Beginners Guide to Buying and Preparing Timber

In answer to one of the questions I've been asked, here's a Guide to buying Timber and preparing it for woodworking, carpentry and joinery.

It's written for a beginner like I was but it covers everthing that confused me at the time.

What's redwood U/S?
How to buy the right wood for the job?
How long do I acclimatise it for?

If you're starting out on a project like making your own windows it could well be worth reading.

How to, Beginners Guide to Buying and Preparing Timber

Hope its useful.

Box Sliding Sash Window Plans and Construction details

The first of my box sliding sash windows has now been installed for 10 months. It's still looking good and functioning well. The seals are keeping it draught proofed, there are no signs of any joint movement or wear and the double glazed units are performing as they should.

The only slight problem has been a sash cord stretching so one of the weight touches the bottom of box. I just need to move the knot up a bit.

Details and Construction of DG Timber Box Sliding Sash Window plans to Download?

It's now on my list to build the rest. Before I do, I will review the construction details and amend the plans if I can think of any better ways to do things. I'll write up and draw all the construction details, including measurements and installation. I'll also detail the manufacturing using basic workshop tools.

I plan to make all the details available as an ebook, available for a small charge. If you are interested please leave a comment to give me the motivation to crack on.

The sums seem to add up if you have the knowledge, skills and time. A bespoke bought window would cost around £1000 each and a home made window around £300. I've justified equipping my workshop/garage with part of the savings I'll be making. If I could have bought the plans a year ago I would have.

Let me know what you think.

Sash Weight pocket cutting

I've just been having a conversation on a forum about the best way to cut out the pockets for the weights. A specialist chisel was mentioned but most folks make saw cut. I ground down an old chisel and did a quick test.

Here's the result..

I'll try a slightly thinner blade and witha bit of practice it will be real time saver.

The problem I originally had can be seen here http://slidingsash.blogspot.com/2008/11/big-mistake.html