting blades. These blades can be rotated to expose a fresh cutting edge when one becomes dull, extending the life of the cutter.
- Adjustable Components: The cutter features several adjustable parts, including:
- Part D: This component has two wing nuts that allow it to slide along the shaft of Part E, facilitating adjustments for different bottle sizes.
- Part A: This part slides into Part D, providing a stable base for the cutting mechanism.
- Part E: This shaft allows the glass cutter wheel to be positioned up or down to achieve the desired cutting height. It also has wing nuts at its base for securing the cutter in place.
- Part B (7" bar): This bar is crucial for ensuring the cutting wheel is perpendicular (90° angle) to the side of the bottle, which is essential for a clean and accurate score. It can be swung against the bottle and tightened with a wing nut to secure its position.
- Scoring Mechanism: The cutter creates a continuous, barely audible scratching sound when properly scoring the glass. A deep, frothy cut is indicative of improper scoring and cannot be separated effectively.
- Separation Method: Glass separation is achieved using a hot/cold water bath method. The scored bottle is alternately submerged in boiling hot water and ice-cold water until the score line runs and the glass separates.
- Tapper: The kit includes a tapper, a tool used to assist in separating the glass if the hot/cold water bath method is insufficient. The tapper is designed to gently tap along the score line, encouraging the fracture to advance.
- Emery Paper: The kit provides 60 and 120 grit emery paper for smoothing the rough edges of the cut glass.
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The manual provides detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations for assembling the bottle cutter. This involves attaching Part D to Part E, sliding Part A into Part D, and securing various components with wing nuts.
- Safety Precautions: Users are advised to always wear safety goggles when using glass crafting tools, as everyday eyeglasses may not offer sufficient impact resistance. The kit contains small parts and should be kept out of reach of children.
- Blade Oiling: To ensure top performance and a good score, the glass cutter wheel must be oiled with a small amount of light oil. Re-oiling is recommended every 2 or 3 cuts.
- Glass Preparation: Before cutting, all labels, dirt, and glue residue must be removed from the bottle using a glass cleaner or a vinegar and water mixture. Clean glass prevents dulling of the cutter blade and ensures a good score.
- Adjusting Cutter to Bottle:
- Insert the cone of the bottle cutter into the neck of the bottle.
- Loosen the wing nuts on Part D.
- Slide the glass cutter wheel along Part A until it rests against the bottle.
- Adjust Part E up or down to achieve the desired cutting height, ensuring the glass cutter is at a 90° angle to the glass.
- Tighten the double wing nuts on Part D to secure the position.
- For cuts on the body of the bottle where sides are straight, the cutting wheel must be perpendicular (90° angle) to the bottle. The shaft holding the glass cutter (Part E) should be vertical to the bottle. This is adjusted by swinging the 7" bar (Part B) against the bottle and tightening its wing nut.
- If built-in adjustments are insufficient to achieve a 90° cut, a matchstick or similar shimming item can be inserted between the cutter and the base of Part E.
- Scoring the Glass:
- Hold the cutter as shown in the manual, avoiding squeezing it like pliers, which can force it out of alignment.
- Press down with the right hand toward the bottle.
- Rotate the bottle counter-clockwise with the left hand, pressing the left hand toward the right hand.
- Apply the least amount of pressure that produces a continuous, barely audible scratching sound. Avoid deep, frothy cuts.
- Sweep the bottle around in a smooth, continuous manner without stopping. A loud, gravelly sound indicates a complete circle.
- Do not go over the score line.
- If a skip is found in the score, reposition the cutter and re-score only that area.
- Separating the Glass:
- Prepare a hot water bath (boiling, then simmer) and an ice-cold water bath.
- Dip the scored bottle into the hot water bath for approximately five seconds, ensuring the water covers the score line.
- Quickly submerge the bottle into the cold bath for another five seconds.
- Repeat the dipping process until the bottle separates.
- If separation does not occur after several dippings, use the provided tapper. Tap gently along the score line, moving the tapper 1/8" in front of the run as the fracture advances. Avoid tapping too hard or behind the fracture point to prevent unwanted fissures.
- Smoothing Rough Edges:
- Place 60 grit emery paper (rough side up) in a shallow dish with approximately 1/8" of water.
- Rub the edges of the cut glass in a circular motion on the emery paper to grind off rough spots.
- Tilt the bottle at an angle to smooth the edges.
- Finish with 120 grit emery paper for a smooth edge.
- Cutting Rings from Bottles: Use the ruler marks on the vertical cutter arm (Part E) to obtain rings of a given height. Make the first cut at the bottom, then raise the cutter by equal amounts for subsequent cuts. Separate rings using the hot/cold bath method.
- Wide Mouth Jars: Secure the lid to the jar, punch an opening in the center of the lid with an ice pick or nail (approximately the size of the cone tip). Insert the narrow tip of the cone into the hole and proceed with normal cutting instructions.
- Glass Adhesives: For adhering bottle pieces, clear silicon adhesive is recommended as it is typically dishwasher safe. Always read manufacturer's directions. Roughen surfaces with 60 grit emery paper before applying adhesive.
Maintenance Features:
- Blade Replacement/Rotation: The Generation Green bottle cutter has six cutting blades. If a blade becomes dull, loosen the small screw on the side of the glass cutter, rotate the blade wheel to expose a fresh blade, tighten the screw, and return the cutter to its position.
- Cutter Removal: The glass cutter can be removed from the shaft (Part E) by loosening the wing nut and sliding it away from Part E. This allows for blade rotation or for using the cutter for straight cuts independently.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the glass cutter wheel and the bottle to ensure optimal performance. Dirt and glue residue can dull the blade.
The Generation Green Bottle Cutter is a comprehensive tool for anyone interested in sustainable crafting, offering precise cutting capabilities and clear instructions for safe and effective use.
Need help?
General
To Next Page