New windows for the basement

We have wanted to replace our basement windows for years. The old ones were original. I could tell they were hand made with blown glass which dates them around the time the home was built 1919. The had aluminum storms installed over them. This didn't stop cold air from getting through. From the inside the windows were locked, chalked and painted shut. Even the lock was painted over!

To begin I ordered the windows two weeks ago. I took measurements and triple checked to make sure I got the right size windows. I wanted to eliminate the wood casing around the window completely and go right to the stone foundation.

First picture shows the old windows with the wood casing and storm windows installed.

The Opening
I prepared the opening by removing the entire window and frame. In some places water had started to get behind the frame. I scraped and hammered until I got the opening perfectly clear.

Fill the holes
The foundation block had holes running vertically deep into the wall. I plugged those holes with block then covered the hole with mortar. Did this on both windows at the same time. The second picture shows the bare opening and the third one shows the holes filled.

Preparing the windows and install

While the block dried I covered the all the edges with painter's tape to protect the white trim. On all four sides of each opening I laid down a thick bead of block adhesive. This is some really sticky stuff. I made sure the windows were plum and level. I used concrete screws in each corner to hold the block in place while the mortar dries.

Cementing the window in place

Lastly I used a mortar bag to run mortar on three sides (I use exterior caulk on the top). I feathered to mortar into the existing foundation. Once it dries and ages a bit I don't think you would be able to tell the windows were installed.
The last few pictures show the completed project. Two more windows to go!

Bookshelves for my classroom

Last year I moved to a new grade and classroom. The classroom was an addition to my school. Very nice and new however without storage. I had tons of student books, teaching materials, books about teaching and then supplies. Last year I built a low shelf to his language arts books and reading center work. This year it was a shelf to cover my small reading books plus a shelf for my day to day teaching materials.
Love how they turned out. I didn't put a lot of effort into the joinery or the finish. I didn't have a lot of time to mess around with them.

Shelving unit for garage

Yesterday I finished a shelving unit for the garage. I've always wanted a place to put the coolers, baseball stuff, yard toys, and the chairs we use at sporting events.

I used the metal corner brackets to get the first shelf level. The rest of the shelves are screwed or nailed together. To purchase a shelf this big and sturdy it would have cost too much. I made this for under $50 bucks.