Sash Mechanics of Historic Windows Workshop

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us— located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969.

8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Old windows continue to be important to the mechanics of historic buildings as well as admirable architectural and woodworking achievements. A sash window or hung sash window is made of one or more movable panels or sashes that form a frame to hold panes of glass which are often separated by muntins. To facilitate operation, the weight of the glazed panel is usually balanced by a heavy steel, lead, or cast-iron sash weight or counterweight concealed within the window frame. The sash weight is connected to the window by a braided cotton sash cord, or a chain, that runs over a pulley at the top of the frame. These older rope-and-pulley style windows are retained by trim that must be removed before the sash can be freed and parts of the window frame must be disassembled to repair a broken sash cord. During the workshop, participants will practice hands-on techniques to carefully remove window trim before lifting out a sash, disassemble parts of the window frame to access and repair broken sash cord, restring a sash, tie off the weights, open a stuck sash, and learn how to give old windows a thermal tune-up by adding weatherstripping. Well-maintained historic windows can be airtight, weather-resistant, and should last generations without needing replacement parts. Prior woodworking experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand how to map and number sashes prior to removal.
• Be able to disassemble and reassemble windows.
• Know how to repair or replace window chains or ropes.
• Recognize how to weatherize an old sash.

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 6 participants is required to hold the workshop.

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