After the window casting fits the opening, use a small machin-
ist's square to make sure that it is plumb (vertical).
If there is more than one window on that side of the building,
place a straight edge along the bottom of the window castings
to make sure that they are all level to each other [7]. Unless the
castings all fit tightly, I clamp the straight edge to the building
wall while spot gluing them at the top of each window to make
sure that none of the castings move out of alignment. I then
remove the straight-edge and finish bonding them in place.
While doing the photos for this article, I checked how long it
took to complete a window opening from start to finish using
a nibbler. Without rushing, it took just over a minute to “drill”
and carve an opening for the nibbler head, and the same
6
6. This photo shows the resulting hole for the first window
casting.
The Tool Shed - 4
7
7. When using more than one window casting, use a
straightedge to make sure they are all level and aligned.
amount of time to insert the nibbler and cut out the opening. It
then took just over a minute to fine-tune the opening to allow
the window casting to fit. All together, it took about 3½ min-
utes total per opening.
While this method won’t work for every building, it is a quick
method for cutting out openings for windows with exterior trim.
Disclaimer - I love good tools and don’t hesitate to invest in them.
MRH-May 2014
