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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    Southern Highlands NSW
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    Default Aluminium window frames (sort of metal work!)

    I have to get some windows in a shed, and wondered if there's a cheaper answer than factory made aluminium windows.
    It looks like it might be possible, if one had a window that is bigger than needed, and found at a local recycling shop, to remake it a smaller required size.
    If it were disassembled, and the frames mitre cut to new measurements (with a drop saw with carbide teeth), it seems it could be reassembled to function correctly.
    But, maybe it's too much trouble? There might be something I've not considered?
    Anyone done this?

    Jordan

  2. #2
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    Jul 2010
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    Melbourne
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    Default

    Are you planning on trying to use the old glass? It doesnt normally work well.

    Stuart

  3. #3
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    Jan 2005
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    Sydney
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    Default

    you could just buy the section's from a manufacter and make your own windows, dont forget to allow for cost of blade around 100bucks,

    might be cheaper to ring around small window companys to get one custom made,

  4. #4
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    Perth WA
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    Default

    Hey Jordan,

    Wouldn't be easier to keep looking in the salvage yards for one that might just be the size you are after?

    Bob.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Stustoys View Post
    Are you planning on trying to use the old glass? It doesnt normally work well.

    Stuart
    It gets more brittle with age, but I have about 50% success recutting old glass.
    But I'd probably get new - it's not that expensive. It's the metal frames that cost.

    Jordan

  6. #6
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    Oct 2004
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    Southern Highlands NSW
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gaza View Post
    you could just buy the section's from a manufacter and make your own windows, dont forget to allow for cost of blade around 100bucks,

    might be cheaper to ring around small window companys to get one custom made,
    It's all the details, rubber, felt, screws, etc that make this approach unappealing. A recycled window would have exactly all the needed bits with it.
    My woodworking drop saw is very effective at cutting thin Al extrusions. It doesn't seem to harm the blade unduly.

    Jordan
    Last edited by nadroj; 12th Jul 2011 at 08:54 AM. Reason: found a better word

  7. #7
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    Oct 2004
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    Southern Highlands NSW
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Anorak Bob View Post
    Hey Jordan,

    Wouldn't be easier to keep looking in the salvage yards for one that might just be the size you are after?

    Bob.
    I have been looking without success.
    Sometimes I see there are a number of similar windows that have been removed from a building, all the same style. That made me think maybe I could do a rebirthing of some of these, and have a matched set.

    Jordan

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2010
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    Lower Lakes SA
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    Default

    Much easier to modify your shed frame to suit the windows available.

  9. #9
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bryan View Post
    Much easier to modify your shed frame to suit the windows available.
    Good thought, but it's not so easy in this case. The outer lining would have to be altered, a big job.

    Jordan

  10. #10
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    May 2010
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    Default

    Why, what's the cladding? Whatever it is you'll have to cut a hole to fit a window, right?

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    Southern Highlands NSW
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    No, the holes already exist. The plan was to buy windows made to suit, but I'm now looking for a cheaper alternative. I think windows are far more expensive than they should be, and it irks me to waste good money on them, that could be used to buy interesting things.
    Here's a funny - I asked a window supplier, who justifies his prices on the fact that they are custom made, to quote on a smaller than usual size (400mm wide). "We can't do them that small". Yeah, right, some custom builder!

    Jordan

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
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    Tallahassee FL USA
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    Default

    The corners are the expensive parts, and a small window has only slightly less material. Even worse if you need operating sash (double/single hung, jalousie, etc.).

    As far as being unable to make them smaller, I doubt it. About 40 years ago, I built a factory with adjacent office, using store-front material for the windows (fixed with double glazing). They were about 4ft x 6ft IIRC (1220mm x 1830mm). The supplier made a sample for approval, which I've schlepped all over the country. It's 1ft square (305mm). Properly sealed, I don't think you need mitered corners. If your wall is thick enough, store-front material might be dandy (approx. 4.5" - 114mm); it might even be available in thinner stock.

    To my amazement, my local Yellow Pages has a separate category for Store Fronts. YMMV.

    Cheers,
    Joe
    Of course truth is stranger than fiction.
    Fiction has to make sense. - Mark Twain

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