In finishing out a couple of rooms in my basement, I need to extend the jams on my windows to accomidate the new 2×4 wall. I’m puzzled by how best to attach the new jams to the old. I don’t really want to go to the expense of buying a biscuit cutter. How did they do it in the old days?
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How deep is the extension and what thickness shimspace do you have around the opening/existing jamb?
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
they will be wide extensions. not small where one could face nail if that is what you were getting at from your question. he's gotta span from old jam across 2x4 wall which might be 4" plus drywall ...I'm guessing neighbourhood of 4 1/2" or more if is foundation wall is stepped out. (wider then crib wall)
The reason I ask depth and surrounding space: step it out twice, two extensions, nice shadowline.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
ok didn't know what you were getting at..... you can guess the aproximate depth by info he gave. I also like your idea, breaks up having such a wide jamb. reveals can do a lot to add a new dimension to something that would look otherwise plain.
One window needs a 4 3/4 extension and in the other romm, 6 1/2. Shim space in the rough opening is about 1/2 inch.
If there's wood surrounding the window, you could preassemble the extension, glue to the window and nail off the shimmed unit to the surrounding wood framing. If block or conc., same preassemble, glue an "toe'' pin to the window. Or if you find screws long enough, that would work. Keep the screws where they'll be covered by the casing.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
they probably ripped em out and put in new ones.....maybe - I don't know really lol.
.......you could always get a jig for drilling dowel holes.
but why don't you wan't to get a biscuit cutter? what a cool toy to have and what a great excuse you've got for getting one...just think of all the cool stuff and fun projects you could do with a biscuit cutter.... :)
..... but really - I have had success using dowels where one would use a biscuit and I did so drilling with a carefully steady hand - time consuming. If you want to try with dowels, get a jig.
maybe you'll get some better ideas ...good luck
EDIT: you sure it not easier to rip out old jams? I just realized in my other post how wide your extension might be.
Edited 7/30/2005 1:21 am ET by nails2
Normally I make the new casings/jambs bigger - from 1/4" to 1/2" depending on the look - than the extg casings. This gives a reveal that makes a 'shadowline' that most customers agree reduces the effective visual depth of the casing. If they're to be painted I just caulk them to the old. One drawback is if you like deep window-cills this won't work. Instead I will align the jambs by adding shims to pack out the new to the old, down to 6" apart if nec. Filling the gap with wood filler will make it almost disappear. But I still prefer the first method.
ciao for niao
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
Before I got my Kreg jig, I always just screwed the jambs to the window. If the jamb was 4" I'd use 5" screws, if it was 5" I'd use 6" screws, etc.
Now I just use the kreg jig. Man what would we do without these nifty new inventions?
nails?
and sometimes ... at an angle!
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Those are deep extension jambs. If there is room without interfering with the window, you could rout a rabbet on the extension jamb so that it overlaps the jambs. Creating, in effect, a reverse reveal.
This would allow you to attach the extension jamb to the framing rather than the jamb itself without worrying about a gap between the jamb and the extension.
-Don
Me and Jeff still believe in nails. I used to put just the least bit of a bend on the tips of 1 1/2" finish nails and then toenail the new to the old. You might be able to back up the new extension piece with a flat bar to make nailing easier.
Ron
ya know ... it's things like wedging yer small/flat bar back there before pulling the trigger that U never think of being a "tip" ... until U see someone trying to do it the other way.
Any chance of U making Calfest?
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Jeff,
As much as I'd love to, there's not a chance I can get away. I read the list and there's a lot of people going to be theere I'd like to meet and a lot I'd like to see again.
Ron
I like using pocket screws if there is room, but another method is too preassemble the extension box and add the casing as well. Then you can utilize a small bead of glue around the perimeter of the extension to the jamb joint.
Use the casing, if possible, to square the box, and fasten the whole unit to the framing via the casing. The glue can dry at it's leisure. Heck, I've even done this without glue and caulked the joint. On painted jambs, of course.
Quality, Craftsmanship, Detail
In some of the new days depending on the customer I have returned to the old jambs with drywall. Gives a clean crisp look.
Have a good day.
Cliffy
You could simply use a drywall return. If you'd rather use extension jambs, then I would but them up against the existing jambs & face nail it to the rough framing with finishing nails.
Edited 8/1/2005 10:26 am ET by Johnny