sliding sash clearance

[opener]

I occasionally make sliding sash windows but I don't get involved in the site fitting. I'm wondering about the side clearance for the sashes. I usually leave them free sliding but snug, on the basis that they can be eased some more but you can't add some on. My impression is that with too much clearance the sash will rock from side to side on its way up and down, but as I don't get to fit the weights I'm not able to check. I've not had any complaints but I'd be glad to hear the views of others, particularly those who do the site fitting as well.

Cheers
Malcolm

[mrgrimsdale]

I do them fairly loose say 3mm each side (6mm total). Seems to work OK. They don't rock at all if they are properly weighted and moving freely.
But the fore and aft clearance is more important and I set that at 1.5 i.e. 3mm total. They've got to be free to move but also draught proof enough. And 1.5 (3 total) top and bottom too, with the meeting rails level.
I set the gap between meeting rails (whatever the design) to slightly less than the parting slip. Then the catch I set tightish, so the sashes will pinch the parting slip and not rattle.
I always fit them myself as lots can go just a bit wrong - it's a critical stage.
The punters are often surprised at just how nicely and easily a trad sash can move, and still be sufficiently draught proof.

cheers
Jacob

[opener]

Hi Jacob
Thanks a lot for your detailed reply, I knew I could rely on you for some help Now I can get it right first time.
Cheers
Malcolm

[dirtydeeds]

the traditional clearances are

3mm (1/8th) fore and aft

10mm (3/8th) side to side, this you can tighten up if the windows are under 5 foot high, over 10 foot high you NEED the whole 10mm


however

to tighten up the 10mm tollerance you need to remove ALL the excess paint AND have accurate weights to within a pound



AND depending on multi paned sashes you might not have equal weights on either side of a SINGLE sash

when you get to this stage you are ONLY JUST begining to understand box sash windows


after that you start looking at single side hung sashes OR 6 weight (two sash control)

THEN, AND ONLY then

you might START to understand box sash windows

after that

it gets complicated

[dirtydeeds]

ps

venetian sashes are more complicated all though quite simple (to me)

BUT when venetian sashes get complicated



when one or more of the venetian sashes actually move, then things get VERY complicated, then phone me first



just add double box sashes to this mix

then there is ONLY ONE person to phone. thats me



better than than that i can restore them from the dead

but it dont come cheap

[jfc]

There you go Jacob , next time you are wondering what to do you know who to call ;D

[mrgrimsdale]

Yeah wossis number? I bet he isn't cheap though

cheers
Jacob

[jfc]

Just call 999 and ask for Sash Man .............and his trusty side kick casement boy ;D