I got brave this week and cut the opening for the window on the street (southern) side. Then we fitted the large frame Funny how difficult it is to merge a window that is supposed to be plumb with a wall that is not. Got there in the end. We fitted the sliding sashes and the cleats holding them in position. We also fitted the outside architraves and made scribers, painted them and even managed to fit them. Apart from some touch up paint work, all is done on this window. We have bought and fitted new architraves for the inside. I even got some new latches for both windows.
We checked the original architraves for the original eastern window. They are in a sad state, but for the sake of authenticity we decided to fill the holes and reuse them.
We have made a list to prioritize our next tasks. The main task will be to finish painting the new kitchen walls.
Sunday
24 August 2014
Yes, I have missed a week. It seems I bore people with minor details.
We have done most of the preparation for the two windows in the new kitchen. It is amazing how much work goes into restoring a window. The original cleat between the two sliding sashes is about 10 mm. This allows the sashes to rattle and allow wintry winds in. I have taken to remake these cleats, up to 14 mm thick to eliminate rattles. We also had to remake the beading on the insides, as the borer has eaten it all. Then everything has to be painted. Everything takes time.
We did manage to semi finish the old window, everything is installed and works well. The only exception is one window pane. I have cut this when we moved in, and it is too short Will have to replace this one. We bought a very large window, 2.4*2.1 m in Cambridge, and I have taken the two large panes out. That will have to be cut this week. I was getting ready to fit the four panes in the "new window when I realized that I have run out of "glaziers points", little metal pins used to hold the glass in position. Will go buy some more on Monday.
On Saturday we went to a "working bee". Our main street was redesigned about a year ago, and some of the plants were very dull. We have a large nursery in town, and they supplied replacement plants. Elna and I planted some, and then we were invited to a nice coffee. Then we sneaked off.
You will notice the nice brown reveals /architraves. I am convinced there will be continuous demands from visitors to paint the door and other window on the eastern deck now.
We have done most of the preparation for the two windows in the new kitchen. It is amazing how much work goes into restoring a window. The original cleat between the two sliding sashes is about 10 mm. This allows the sashes to rattle and allow wintry winds in. I have taken to remake these cleats, up to 14 mm thick to eliminate rattles. We also had to remake the beading on the insides, as the borer has eaten it all. Then everything has to be painted. Everything takes time.
We did manage to semi finish the old window, everything is installed and works well. The only exception is one window pane. I have cut this when we moved in, and it is too short Will have to replace this one. We bought a very large window, 2.4*2.1 m in Cambridge, and I have taken the two large panes out. That will have to be cut this week. I was getting ready to fit the four panes in the "new window when I realized that I have run out of "glaziers points", little metal pins used to hold the glass in position. Will go buy some more on Monday.
On Saturday we went to a "working bee". Our main street was redesigned about a year ago, and some of the plants were very dull. We have a large nursery in town, and they supplied replacement plants. Elna and I planted some, and then we were invited to a nice coffee. Then we sneaked off.
You will notice the nice brown reveals /architraves. I am convinced there will be continuous demands from visitors to paint the door and other window on the eastern deck now.
10 August 2014
As promised, the glass for the window was cut using the second hand glass we had. The cost was 10% of new glass. You really don't want to know what new glass would have cost. We did mange to get 5 panes, one to be used in the front window (later).
I managed to clean the sashes and the frame for the "new" window. Then we had rain. Saturday was a sunny day, but we have been invited to a "fairy party' for Jacqui. so no painting got done.
I also took out the sashes from the old window in the new kitchen. The idea was just to tidy up, but it ended in a complete paint strip and removing the glass for re puttying. Did I mention that my little sander's bearing has seized? Another little niggly task to keep me busy.
I also had a problem finding architraves around the 'new" window. I ended up buying a length (5.4m) that has got nearly the right profile. That will go on the outside.
I managed to clean the sashes and the frame for the "new" window. Then we had rain. Saturday was a sunny day, but we have been invited to a "fairy party' for Jacqui. so no painting got done.
I also took out the sashes from the old window in the new kitchen. The idea was just to tidy up, but it ended in a complete paint strip and removing the glass for re puttying. Did I mention that my little sander's bearing has seized? Another little niggly task to keep me busy.
I also had a problem finding architraves around the 'new" window. I ended up buying a length (5.4m) that has got nearly the right profile. That will go on the outside.
Monday
4 August 2014
Yes, shoot me! sorry, I missed a week and now I am late.
Apart from visiting friends and going to Hamilton, we did actually manage to get some work done, although not spectacular. I do find that I cannot do as much as I used to when we started, but that's life.
The ceiling of the new kitchen is finished, painted the lot. It is amazing how unsteady the scaffold has become in 3 years. I used to laugh at brother Ben when he was here and sent the scaffold in oscillations, now I am doing exactly the same. Must have something to do with getting older. (maybe the scaffold needs bracing)
The "new" window is nearly finished. Most of the paint has been scraped off, and I got hold of some old windows from which I removed the glass (successfully) It still needs to be cut to the right size. There are two cleats missing from the frame, and I will have to make new ones.
I haven't taken the plunge to remove the door and open the hatch, but that is also on the agenda.
Apart from visiting friends and going to Hamilton, we did actually manage to get some work done, although not spectacular. I do find that I cannot do as much as I used to when we started, but that's life.
The ceiling of the new kitchen is finished, painted the lot. It is amazing how unsteady the scaffold has become in 3 years. I used to laugh at brother Ben when he was here and sent the scaffold in oscillations, now I am doing exactly the same. Must have something to do with getting older. (maybe the scaffold needs bracing)
The "new" window is nearly finished. Most of the paint has been scraped off, and I got hold of some old windows from which I removed the glass (successfully) It still needs to be cut to the right size. There are two cleats missing from the frame, and I will have to make new ones.
I haven't taken the plunge to remove the door and open the hatch, but that is also on the agenda.
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