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making my own windows?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 2:01 am
by AZKick
Looking to make a tilt out window from scratch and I need some ideas. Do to time frame of construction on this project, (started 2 weeks ago and taking it to http://www.azroundup.net/ on Sat.) I did not have time to order windows. I may need to just have glass that does not open, but I really don't want that. Any thoughts?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 2:30 am
by Guest
I'd go with Truth 4 or 5 bar hinges on the sides and a locking handle at the bottom and build awning windows.
I'm going to do that, except I'm planning on mounting the locking handle in the sill instead of on the sash... That way, my screen won't need the wicket door to have access to the handle. another good sugestion is to go with a sloped sill for drainage.

Making my own windows?

PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 5:27 am
by Toolie
I don't know what size or profile you want but you might find something in the junk yard. Some camper shells have crank out windows - vans have nice windows also. You might not be interested in the frame but the glass or hardware might work for you.

PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:57 am
by AZKick
Lock in the sill :thinking: That opens up a whole new train of thoughts. Got some ideas already. Think I'll have to hit the junk yard also before I head into the shop. Thanks guys. Wheels are spinning.

PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:22 pm
by WarPony
I am building my own windows. I bought one slider for my door and was not happy at all with it, that's why I'm doing the other two on my own. REALLY, REALLY think them through before starting. I just jumped in and started cutting, never thinking of how to lock them from the inside, screens......etc, etc. Getting ready to make the 3rd set because I don't like the setup yet.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not sorry for making my own. I built my TTT with the intention of adding the side windows at a later time because of $$$ issues. I was going with the same window as the door and framed the sides accordingly but after the dissappointment with it I had to make my own.

I'll probably make the next set and think of some other way of doing it better. It's fun to build.

At least I don't have the trouble of redoing a hatch (pssst, I don't have one)!!

PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:36 pm
by AZKick
Starting a new trailer next week. I think I'll start with the windows first. I wasted most of yesterday just looking at my windowless doors with no good ideas. Walked around the junkyard looking for direction today and all I came up with was ways I don't want them to be. The quest goes on.

PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:39 pm
by AZKick
More time. Thats what I need

PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:20 pm
by norm perkiss
You might want to check out Roly's site. He made his windows.
http://gages-56.com/roly.html

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:43 am
by Roly Nelson
Ooh, did someone mention my name? Yes, I built my own wooden windows, and much to my surprise, they work great. I would suggest if you are thinking at all about windows in your door, by all means, have them openable.

All I did, was frame the opening with rabbitted wooden jambs on the inside, make a matching window frame with a piano hinge at the top, run a sliding dowel pin out through the bottom of the window screen frame, (you have to have screens on your windows, at least I had to, or my sweet wife wouldn't camp with me). This dowel pin has a "Pinochio's elbow" joint just inside the screen frame, which when folded down, locks the window tightly in place and works amazingly well. (why not, it's wood)

I have completed the doors on the 1/4 Nelson Stacker, and simply plan on having a window made of acriclic plastic, hinged at the top, bending outward in order to open it. A fixed screen is planned for the inside, and weatherstripping (hopefully) will make it waterproof.

Hope this helps, but realistically, I think it would be cheaper and quicker to check out a camper/trailer bone-yard and pick up some aluminum framed windows that swing out and have an interior screen.

Roly, just trying to keep it simple (and cheap!) :lol: