DIY Storm Windows Part 1

[BrooklynRowHouse]

The only reason I didn't do it was the cost of a biscuit joiner.It would be a sweet tool to have and I'd probably get my use out of it. It would be totally appropriate to use one for this project. I just didn't have the extra 80-150 to get one!

I haven't had very good luck using biscuited joints outside, even on dry PT lumber. Even with waterproof glue they seem have a much higher failure rate outdoors, probably due to the temperature, humidity and sunlight extremes.

[Danno]

Update: two broken pieces of glass. Here was my problem. I was using the glass out of the aluminum storms that I have. They are exactly 1" too wide. (a little less actually) So trying to cut off 3/4" is really really hard. If I had a piece of glass that I could cut a 5" chunk off of I would have been ok. So, until I source some bigger glass for free (or I've been considering checking at glass place just to know how much they charge to give me some precut panes) this project is on temporary hold.

[anti]

First, Danno, thanks for what you're doing!! I have leaky windows and it's really cold (and expensive) here in the winter! I started reading the "are vinyl windows a sin" thread, because 300$ per window seemed like an affordable price for warmth and I got tempted, but of course I have been convinced (didn't take much, I hate vinyl windows with a passion) to keep my old ones. At this point I have to restore my old windows and obtain new storms/netting (that will require pulling the horrible aluminium out first). I see plans for the storm windows, but does anybody have some good step-to-step resource for the restoration part? Angolito had started describing what she is doing, but I am a total newbie and I need a simpler guide! Does anybody know of a good thread or of a good book? I went to the suggested websites (windowrepair.com, historichomeworks.com), and they advertise a few books, but I would trust a referral better. Now is the time to do this, and if I start now I might be able to restore the 4 windows in my bedroom and maybe even the two in the bathroom....OK, maybe that is a little ambitious, but I can at least try!

[S]

First, Danno, thanks for what you're doing!! I have leaky windows and it's really cold (and expensive) here in the winter! I started reading the "are vinyl windows a sin" thread, because 300$ per window seemed like an affordable price for warmth and I got tempted, but of course I have been convinced (didn't take much, I hate vinyl windows with a passion) to keep my old ones. At this point I have to restore my old windows and obtain new storms/netting (that will require pulling the horrible aluminium out first). I see plans for the storm windows, but does anybody have some good step-to-step resource for the restoration part? Angolito had started describing what she is doing, but I am a total newbie and I need a simpler guide! Does anybody know of a good thread or of a good book? I went to the suggested websites (windowrepair.com, historichomeworks.com), and they advertise a few books, but I would trust a referral better. Now is the time to do this, and if I start now I might be able to restore the 4 windows in my bedroom and maybe even the two in the bathroom....OK, maybe that is a little ambitious, but I can at least try!

Working Windows by Terance Meany

[moonshadow317]

Danno,
How are you trying to cut the one inch off the glass? I have had great sucess cuttin off small pieces by using this method:
I mark mine with a sharpie then I put on my heat gun gloves to turn the glass over to the other side and clean the area to be cut with windex, I roll the cutter on a paper towel sprayed with wd-40 and as Hb has suggested wipe the line with mineral spirits. After making the cut, lift the glass and tap under the line along the cut with the ball end of the cutter. I then slide the glass until the cutting line is at the edge of the table. At this point since it is such a small piece that is being cut off I use a pair of pliers that have a square head. I hold the large piece of glass while I put the pliers to the line and wiggle the pliers gently. This works pretty well. Sometimes it doesn't break off the whole piece but you can then move down the line and get the rest.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes. It would be a shame if you couldn't use all that free glass

Karen

[NYAlhambra]

Karen - In my experience making stained glass (my step-dad was a leaded glass artisan), I have always used running pliers or grozing (sp?) pliers to break off small portions of glass when I can't get good leverage. Plate glass is a little different from art glass, but if you have a lot to cut it might be worth the small investment. You just score the glass as usual and then position the pliers so that the edges are on either side of the score and gently squeeze.

Good luck!
Tricia

[S]

Karen - In my experience making stained glass (my step-dad was a leaded glass artisan), I have always used running pliers or grozing (sp?) pliers to break off small portions of glass when I can't get good leverage. Plate glass is a little different from art glass, but if you have a lot to cut it might be worth the small investment. You just score the glass as usual and then position the pliers so that the edges are on either side of the score and gently squeeze.

Good luck!
Tricia

On that same line, you might consider a glass cutting wheel with oil in the handle (like used for stained glass). They are more expensive, but worth it. Cut from one end to another without stopping to break the surface tension. I also have happily used my grozier pliers to break my window glass

[anti]

Working Windows by Terance Meany

WOW!!! It's about 130$ on Amazon!!!!! Anything a little cheaper?!!?

[angolito]

anti.......our public library has three copies.

[S]

Working Windows by Terance Meany

WOW!!! It's about 130$ on Amazon!!!!! Anything a little cheaper?!!?

You might do a search of OHW - there was a thread a month or so ago that gave a list of places to get it including the publisher. It's out of print, but can still be found for about $15. I found mine at my local Barnes & Noble store. My library also has multiple copies.