Window repair

[Alt Beer]

I need to remove and replace some rotting rails and stiles on the house windows.

1. What is the best way to remove hardened putty without damaging the frame or glass?

1. I have a couple of fixed sash windows where the lower rail and the lower half of the stiles are rotting and need to be replaced. How do you remove the fixed sash from the window frame. Once removed I will then need to make up a new sash. I can do that no problem once I know the best way to remove the old sash.

Thanks

[Phil Anthropist]

Regarding 1. I have read that chemical paintstripper will soften putty but I haven't tried it. I use a sharpened chisel and mallet, obviously going very light with the mallet and not allowing the chisel to touch the glass. It is usually possible to get the chisel between the putty and frame (a Stanley knife can be used to start a gap), and gradually break the putty out, enough all round to free the glass, then concentrate on chiselling the putty out of the frame.

Regarding 2. I can't visualise this. If the glass has been removed you could saw through the frame but no doubt there is a much better way.

[Alt Beer]

Is the sash usually nailed / screwed to the frame? or just a tight fit with putty?

I had thought of removing the glass then as you suggest sawing through the sash and frame in a few places then hammering it out in small pieces. I haven't done this before so am trying to think of any possible problems which might prevent me from finishing the job in one day. The window is on the ground floor at the front of the house .

Thanks