House built by grandfather 1920's front bay window (hardwood?) frame has some rotten areas that need replacing and the sash cords need replacing. Local window"experts" want to replace with uPVC mother wants timber. As ex metalworker very limited woodworking skills would like to replace/repair said items can anyone give me some advise, apart from obvious don't, as to how to go about it.
thanks
dave

David, May 2005

I don't agree. once the sash is out I use a jab saw "basically a hacksaw blade with a handle on one side" to cut through the fastener's within the motise and tenor joint in each affected corner.oh, and do this with the sash laying on something like wooden saw horses or a work bench, then carefully use a scrap "preferably harder wood" laying parallel to bad sash rail...and use a hammer with light to medium careful blows tap the scrap that's against the rail until it free's.......sometimes this is a real pain.becareful with glass.the once separated duplicate that sashrail ...I use a tablesaw, and occasionally a router depending on the detail of piece, or maybe you could find someone to duplicate it for you...ask a higher-end lumber yard or woodworking shop to recomend someone...we use white oak......maybe I am a purist...but NO putty here...EVER..it won't last so why go through the motions..also I have never seen anyone's "cut and paste" approach last either.......Eric wood rot specialists.......14 year's in bus. and many year's before starting my own.........

wood rot specialists, January 2009

I have repaired many.........Tools etc: a Hammer, a wide wood chisel or small crow bar and a saw,lastly a pair of nail pinchers to remove the stuborn nails. Materials: New sash cord some inch and quarter clout nails [large heads] paint, putty and or new h/wood timber for repairs..

All around the inside of the window frame/boxing is Staff beading which holds the inner window in the boxing. Check the bottom corners to see if they are mitred. If so cut through the bottom beading [on the sill] about 3" in on either left or rightside. Prise out these two pieces and lay to one side, then prise off one of the side beadings then gently ease the inner window out of the channel on that side to see if the cord is in place. If it's still ok and this window slides up and down stopping at all positions then you can say the cords are ok.
if not, be ready to catch the window when you remove the second side beading, leave the top bead in place.
Sash cord if needs replacing prise of the cord from the purpose slots in the side of the window and remove the window. at the bottom of the boxing there is /should be a loose access part of the boxing which you wil need to prise out to get at the weight. tie a piece of cord to the end of the sash cord you freed from the window to act as a draw when pulling in the new cord. remove the cord from the weight and replace as required. the front [upper window is also removed from inside for this take out the centre Parting beading on each side of the window boxing then carry out same as the inner window to replace the cord.

While the windows are out replace the rotten bits with either putty paint mix or cutting out the rotten bits to new wood and replace but do not obstruct the boxing as this will interfear with the weight operation. Before replacing the windows rub candle wax down the left and right edges that run in the boxing and also down the boxing this makes them slide a bit easier.


If your unsure then e-mail me and I send a picture of how a sash window is made up. robertwhiting76@hotmail.com

bob, June 2005