Window weights as a source of cast iron.?

Window weights as a source of cast iron.?

This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 6 October 2026 at 20:31 by jon hill 3.

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6 October 2026 at 18:03 #868148
File Handle
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@filehandle
I nearly put this in beginners questions, but felt better here.
My local antique / house clearance centre has a pile of old window weights. From what I have read and remember these can be OK or not worth the hassle. I seem to recall someone attacked the outside with an angle grinder to remove the chilled crust. What are others experience of them ? I understand thicker one are better, but guess its a bit hit and miss.
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6 October 2026 at 18:29 #868151
noel shelley
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@noelshelley55608
They were made of what ever rubbish the foundry could get hold of ! There only criteria was that they should weigh not be good cast iron, if your a gambling man you may be lucky but if what your making matters then don’t bother ! Noel.
6 October 2026 at 19:38 #868158
Baz
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@baz89810
Don’t waste your time with sash wights, same goes for the weight lifting weights, plenty of good cast iron available from our usual suppliers.
6 October 2026 at 20:31 #868162
jon hill 3
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@jonhill3
If its for machining, extruded cast iron is not terrible expensive and using a known quantity is much more enjoyable.

On the other hand if your having a go at casting then a trip down to the local scrappy looking for old cast broken machinary/radiators etc. I have heard that old cast iron is good for casting.
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