There are many ways to make simple DIY lamps out of things you have around your house. If you have an empty wine bottle, there is probably a way to turn it into a torch, and they can come in handy if you are ever faced with a blackout without knowing where you are standing.
We have translated the steps of this ingenious idea to share with you how novel and decorative recycling ideas can sometimes be. In this case it is a step by step for creating a torch using an empty wine bottle.
This project is originally designed with accessories that are available in the United States, but that you can get in the hardware stores or tlapalerías (bulonerías) in your city, or you can adapt them with others if you do not get the ones proposed in this example. It is not complicated at all. We hope you can build it!
How to make a recycled wine bottle torch?
Materials:
- Empty wine bottle (You can use any bottle you want, as long as the glass and neck areapprox. 1 ″ in diameter.
- 1/2 ″ Teflon tape.
- Copper plate connector (threaded for a 3/8 ″ -16 threaded rod).
- A split suspension ring (threaded for a 3/8 ″ -16 threaded rod).
- 1/2 “x 3/8” copper connector tube.
- 1/2 ″ copper plug.
- Two hex nuts (threaded for 3/8 ″ -16 threaded rod).
- Two # 10 x 1 ″ zinc plated wood screws (if mounting to wood).
- A 3/8 ″ -16 threaded galvanized rod.
- Replacement wick for torch.
- Torch fuel (For safety reasons, use only fuel made specifically for outdoor torches.)
Useful tools:
- Parakeet key.
- Adjustable wrench.
- Electric screwdriver.
Safety Note: This is for outdoor use only. It is recommended that the wick stick out no more than 1 inch, and it is recommended that you experiment with the same discretion and common sense that you would with any small, open flame.
Building instructions.
The suspension.
- Decide where you want to mount your torch with recycled bottles. Place the top plate connector on the mounting surface and mark the screw holes on the surface. It’s easier to keep it level if you pre-drill the screws first.
- Once you have mounted your top plate connector you can screw in the 3/8 ″ -16 rod until it stops. Parakeets are useful for this part.
- Thread the two hex nuts onto the rod and tighten one all the way to the point where the rod meets the top connecting plate. Leave the other hex nut at the front end so it can be used to secure the ring in suspension.
- Thread into the hanger ring just enough so that the rod is flush with the inside of the ring. Turn the second hex nut counterclockwise to tighten up against the suspension split ring.
The bottle.
- Carefully wrap the end of the 1/2 ″ connection with your Teflon tape. You want to keep each wrap nice and clean so that a smooth, even surface is created. Continue wrapping the tape until it fits very comfortably in the opening of the bottle. Obviously, you don’t want it to fall.
- Insert the wick into the coupling until it protrudes about 1/4 ″. Once the oil is absorbed from the torch it is tightened more.
- Unscrew the suspension from the split ring on one side and position the bottle neck on the ring.
- Flip the front half of the back of the ring in place and tighten the hook evenly on both sides. You may have to loosen the other side to make sure both sides are even tighter. (Don’t over-tighten the hanger. You don’t want to break the glass.)
- Use a funnel to fill the bottle with your favorite torch oil.
- Insert the coupling and wick into the top of the bottle and twist it snugly into place. Give the wick a few minutes to absorb the oil before attempting to light it.
- Use the copper plug to keep the wick dry when you are not using your torch.
