Thread: Counterbalance Sash's

You would be flat out finding anyone to build this type of window ,mosly use Unique spiral sash balances,do a Google search, dont know if they are still made..

Phoenix,
You would be surprised just how many small joinery firms out there are making them!
I have four quotes for the traditional weight and cord style, although a wee bit on the expensive side, hence the investigation of other types.
For the extension I installed Stolar spiral sash - not happy - and I know they are prone to breaking springs.
The counterbalance, on first inspection looked okay (Stolar again), though after considering what could or might go wrong down the track thought that someone out there might have experienced the disadvantages.

Kindest Regards
James

I am filling an order for 8 counter balance double hung windows at the moment. They work great but at a cost. normal spiral sash balances cost about $15 a window as compared to about $250 for the pulleys weights and cords. this is not to say i like spiral sash balances.

Ben

If you want a original box frame and sashes why not.. they were around for a long time and building it yourself,, cutting out the pocket you will be easily able to replace the sash cords if the need arises,
les

The only problem with the old type of box sash balances was the rope breaking. The old ones mostly had old type cotton rope that tended get rotten with age. With better quality nylon type ropes they should last much longer.

Originally Posted by les88

If you want a original box frame and sashes why not.. they were around for a long time and building it yourself,, cutting out the pocket you will be easily able to replace the sash cords if the need arises,
les

Cheers Les,
The thought of building my own has crossed my mind, probably crossed the Petticoat Governors mind as well, "As if he hasn't got enough to do already and can I wait that long for my nice new windows"...........mmmmm.
Does anyone have any Cad files or pdf's as a guide? I will search AutoDesk for a start. With a memory like a leaky tank I am thinking back to the refurbishment of some others, I have not totally forgotten, but any pictorial assistance would be accepted graciously.

Kindest Regards
James

A traditional cord type counter balance will out last a spring balance one hundred to one, I personaly can't think of one good thing to say about spring balance's

Originally Posted by Barry_White

The only problem with the old type of box sash balances was the rope breaking. The old ones mostly had old type cotton rope that tended get rotten with age. With better quality nylon type ropes they should last much longer.

Better still, Barry, go to a yacht chandlery and get some of the new hi-tech cordage - vectran, spectra, etc - and it will probably outlast the house.

Cheers

Graeme

Hello James,
If you want to make them yourself I can draw a plan of the details, joints etc., I made hundreds of these in the old days. Sourcing the material might take some time, we used tallow wood sills, the rest of the stock was oregon [ douglas fir ]. The sashes were made from pacific maple.

les

Originally Posted by les88

Hello James,
If you want to make them yourself I can draw a plan of the details, joints etc., I made hundreds of these in the old days. Sourcing the material might take some time, we used tallow wood sills, the rest of the stock was oregon [ douglas fir ]. The sashes were made from pacific maple.

les

Evening Les,
Would appreciate that if it is not too much trouble. You don't happen to know an old friend of mine, a Ross Hammond (Perrin-Hammond) do you?


Kindest Regards
James