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I would like to make some traditional, opening, double hung windows, but I have not been able to find plans anywhere for making ones that open.
I live overseas and specialized hardware is hard to find so I think I would prefer the counterweight type with some guidelines for making the pulley wheels or a source for ordering them inexpensively. If spring hardware could be ordered inexpensively that would be alright too.
I would be using double pane glass lights.
Stanisa Surbatovich
[email protected]
Replies
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I'd suggest finding and buying one locally. Scrap yards, home recycling centers, an old house being torn down.....try to find one....then take it home...and carefully disassemble.
I have a places around here I could pick up what I'd need.....but don't know of any internet/mail order places.....but I'm sure it's out there.
Jeff
*Thanks, Jeff.Good idea, but, unfortunately no one uses double hung windows around here (I'm in Montenegro, Yugoslavia). Double hungs are a real American and English thing--most europeans use casement windows. I don't like casement windows because whether they swing in or out they get in the way.Stan
*How's the weather in Montenegro? Double hung windows are a lot harder to make tight than casements, because you have to seal sliding surfaces. The larger the area of sliding weatherstrip contact, the smaller the pressure you can have on it before the friction becomes so great that you can't open or close the window. With casements, there's no sliding, you compress the weatherstrip with the latches, so you can use far more pressure. Also, be sure to use brass chain rather than sash cord. The cords rot out and break. -- J.S.
*Stan - "Ed Knox' Window Book" has exactly what you want. It's a self published spiral bound gem of a book by a San Francisco Bay area glazer who worked many years in the window repair business. I got my copy from Builders Booksource BuildersBooksource in Berkeley, CA (800) 843-2028.Taunton Press has a compillation book that has seperate articles on building window sash and window frames, too. "Windows & Skylights, the Best of Fine Homebuilding" 1995. If the Ed Knox book is out of print, you could get by just fine with that. Fact is, you could invent your own pretty easilly. Nothing very complicated about windows. The biggest challenge is sealing them so the wind doesn't whistle through. Take a look at Resource Conservation Technology Inc. (410) 366-1146, they have the most complete line of weatherstripping I've found and they'll get you a catalog right away. What type of wood do you guys use for exterior millwork over there?
*I'd think getting them fairly tight wouldn't be that big a problem. Most of the old double hungs I've repaired or replaced didn't have any weather stripping in the first place. Just the outer fixed stop...and the two two removable inner stops. I have seen the metal stripping on them....but I believe that was added much later into the windows lives. I'm talking windows between say 50 and 100 yrs old. On some of those...Id guess only the fold striping on top and bottom of respective sashes was part of the original design. I used to have a great supply of sash weights.....till we first cleaned out the garage....then the attic! Good Luck.....with the book recommended.....I'd say this shouldn't be too difficult. Jeff
*Hey Stanisa,You get the E-Mail I sent you? Did drawing help any?Davo
*Thanks so much.I received your drawing and message and they were of great help--especially your noting that you can nail in 3/8 inch stock for the stops instead of routing or dadoing.I am still hoping to find some more detailed drawings on the counter weight or some lift system using ordinary springs.With counter weights, I assuming you have to get the weight close to the weight of the windows (plus the effect of friction) to get them to stay in any position.Stan
*Stan, Dobra dan! The CMT catalog has a good step-by-step illustrated guide on sash construction. Their main office is in Italy, I'm sure you can find an address on their web site or through Sommerfeld's site. Good luck.
*http://www.islandnet.com/~hsbc/yoh_windows.htmI throw this one in just because I had never thought of using brass chains instead of cordhttp://www.architecturalwindows.com/productsDoublehung.htmWhile they don't list window pulleys on their web site, I have seen them in the Hippo Hardware stores. Their website is http://www.hipponet.com/mainmenu.html and you could contact them if you wanted to inquire about ordering just the window pulleys and/or weights. The Hippo folks I have dealt with have been very friendly and helpful. This site lists a rope and pulley replacement kit for double hungs but don't give a price:http://www.bearwoodwindows.com/comm.htmlMight give you some ideas: http://www.hhirschmannltd.com/specs/doublehung.htmThere seems to be some problem with insulating the area where the weights slide, you would probably want to design insulation and shields into your window rather than using add-ons. Good luck.
*A reprint of an old book that was very popular in early 1800's.Advertiser says:The American Builder’s CompanionThe most widely used early 19th century architectural style and source book for colonial up into Greek Revival periods. Extensive development of geometry of carpentry, construction of sashes, frames, doors, stairs; plans and elevations of domestic and other buildings. Invaluable to historians, architects, restorers, etc.http://store.yahoo.com/doverpublications/0486222365.html
*> With counter weights, I assuming you have to get the weight close to the weight of the windows Yes, but this is far easier to do than getting springs to work right. Weights have the same force throughout the range, while springs push harder the more they're compressed. Springs just don't have the right feel, if that matters to you.-- J.S.
*Thanks, good point--I do like things to have the right "feel."I now need to get some detailed drawings and instructions on the counter weight / pulley set-up. I'm going to look into some of the books that participants in this discussion have recommended. In the meanwhile, does anyone have any detailed drawings or instructions specifically on the counter weight / pulley set-up?
*Hi StanisaI have renovated my old windows, I'm no expert for sure, but I got my replacement bits from here http://www.mighton.co.uk/main.htmlThey have some detailed drawings, and a good idea of fittings available for sash windows, including weight systems.Hope this helps!
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I would like to make some traditional, opening, double hung windows, but I have not been able to find plans anywhere for making ones that open.
I live overseas and specialized hardware is hard to find so I think I would prefer the counterweight type with some guidelines for making the pulley wheels or a source for ordering them inexpensively. If spring hardware could be ordered inexpensively that would be alright too.
I would be using double pane glass lights.
Stanisa Surbatovich
[email protected]