Window Frame Materials

[doublehelix]

I am trying to get my window frames complete this weekend so I can order my glass, but I am having trouble finding the right materials.

In Rod's book, he talks about using "standard" 5/4 window frame boards. no one locally has any clue what I am talking about (Lowes and Home Depot). Am I missing something? Will 1x6 pine work?

Also, the rigid fiberglass that goes in between the window frames pieces are hard to find as well. I have a source for OC 703/705, but they only stock 2" and 4" pieces, and only sell by the case. It looks like I need a small amount of 1" rigid fiberglass. Is this the same stuff as OC 703? Most of the local home building supply places have these styrofoam insulation pieces in 1" thicknesses. Will that work?

Otherwise I am going to have to special order a whole case of 1" OC703 (if they are willing to order it in).

Am I missing something here?

Thanks!

[rod gervais]

I am trying to get my window frames complete this weekend so I can order my glass, but I am having trouble finding the right materials.

In Rod's book, he talks about using "standard" 5/4 window frame boards. no one locally has any clue what I am talking about (Lowes and Home Depot). Am I missing something? Will 1x6 pine work?

First off - be very carefull when walking into Lowes or HD and asking them anything - because they do not have a clue.

2nd - be carefull not to add words to my words....... never in my book do I make the statement "5/4 stock window frame boards" - when someone hears that they start thinking about something specifically made for windows - and that becomes confusing.

We are talking about wood here - 3/4 stock is a nominal 1x materaial - 5/4 stock (which I know for a fact HD carries) is a nominal 1 1/2" materaial.

Current 3/4 stock actually measures closer to 11/16 - not 3/4 =

5/4's is the same as 1 1/4" (right?) and current 5/4 stock measures about 1 1/8" after dressing.

OK - so the 5/4 stockis the thick dressed boards at HD - (I expect lowes carries it as well).

I do not use 1x6 pine because it doesn't have enough body (for me) to properly carry the load of the thick glass. Thus - if I don't use it - I don't recommend it's use.

Also, the rigid fiberglass that goes in between the window frames pieces are hard to find as well. I have a source for OC 703/705, but they only stock 2" and 4" pieces, and only sell by the case. It looks like I need a small amount of 1" rigid fiberglass. Is this the same stuff as OC 703? Most of the local home building supply places have these styrofoam insulation pieces in 1" thicknesses. Will that work?

No you can't use rigid foam - it will couple the 2 walls - BUT - you can run down and pick up a box of 1" thick rigid fiberglass ceiling tiles from HD - and just use them.

BTW - if you are going to make any broadband traps - then just buy your 2" and 4" materials now - and borrow a couple of 2" wide pieces from a few sheets - and then adjust your treatments accordingly - it's pretty easy to turn a 2" thick x 2" wide 4' piece into 2 - 1" thick by 2" x 4' pieces.


Sincerely,

Rod

[doublehelix]

Wow, great post Rod. You answered all my questions most completely!

I actually have a bunch of 2" OC 703, so I will take a sheet and try making it a pair of 1" sheets!

Thanks mucho! Much clearer now, and sorry for misinterpreting your words, and then posting them here. There is enough misinformation running around.

Onto window construction!

[psychodogstudios]

I know this is an older thread but hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction. In Rod's book, he mentions using a rubber seal between the 5/4 stock window frame pieces for the double glazed window construction. Does anyone have a particular brand or vendor that they might recommend for this? I would imagine the rubber seal would need to be around an inch thick.

thank you!

Bob