Cheapest/easiest way to construct windows in a DIY blind?

[robbyreneeward]

I posted this in the DIY forum as well, but wanted to see if putting it here as well would help.

I'm going to build an 8x6 bow blind for my property. 3-4 ft elevated, and wanted vertical windows in it for archery. Anybody got any ideas on how to make the windows on a budget? Any help would be appreciated. Pics welcome as well.

RW

[stickerpatch59]

i would use the shoot thru camo mesh. not sure of the website for the material, but it shouldn't be hard to find

[Axe Man]

I'm watching this one closely. I would prefer something that closes to help keep stuff out of the blind.

[Cajun Blake]

plexiglass on hinges , mount according to shooting window style ...... http://www.deer-stands.net/deer-stan...ows-plans.html

[Coach W]

Cabinet hinges and a piece of ply wood cut to fit.

If you want to get fancy cut the center out of the ply wood and replace with plexiglass... make sure to silicone the plexiglass to the ply wood, and use small bolts drilled through both materials to make sure the plexiglass stays.

OR Behind the piece of ply wood, staple shoot through mest to the frame of the blind... the plywood would still close and latch when you are not in it... when you get in the blind you simply un latch the windows open them up and go to hunting.

Edit: Cajun Blake hit the nail on the head with that pic... thats the way I do them in my rifle blinds... For a bow blind window turn it on its side...

[Coach W]

Pics.

[TravisMears.com]

Check out a TBH sponsor. deerview windows. even if you dont buy windows they sell the shoot through mesh as well.

[Jason Slocum]

You can buy a roll of camo mesh at academy that you can shoot through for ~$15. Cut the windows out of the plywood and staple up the mesh and you're good to go. Jason Slocum

[locknload]

nice, do they leak?

[OPC Patrick]

I made windows for my blind. Here is a link to the thread in the DIY

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94747

I didn't take to many pictures of the windows, but I took thin plexiglass and used a 1x1 or something smaller and used the table saw to cut a channel in it. then made a picture frame basically.

[Gummi Bear]

If you want solid windows (that can be closed) the Deerview windows are a good value. What they charge versus what it costs in material and time to make windows is very reasonable.

If you're not worried about being weather tight, I like to build window screen frames. Use spline and roll in your favorite mesh or window screen. All the parts are cheap and easy to source.

They are always tight, easy to shoot through, and the screen is easy to replace when you feel they are shot up.

[robbyreneeward]

Top

[jerp]

You asked for cheap and easy, here's a cheap and easy way to make sliding windows. I bought some aluminum channel at Home Depot and attached a length of it with screws above and below each window on the inside of the blind. For each window I cut a piece of plywood 2" wider and taller than the hole and slid it into the channel. Attaching a cabinet knob or handle of some kind makes them easier to open and close. (I don't use mesh but it would be easy to staple some up). I know some people don't like sliders but one of the things I like about them is you can open each window to your preference - just cracked a couple inches or all the way open.

[Coach W]

nice, do they leak?

Take a little bit of time with some weather stripping and they dont.

[robbyreneeward]

You asked for cheap and easy, here's a cheap and easy way to make sliding windows. I bought some aluminum channel at Home Depot and attached a length of it with screws above and below each window on the inside of the blind. For each window I cut a piece of plywood 2" wider and taller than the hole and slid it into the channel. Attaching a cabinet knob or handle of some kind makes them easier to open and close. (I don't use mesh but it would be easy to staple some up). I know some people don't like sliders but one of the things I like about them is you can open each window to your preference - just cracked a couple inches or all the way open.

Ok, I have 4 sheets of plexiglass that are 21.5" wide and 36.5" tall. I thought about cutting them in half and making them 10.75"x36.5" and making some type of sliding windows. I'd be abke to have 8 windows if I split them this way. Anybody else care to chime in on this idea?