Monday, May 20, 2013

The installed window

As Ralph noticed, there is a nice arch above the window. The original plan was to incorporate this arch in the upper part of the window, but I made the stiles an inch too short to be able to do it that way. So instead I opted for the way the old window was made, i.e. with an arch shaped strip of wood on top of the frame.

The glass was mounted using glaziers putty and metal wire. The putty is a traditional type consisting of chalk and linseed oil. Theoretically you can mix your own, but I have bought mine.
Before applying the putty, I normally wipe over the rabbet with a little linseed oil, as it will help the putty to stick to the wood.
The putty is applied in the shape of a small sausage, all around the bottom of the rabbet. The glass is then pressed into the putty. I like to secure the glass using some small pieces of metal wire. they will later be covered with the outer layer of putty. But they help to keep the glass in place until the putty is hardened.
Small nails or brads could also be used, but I like to use a piece of welding wire from a MIG/MAG welding machine. This wire is fairly stiff, and has got an appropriate thickness. (1 mm in diameter).
I press the wire into the wood using some side cutters, and once the wire is in place I cut it approximately 1/8" from the side of the rabbet.
The outer layer of putty can then be applied using a putty knife.

Since we have started changing the roof on the house, I have had to park the window project for a couple of days. I have spent my time installing the scaffolding, and I am rather pleased with the result.

Today I managed to make the final installation. I have to admit that I am not very good at doing bricklayers work. but since it is for the machinery shed, it will be OK.
The window sill is still damp in the photo. Once it is dry the plan is to give it some white wash to make it blend in with the rest.

The outside of the wall looks a little funny since I have started repairing the grouts . I have not yet cleaned of the wall using hydrochloric acid. That ought to remove the excess lime from the surface of the bricks.


The arch shaped strip glued and nailed in place.


Mounting the glass using glaziers putty and metal wire.

 

The new window sill.

The window from the outside.
 

The scaffolding on the house. (the children suddenly erected a tent).
 

10 comments:

  1. Nice looking window. It wouldn't look right without the arch.

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  2. I agree. it is strange how such a small detail can make a big impression.
    Brgds
    Jonas

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  3. Excellent work, the window looks store bought, even better. I've never made a window myself; I'm not sure if I know how. I did re-glaze one before. Will you do the roof yourself? I'm afraid of roofs. Firstly, I don't like heights all that much, though I don't mind working off of scaffolding. Secondly, I am not very experienced when it comes to them. I've had people ask me to install roof ventillation fans before, which is fairly straightforward work, but I don't really like the idea of cutting a hole in a roof. Most of the problems in a house you can deal with without too much fuss: plumbing, electric, appliances. Worst comes to worst and you may not have power for a few hours, or water, etc... but when there is a hole in your roof it pretty much needs to be sealed up ASAP. That is why I always preferred just running the circuit/receptacle and thermostat for the fan and letting the roofer cut the hole.
    Anyway, good luck with the projects around your farm. It's nice that you are able to get so much done, and the work is excellent.
    Bill

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  4. I am pleased with the window myself which I take as a good thing. It wasn't very hard to make, and the best thing is that the finish on the outside of the frame gets covered with mortar. I think this is the fourth window I have made, and all the windows have been different models. Some of the others have been for mounting in an already existing frame, so they weren't as stout as this one.
    I am not doing the roof myself. I am just helping out with the things that I am able to do in order to save some money. I can erect scaffolding, and help to break down brick work and remove the tiles etc. but the repair work on the wall I leave to the bricklayers.
    Once the bricklayers have finished a carpenter will come, and I will be an assistant for him as well. When he is done, the bricklayers will be back and put up the new tiles. At some point a plumber will come and make the new gutters etc.
    Since the wages are fairly high in Denmark, there is very good economy in helping out. And by doing it, I can keep an eye out and make sure they have all they need so the project won't halt for some reason.
    I did change the entire roof on the farm buildings two years ago myself. But that is not quite as difficult or serious as a hole in the roof of the house.
    Thanks for the nice comment.
    Jonas

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  5. It looks much better than the old one, and I think with this new window, you wouldn't even remember the old one. Just a little suggestion: put a color on the frame or a curtain just to add an accent to your window. Roxie Tenner @ WindowTreatmentsPhiladelphia.com

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  6. Hi Roxie

    Thanks for commenting. I think that a curtain will look a little out of place in the machinery shed. Especially since there is no gate at the end (see the post: Working on the machinery shed). I do plan to paint the frame white, but at present we are changing the roof on the house, which is a big job. Therefore I haven't been able to find the time for painting the frame yet.
    Best regards
    Jonas

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  7. I read your previous post about that window project that you’ve been meaning to do since 1999. And by comparing the photo you’ve shared with us in that post and in this one, I think you’ve done a pretty good job at it. It is quite simple, but you managed to give life to what was already a tainted window. Anyway, how is the window now? I hope things are still in place, and in one piece. Thanks for sharing Jonas. All the best!


    Shirley Todd @ Arjay's Window Fashions

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    1. Hi Shirley

      Thanks for the very nice comment.

      The window is doing absolutely fine, and actually I have considered making some more windows on the same building.
      For some strange reason, the windows are of a different size, but I have 4 identical ones that need to be changed. They are more rectangular, but still feature an arched top.
      Funny that you should comment on this post right now, as I have been painting windows on out house for three days now.
      Brgds
      Jonas

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