Comments on: Extreme DIY – Double glazed Sliding Sash Windows

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:32:33 +0000

Ben, A plunge router is what you need to mount in a simple table. The plunging mechanisum then works as the depth control. As for recomendations, the best advice is get the best you afford. Try some of the forums for specific advice. (I have a Trend router in a Record Power table)
You need a Table saw or band saw to cut down (rip) the length of timber, a mitre saw is for cross cutting only.

Regards
Andy

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:32:32 +0000

Thanks Andy,

I have been doing a lot of reading over the past few weeks, to try and decide exactly what tools to invest in etc. There seems to be some decent second hand routers etc on ebay. Do you have any views on plunging routers as opposed to table mounted, as in, some people seem to say that you can just mount a plunging router under any given table, others don’t seem so confident. There seems to be way more plungers on the market than fixed base routers.

In terms of saws, there are very few table saws around. Would a mitre saw suffice for most jobs, or is there a specific reason why an actual table saw in neccessary?

Thanks Again
Ben

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:13:11 +0000

Ben, I hope I'm going to end up with exactly what you need. In the way of plans and instructions to make the windows. I justified buying the tools I need from the saving over buying bespoke windows. On top of the normal woodworking handtools I've been using : Thicknesser, Table saw and Table mounted router. I'll not be detailing all the ins and outs of using these, so you might want to start looking into whats available and how to use them. I've done a review on my planer / thicknesser and put some basic info together on buying timber and preparing timber. These might start you in the right direction. There's lots of advice available on the web and some great forums. I find Get Woodworking very friendly and encouraging particulally to those wanting to start out. "Learning from Mistakes" I've done plenty of that. It's part of the process, if you can keep that in context, you can do almost anything! All the best Andy

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:45:42 +0000

Hi, I have read your original window blog with interest. I very much like the idea of making my own sash windows (or similar), but lack the confidence to know where to start. I would really appreciate a step by step (very basic) guide, and would be willing to pay (a modest sum) for. Especially If I could ask you questions as and when I get stuck. Would also be interested in what tools I need (as I don’t have many) and would need to figure out what is worth investing in etc.

I am by no means great at woodwork, but am generally handy enough, especially if I have good enough instructions. Like most of these things it appears to me that it is having the nerve to get in a try it (and learn from mistakes) that is the key.

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:47:04 +0000

FourEd, Yes it’s extreme DIY but fairly moderate woodworking. It’s not so much the making that takes the time but coming up with a design to solve all the little details to high standard for performace, longevity, aesthetics and ease of making.

By: FourEd

FourEd — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:17:00 +0000

This really is extreme DIY. Sash windows are certainly not the easiest thing in the world to make yourself and it sounds like you have put countless hours into making these to the highest standard possible.