2 Windows Down, 1 Window To Go

As usual, I managed to take 1 big job - replacing 3 basement windows - and turn it into about 600 small jobs. I've finished a lot of the 600, but I still don't have any new windows installed so it sorta feels like I haven't gotten much done. 

I already covered the construction of the first set of window sashes, so I won't rehash that. BUT...since then, I got the glass installed and glazed, which went exactly like I thought it would: not fun. I think once I get the hang of it, the work won't be so miserable, but it's a lot like finishing drywall -- you gotta do it a whole bunch before you don't suck at it. 

First, the windows had to be primed with oil-based paint. Then, after watching a dozen vids on how to glaze windows, I gave it a shot.  

The putty was way stickier than I was led to believe it would be, which was about 98% of my problem. I legit spent 4 hours on this one sash trying to get it right, and the end result was still pretty rough. 

And, in a few spots, the putty wound up overhanging the wood glazing rabbet on the other side of the glass, which is a no-no; leaving the putty proud of the wood means the putty will be visible when looking through the window. 

The next evening, my inner perfectionist couldn't stand the results anymore so I tore it all out and, after watching another couple vids, tried again. The second attempt was, approximately, a 400% improvement. And, it only took me 2 hours, not 4. I did the other sash the evening after that and got the whole process down to 45 minutes.  

Once the glazing dries, I can get everything painted and then, finally, installed.

While that was going on, I got the glass for the next set of sashes; I got those finished up at the end of July.

It's all math, and something I shouldn't really struggle with, but with all the measuring and marking and cutting, there's a lot of room to make a mistake; somehow, I don't think I could ask for better fits on the arched sash pieces for both sets of sashes I've built so far. 

Anyhow...I need to get those sashes sanded and primed so I can get things glazed and painted. 

As for the 3rd window in the group, I started repointing the limestone about a week ago. The exterior side is done and I've moved the operation inside so the interior stone can be repointed. ​

As was the case with the previous two windows, the mortar just inside and beneath the sill is absolute garbage. Too many decades of trapped moisture turned it to dust, same thing with the mortar covered up by the window jamb sides -- which I can't get to just yet, but I will once I get the interior stone put back together, have a solid base to work from, and can remove the old jamb.

With any luck, I'll be cutting out the old jamb before the upcoming weekend is over. Glazing dry time is starting to be a bit of a concern; I need to be done with glazing all 3 sets of window sashes in the next couple weeks so I still have time, before it gets too cold, to get the scaffold up and continue rebuilding the parapet. So much to do, so little time!