Replace glass in salon door

[GordC]

I'm hoping to get some tips on how to remove the cracked glass on my salon door without destroying the moulding. I'm a reasonable mechanic but suck at fine carpentry. It appears the moulding is removed from the inside but I don't see how it can be removed without a lot of damage.

 

[alormaria]

Putty knives and guitar strings are your best friends.

 

[GordC]

Thanks Al, that sounds intriguing. Any chance of expanding a little.

 

[Benthic2]

If you break the glass and remove it, you'll have room to get a thin prybar behind the moulding.

 

[GordC]

That sound like a really good idea. Thanks Benthic

 

[C lectric]

I use several of the Stanley Wonderbars, the small ones. The older shiny plated ones are the best but even so need a bit of modification. THe newer black ones are not as nice and are quite thick down close to the edge.

I grind the ends down so they are less than 1/16" thick. Not far back or you will weaken the thing. Do it as a rolling grind leading back from the tip and the strength will remain. Then it will be easy, relatively, to work it in behind the moulding.

I ground two like that and with the two can work the mounding away and then either another unmodified bar or some wooden wedges will hold the joint open.

 

[GordC]

Thanks All, I think I'm ready to give this project a shot. I will head down to Home Depot tomorrow and buy another Wonderbar and start grinding.

 

[Benthic2]

How did it go ????

 

[GordC]

It is still a work in progress. They seem to be taking their time cutting the glass. I broke the window and removed the remaining pieces from the mouldings on one side. It was safety glass and a 1/4" thick so I could easily get a full size crow bar between the mouldings. I applied as much pressure as I dared but the glued in position mouldings did not budge on either side. I was concerned that if I applied any more pressure the wood the moulding were glued to would split. So in the end I decided to cut the mouldings out with my circular saw and I guide clamped to the door. I used a hand saw on the corners. I made new mouldings with some teak I had lying around and my router. Now all I need is that piece of glass to complete the job. I hope I didn't miss something obvious with the suggestions above but if I did I would like to hear about it.

 

[Benthic2]

Thanks for the update.