Customer Reviews

Windows and Skylights (Best of Fine Homebuilding)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If your goal is to build windows in a new home, this is your book. I was looking for a "do it yourself" book on installing windows in an existing home, and thought this would be a good resource. Unfortunatley it wasn't what I was looking for, but I did get some benefit. I learned about what makes a good window and how to do some shopping, hence my 3 star rating. Certainly not a waste of 11 bucks.

I've been searching high and low for resources on making your own windows. More specifically OLD window sash. There's literally a section where the author reproduces a 200 year old window sash. Windows that old typically use plank cases, but the author just built the sash which is fine for what I needed to see. There are casement windows, arched windows and some other aspects to window construction that I haven't seen anywhere!

There are a lot of books on restoring windows, and installing windows. Which are helpful. If you're do inclined you could take apart an old window and copy it. But, I first like to get some info if I can that may explain certain things that are unique to window contruction so I can learn from someone elses experience. Now, unless you work for a sash company you're left with researching and perhaps you could take lots of pictures at Old Sturbridge village.

I'm looking at the sash router bit sets with a coping bit to construct mortise and tenon window. The problem is that they're designed to build newer windows that are 1 3/8" thick. An old window might be 1" thick. Plus, the muntins are narrow, there's no parting bead and the profile is wrong. My windows use a GREEK ogee profile, all router bits use a Roman ogee. There's a distinct difference.
You could have a sash company mill some stock or perhaps a lumber yard. I'm still stuck on trying to do it myself.
The author describes a way to grind your own router bits profiles using steel blank. I was going to go as far as making my own wooden planes or have some bits custom made.

I found this book by accident. The title doesn't give a good enough description as to what exactly this book is about. I almost past it buy as another mere installation of window book.
It wasn't until I read the previous post that I realized this was just what I needed!

This is a nice collection of articles printed in Fine Homebuilding. Most of the articles are 10+ years old at the time of this review. Because they are articles that address specific issues by a builder/craftsman/contractor they do not present a comprehensive approach to any window issue, nor do they present a survey of the field. Nonetheless, if you are looking for some practical advice there is much to be found here.