The Recreator 3D - Community Bottle Cutter - RECYCLE - PET#1 - Plastic Bottle

Recreator3D.com – Turning PET1 Bottles into Filament with Repurposed 3D Printers

We’re not just recycling—we’re recreating. At Recreator3D.com, we’re transforming PET1 plastic bottles into high-quality 3D printing filament using pultrusion technology. But that’s not all—we’re also repurposing old 3D printer parts, like Ender 3 frames, extruders, and motion systems, to build custom pultrusion units. Instead of tossing outdated machines, we’re using them to power the recycling process itself.

Want to get started? Recreator3D.com/quickstart is your go-to resource. Whether you're looking for how-tos, community builds, or project history, everything you need is right there.

Looking to connect? Join the conversation, share your work, or get support from others working with PET1 pultrusion and recycled 3D printer parts:

📌 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/recreator3d
💬 Discord Server: discord.gg/jwPQqRsv6T

We’re giving waste a second life—come be part of it.

🔗 Recreator3D.com – Less Waste. More Prints.

The Recreator 3D - Community Bottle Cutter -  RECYCLE - PET#1 - Plastic Bottle

https://youtu.be/2IzVs7Duawc

🔧💡 The Community Bottle Cutter: Turning Trash Into Treasure! ♻💰

The Community Bottle Cutter isn’t just a tool – it’s a step toward reclaiming valuable resources and turning everyday waste into high-grade filament. By incorporating coins into the cutting process, this unique feature symbolizes more than just precision; it’s a reminder that you’ll always have two cents to rub together. Even if you're not rolling in money, you'll always have enough to get by and make a difference with your DIY recycling efforts.

The coins help ensure the PET1 strip stays even, preventing the material from becoming too wide, which could cause binding during pultrusion 🔄 and affect the extrusion process. 

The real beauty lies in the “Trash into Treasure” mindset. With this bottle cutter, you're transforming discarded plastic 🥤 into something valuable – filament that can be used for all kinds of creative projects 🎨.

So, while you’re reclaiming plastic waste ♻, you’re also reclaiming a little bit of money 💰 – not a fortune, but enough to make a difference. The Community Bottle Cutter is your tool for financial empowerment, sustainability 🌍, and creative growth 🚀. You'll always have a little something to keep moving forward, because even small steps can make a big impact!

Happy Recreating! 🌱✨

VERSION 3 is suggested! Be mindful of notes and which build uses which tools. The build video should work along side the written notes for all builds versions, but focuses on the parts needed for Version 1 and 2. 
 

📂 All Parts and Info

All parts and additional details can be found here:
Google Drive Link

🌄 Print All Parts

Print all necessary parts for The Recreator 3D Community Bottle Cutter before assembly.

🛠 Required Hardware:

• 2 - USA Pennies (or a washer 19.15mm in diameter x 1.50mm thick).
  ✨ Alternate: USA Dimes (or a washer 17.00mm in diameter x 1.50mm thick).
• 4 - M3x30 Screws
• 4 - M3 Nuts
• 2 - M3x8 Screws
• 2 - M3 Profile Nuts
• 2 - M5x34 Bolts (for holding down the bearings)
• 2 - M5 Nuts
• 1 - Lead Screw (for version 1 and 2)
• 1 - V3 Retractable Magnet (for version 3)
• 1 -  Lead Screw Nut (for version 1 and 2)
• 1 - Lead Screw Motor Coupler (for safety top)
• 4 - M3x12 Screws (for lead screw nut)
• 2 - 625ZZ bearings or 1x POM Wheel - which Holds two 625ZZ bearings 
• 1 - Jot Card Retractor
• 🎭 Printed Parts for the Bottle Weight
• ⛏ Filler for the weight (cement or $1 rocks)

Weight Tensioner: https://www.dollartree.com/jot-retractable-card-holders-4125x1375-in/307646

Weight Additive: https://www.dollartree.com/white-marble-accent-stones-32oz-bags/16364

V3 Retractable Magnet: https://sameday.dollartree.com/store/dollar-tree/products/22662855-tool-bench-hardware-33-magnetic-pick-up-tool-each

🧠 Assembly Guide

🛠 Preparing the Bearings

🔹 Use an angle grinder or a belt sander to sand down a set of bearings.
🔹 Set the M5 nuts inside the middle printed part using a screwdriver.

🧠 Assembling the Cutter

1. Install the Pennies/Washers
   • Take the top printed part and snap two pennies (or washers) into place at the bottom.
2. Combine Top & Middle Parts
   • Set the sanded bearings in place.
   • Bottom bearing: sanded side up.
   • Top bearing: sanded side down.
3. Secure the Bearings
   • Place the M5 bolts into the bearings, securing them to the M5 nuts.
   • Tighten everything in place.
4. Attach the Screws
   • Insert 4 x M3x30 screws into the top and secure them to the bottom printed part.
   • Lock them using the M3 nuts.
5. Mount the Lead Screw
   • Connect the lead screw nut to the middle part using 4 x M3x12 screws.
   • Tighten all screws securely.

✅ Final Checks

🔹 Ensure Bearings are Flush – moving the top should also move the bottom.
🔹 Tension Check – they should be tight but not locked in place.

🛠 Mounting Options

• For Recreator 3D Build
  • Install 2 x M3x8 Screws and Profile Nuts.
• For Tabletop Use
  • Secure with clamps.

🔍 Final Attachments

• Snap in place the Jot Holder to the base.
• Attach the Lead Screw Coupler as a safety cap.
• Insert the Lead Screw into the lead screw nut.

🫀 Bottle Weight Preparation

🔹 Fill the bottom of the Bottle Weight with cement or rocks for added mass.
🔹 Attach the top to the bottom and snap the Jot Holder onto the weight.
🔹 Place the weight on the bottle to create tension while cutting.

✅ How to Use

1. Mounting Options:
   • Table Mount: Use clamps.
   • Handheld: Secure it firmly.
2. Loading the Cutter:
   • Cut a starter strip to feed into the bearings.
   • Attach the weight.
   • Pull the strip forward until fully stripped.
3. Optional: Wear safety gloves for better grip.
   🔹 Tip: Wrap the strip around your index finger and hold it with your middle finger for added tension.

🔄 Example Use: Recreator 3D Cutting by Hand

Here’s an example of The Community Bottle Cutter attached to the Recreator 3D and used manually for cutting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IzVs7Duawc

Enjoy your new Recreator 3D Community Bottle Cutter! 🛠🌿

JRT 
Joshua R. Taylor 
http://jrt3d.com/
http://recreator3d.com/
http://recycle3d.xyz/