I recently asked 4 joiners for quotes to replace a sash window and three casement windows. The prices I got, eventually were astronomical, as if they didn't need the work. I thought that I would try to make the casements myself but have been unable to find any reading either in the library or on the web as to how to go about it or where to find the necessary plans, drawings, wood, mouldings etc. Has anyone had the same experience? Where can I find this information? HELP
I don't know about casements, but for sashes any circa 1920 Every Man His Home Mechanic type books usually have all the diagrams. If you've got an old window to dismantle and copy it should be even easier.
Ask in rec.woodworking however do understand that this is a more american newsgroup but basically windows and frames construuction and design can be interpreted to suit.
I did just that recently, gable windows in a garage. Carefully took apart the old framework & beading, duplicated it exactly & refitted it using the old glass. Did it on site; circular saw, planer, router.
Any decent joiner will have more work than he needs. The prices aren't astronomical, they just reflect the skill required & the number of people who have it, (I don't regrettably).
I can find this as a series of web pages (looks very informative, but surrounded by clutter), but not the PDF. Perhaps you have to be a paying member to get this?
A friend has asked me to fit him a stable door at the side of his house. As it is 44" wide, there is nothing off the shelf to do it, so it will need to be made to order. I rang one local door maker, who quoted £450+, "we dont know when we can do it - as we are so busy" Now, my first thought was, well, 'I can buy the wood for £50, so why is it so dear'. Maybe, but that means I've got to find a supplier for some hardwood for the frame, then some planed treated wood for the panels, then go and fetch them etc. I then reckon it will be 20+ hours work to make them myself. I know I'll do a good job on it, but it will not be as good as one made in a door factory.Add another 10 hours to collect the wood, and fit the door, and it is easily 30 hours of work. If I was charging full price for this, it would be near to £600 (and I charge bargain prices!) - so just about the same as buying and fitting a made to order door from a manufacturer. I'm going to be doing it in my spare time, and charging around £150 - probably just enough to cover my costs - not making any profit at all on it.
I can see the same situation with your windows, doors are dead simple, if they fit the hole with a few mm gap all round, then they are good. Sash windows are a pain - regulalry moved, open to the elements one side, in the 20 degree heat inside, -5 deg outside etc, so it takes a lot more thought to make a good window.
To answer your query, yes it is quite possible to make your own windows. It will take a lot more time than you think to do it. There are places that sell the shaped wood for most of the sections. You will need hardwood. Personally, I'd get a lot of quotes - a quick google shows many different companies specialising in sash windows, and ask someone else to do it, as it really is an horrible job to make a decent sash window. Alan.
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