Anyone Building Window Sashes/Frames with Festool?

[GerryV]

The windows in my 28 yr old Viceroy home are western red cedar and in quite good repair except for the thermopanes which are losing their seals and are not low-e glass. I believe that it would be easier to replace the thermopanes and the sash (I think that's the term for the frame that the thermopane is built into, like a picture frame) rather than try to extract the old thermopanes and install the new ones in the old sashes. I tried  a forum search a couple of times but didn't fare very well finding the info I need so, my question is this:

Is anyone here using some combination of CMS-GE Set router table, OF1400 Router, TS75 Track Saw, MFT/3 Table Sets and certain specialty bits to build window sashes - or full windows for that matter? I have about 24 to do and am wondering if this is practical, keeping in mind that I no longer have any "big" equipment since selling my Felder CF741SP combo machine.

 

[peter halle]

Gerry,

I can't give you advice, but so that others might be able to give you great advice:  Are you looking to make your windows true divided sashes (lots of little panes) or a simulated divided (one big pane and then one grid on the inside)? 

Just tryin' to get you the best answers possible.

Peter

 

[Alan m]

i think that if you can get the glass out  without too much bother then that would  be the best way.
im sure a blow torch would break the bond between the glass and the wood.

not sure about you windows but they are usually just square sections  with a few rebates cut into them.
any router table should be able to cut them . then domino the corners together.

whether it is finantally worth while . you can only really answer that. it depends on how much you have to spend and how much time you have available to do it

 

[Eli]

Have you tried one? Are they held in with putty and points? I think it would be much more practical to replace the old glass rather than start from scratch on everything.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have replaced thermopanes in windows a few times and it can be difficult.  The problem is the panes are held in with silicone or some other sealant/adhesive.  Well, that's been the case with the sashes I've done.  Still, I think it is a good idea to try to take one apart as already mentioned.  If you've got the free time then this could be a fun project.  If you place fair value on your time then you may well be better off hiring someone for the job.   

 

[GerryV]

Thanks for the comments and advise everyone. I should have mentioned that these are all single pane sashes ranging on size from approx. 2'x5' to 1.75'x3. We're evolving from a larger, Felder based shop to a small Festool based shop. Well, okay, there's also a 48" Shopbot Buddy cnc hidden in the corner. Because I'm retired and my son, the custom furniture builder, will only use the equipment part-time, my idea is to come up with some personal projects that will allow us to see what our new limitations and opportunities are.

Perhaps another way of putting it is to discover whether the Festool system is really more practical for those focused on sheet goods or if some have found ways to make it practical for custom furniture building and similar uses. I'll probably be asking a few questions along that train of thought so hoping I'll find some custom furniture builders/mostly hardwood lumber gurus here who work without stationary equipment.