Sash Windows.

[Argus]

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I am looking for an illustrated book on traditional sash window and frame techniques. Preferably British because I want British patterns.

A quick look through Google/Wikipedia/Amazon does not reveal much, mostly DIY.....

Was there anything written in the past worth pursuing? Perhaps Hayward et al?

Any ideas?

Many thanks in advance………

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[Bluekingfisher]

If you find anything please let me know. I have also looked for such in the past but it seems a closely guarded secret

 

[Gaz]

I've also been looking for this with no success, there are websites that sell sash mouldings and spares, i was thinking of buying an old sash window that i like from somewhere like ebay and copying all of the pieces, good luck, Gaz.

 

[tomatwark]

This is the set of books I learnt to make sash windows from http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/The-New-Carpe ... _500wt_716


If you are thinking of using Double Glazing though you will have to adjust the sizes of the sash section a little bit and also the pockets as you will need larger weights, but the principle is the same.


Tom

 

[Ollie78]

A good way is to get an old one and just have a look how they are constructed.
The sashes themselves are actually very simple construction i usually use a CMT rail and stile or sometimes called a sash set. The set consists of two cutters (router table only) which produce perfect joints once set up. Most of the sash sets available are only really for timber up to 35mm thick but I have found with a bit of adjustment you can do up to about 50mm. You will need an extra pass for the rebate if using thicker timber ( do some test joints first). This produces great joints with wedged though tenons (tenons must be cut to size before milling the ends on the second cutter (leave 6mm over i think don`t quote me on that though) mortices can be done after.

Obviously a spindle moulder would be favourite but I don`t have one.

For different mouldings and very unusual patterns you won`t be able to use the set of cutters and it may require several passes with different cutters to get them right, but the principle is the same.
With multi pane sashes the halving joints have to be done by hand really but are not mega tricky.

The boxes are also very simple. The outer cheek, inner cheek and pulley liner are jointed into the cill and to each other, outer cheek can vary in the way it is jointed depending on period.
Remember to do masons mitres on the cheeks at the top (this is the traditional way). The wagtail can be made out of thin ply or solid timber, don`t forget to do one or it can cause problems with the weights clashing.
It is best to do the pockets on the inner side of the groove (ie inside the parting bead) as this will resist the weather better and also centre pockets are more annoying to cut. Once constructed just nail on a thin board to the back of the box.

Just have a go it`s not that bad.

Ollie

 

[AndyT]

If you are talking about trad sash windows made with hand tools, I know of only two good sources.

The best one is an old Woodworker handbook from the early C20th that was reissued in the 1970s. I don't know of any reprint. It does come up on eBay occasionally and there was a discussion on here which resulted in someone very generously passing on their copy.

The other one is in Cassell's Carpentry and Joinery, edited by Paul Hasluck. This has the big advantage of being available free, on-line, so you can choose to read it on your laptop/tablet; print out the odd chapter, or even buy a print-on-demand copy (search Abe Books for these). There's also a reprint with a foreword by Roy Underhill.

The chapter on sash windows is one of the most thorough and detailed in the book, and incidentally provides a really clear explanation of how to work from a rod (ie a drawing showing all the necessary measurements and nothing else).

Go to this page to read on-line or download the whole thing:

http://www.archive.org/stream/cassellscarpentr00hasl#page/404/mode/2up

 

[twothumbs]

A good source for a cases and frames would be from your local replacement window people. Should come free as they skip them or leave them for allotment gardeners. Stripping them down is the way to go. Also you will see the frames and sashes tradionally used in your area as they are all the same but different. Cut out the wedges and you can split the sashes with some care. Alternatively you can just cut out all the corner joints etc, at say 100mm and have a set of split joints to study ...easier to carry home. It is quite simple once you see it and using screws is not a sin by any means for the cases. Cramp up straight and paint everything before installation. You could also consider ready made wood sections from your local sawmill / timbers suppliers.....or just buy enough forn a dummy run...just a small sash sets say 600x 300, without glass etc. I am sure you will get plenty of assistance once you start. Best wishes.

AndyT mentions drawing rods and these can also be wooden rods if it suits, ie sticks with o/a sizes marked on with tmber sections marked on. The benefit of rads is you are sizing from the same source and so should be fool proof. You can also mark on your cutting margins and ttolerances but write on what is what.

 

[Gaz]

Go to this page to read on-line or download the whole thing:

http://www.archive.org/stream/cassellscarpentr00hasl#page/404/mode/2up

Wow, great book and free

 

[Dusty]

Good Evening Argus , If it helps you at all , in 2 to 3 weeks I am removing two sash windows for a customer , they are approx 1000 Wide and 1000 High approx . I am in South Somerset , near Yeovil , you would be more than welcome to one if you so wish for one . Alternatively I could courier half of one cut down the middle ( minus the weights ) if that is any help , Just PM me if it helps , or if it will do I could dismantle and photograph it in many stages .

Kind regards Sam

 

[James-1986]

NVQ carpentry/joinery books are good sources for this sort of work as well.