I was glueing in the last sill on my Andersen windows when my nephew remarked that I was just “picture framing” them. Oh, no, I wanted those nice wide sills which I think are called stools. I talked to my Andersen supplier who told me Andersen doesn’t sell them and that I had to buy them locally. Never mind that I had mentioned it time and time again when ordering…. Anyway, I am to blame for putting the blamed things on.
So, please tell me if I am stuck with the picture frame sill, or is it possible to unglue them without damaging the little groove on the window itself? If I knock it out will I damage the jamb piece that runs up the side of the window? (The jamb extensions are for 6″ walls. The glue I used was just regular carpenter’s yellow glue.)
Thank you. Lavina
Replies
I don't know if one can unglue this jamb extension, others can chime in. If I was doing it, I would leave in in place, cut/mill another piece, wider (longer) by at least twice the casing width +2" and edge glue it to the already in place horizontal jamb extension (an extension to the extension :-)
Choose a piece with similar looking figure, grain running in same direction... Need to trick the 2 piece so top surface is flush, use biscuits or make new piece a bit proud (higher) then plane it/sand it down after glue sets. Need to also get creative in how you clamp new "extension" for glue to set, or use fast setting glue...
I really misnamed my question, didn't I? You're the only one who found it and I appreciate your answer, but it is too complicated for me to do, so I've been hoping somebody would write, "Or you can....." with something easier. I tried to rename it but this is only my second posting....
My other one was flashing a chimney, and everybody had something to say....
I wish I could do what you told me to do, really I do, because I sure wish I could have those big wide sills.
If you know how to rename it please do. Like how to unglue a window jamb extension?
Thank you sharpblade. You are sharp and I am not. Lavina
kinda late on the east coast after a long day and my tired eyes, but a couple quick comments.
1) first one, don't take it too hard: some things simply can't be undone. no matter how much we wish, there's no perfect answer. like "unbreaking" a broken piece of glass, or glueing it back together. Never gonna be the same. Ungluing two pieces of wood is rarely elegant, especially when glued right to start with. best one can find is an alternative
2) this has nothing to do with the title of the thread/question. renaming it isn't likely to help. BUMP'ing it so others can see it may (this reply will do that) I'm sure others have read it, but maybe they don't have an answer. Maybe a new reader will.
3) Are you sure you can't do what I suggested? Seems like you have the willingness. I say that after I briefly looked at your "chimney" thread, looks like you're doing the research for your amateur roofer/mason contractors, this is much less complicated than flashing a chimney. if something isn't clear, ask again :-)
Dear Sharpblade,
Thank you for reminding me to let well enough alone. I believe this is one of those times I'll be better off to do so. Who knows, a little country house with contemporary looking jambs might be all right.
I have designed this house and subcontracted it myself, and this is probably the stupidest mistake I've made yet.
I appreciate your help.
Thanks, Lavina
I've never had to remove a glued extension jamb (they just staple em on at the factory), but one thought that came to mind wa is there enough room to fit a sill on top of the existing jamb? A local lumber yard will carry stock "Stool"trim (never did like that word). they just need to be knotched for the ears and nailed on. What brand window?
Second thought I had was a sharp chisel to chisel out the extension flush, then just install stool with shims to the desired height forgoing the groove in the window that typically accepts the extension.
Good luck,
Jay
"it aint the work I mind,
It's the feeling of falling further behind."
Bozini Latini
I looked and there is no room to put the stool on top of the extension sill but thanks. I've decided to live with what I have, because sure as shootin I'll break things if I try to undo it.
You have the right advice already. The best and easiest way to ad a sill extension is to glue it on edge to edge mating with what you already installed. A few quickclamps helps. Open the window to use them to hold this new piece in place.
What sharpblade ws saying about length is right too. Measure the inside openning between your extensions, add two times the size of the casing you will use, and add 2". So, for example, if you have a 31" wide spac and 2-1/4" casings, you have 31+4.5+2=37.5"
Another tip, if you are working alone, make atick mark with pencil at the cnter of the existing, and a center mark also on the sill you are adding. That way you don't have to fuss around rying to hold it in place and check measurements at two ends at the same time. Just line up your center tick marks.
Always dryfit first, before you add any glue
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I'm hard copying your instructions just in case I need them -- thanks-- but I'm going to leave as is after all. Thanks for your help.
Be Well.
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Lavina,
If you glued the extension on properly, trying to remove it will be a nightmare. Unlikely you'll damage the window frame to the degree that it would need replacing....but certainly enough that trying to apply a stool will be both a head ache and an eyesore.
As other have mentioned, your best bet at this point is to add to the extension to give you the look you desire. If you don't own a biscuit joiner, you might consider renting one.
Take your time and get it as tight as possible. Even if it ends up not being perfect, you'll likely be happier to live with that imperfection than with picture framed windows.
Best of luck.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Lavina,
Now that I understand your question (my apologies, I didn't read between the lines as well as Sharp did), a thought had...
If you are in the mood to adlib a bit, at Home Depot (and other places no doubt) they sell thin "hobby wood" that's about 1/4 thick in various widths. Maybe you could cut a stool that sits on top of your existing trim,but extends out the desired amount? It would be unorthodox, but it would be thin enough that it wouldn't add a lot of bulk and since it's solid you could sand a radius on the edges that might make it look OK...
Edited 10/11/2006 9:56 am ET by PaulBinCT
Tried to attach this before...
OOOps, I had casements stuck in my mind's eye...maybe ???
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That must hurt like heck...
The operating hardware for Andersens and seating trim would not work right with another stool on top of the existing
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Wow, that's a neat idea to use the hobby wood. Maybe one of my long term projects after I move in.... thanks
Stop back and let us know if it works..