EPHREM BOTTLE CUTTER INSTRUCTIONS

1) POSITONING BOTTLE

The bottle is placed lengthwise on cutter with bottom flush against backstop and resting on the rollers. The postion of the backstop and rear rollers determine the point at which you cut the bottle. To adjust length, loosen screw and slide backstop and rollers forward for a shorter cut and backward for a longer cut (for coasters, ashtrays etc.) remove screw from slot and reverse postion of backstop. See sketch below.

2) ETCHING THE GLASS

Using a round smooth bottle with parallel sides, select the location for the desired cut. Adjust the backstop to this length and place the bottle on the cutter as shown in sketch below.

A light etch is all that is required. Apply only slight pressure on the bottle while rotating the bottle toward you with your hands. Note the position of the hands in the sketch. To assure an accurate cut, keep the bottle firm against the backstop. Do not allow the bottle to stop turning while scribing the etch. A slight crunching sound will signal the completion of the etch. One revolution of the bottle is all that is necessary. Best results are obtained, and damage to the cutter wheel is avoided when the etch is not duplicated. If the etch is properly scribed the ends will meet.

3) HEATING THE ETCH

Before the bottle can be separated, it first must be uniformly heated. Light the candle and slowly rotate the bottle in one direction with the tip of the flame about an eighth of an inch directly under the etch. Usually about three or four revolutions are sufficient.

Then rotate the bottle two or three times at a faster pace to give uniform temperature to the glass. The bottle should feel warm to the touch, but not too hot to handle.

4) SEPERATING THE BOTTLE

Place the bottle in an upright position, before the bottle cools, rub an ice cube around the etched line one or more revolutions until the etch becomes a crack. The crack should continue completely around the bottle.

If a slight tug on the two pieces fails to seperate them, do not try to force them apart. Return the bottle to the candle flame and reheat the etch. During the reheating process, you may hear audible "clicks" indicating that the uncracked portions along the etch are now cracking. After heating again, try to seperat the two parts once more. Remember, do not use undue force, let the glass work itself free! (Sometimes, it is necessary to repeat the heating and cooling process several times depending upon the thickness of the glass.)

5) SMOOTHING THE EDGE

Rub the inside and outside edges lightly with a piece of the coarser polishing paper. See sketch.

Then, sprinkle a small amount of the polishing powder on a flat, hard surface; a glass or metal pie plate or a piece of window glass works fine. Do not use any surface of value, since the polishing compound will cause scratches. Dip the edge of the glass in water and then place it on the polishing surface. Start to grind in a circular motion. After a short time the edge of the glass will become perfectly flat and have a dull gray appearance. Again, smooth the inside and outside edges with the polishing paper.

The finer polishing powder should be used to give a final smooth finish. Use water on the paper periodically while polishing.