Cutting window into existing coop--how??

[Tracyree]

my coop is in need of 2 more windows. It has one, and a chicken door, but could use some more airflow in this HEAT. It's 101 degrees in there right now and no breeze.

So, how does one go about cutting a hole in existing wood? I wouldn't feel comfortable plunge cutting with a rotary saw. Have a sawzall, but can't see that turning out pretty.

Ideas?

(I'm going to ask DH to do it tonight, but not counting on the follow through and guessing I'll have to do it myself)

Edited to add: the walls are constructed out of reclaimed barn wood running vertically on the outside and another layer running horizontally inside. The two layers are dint up against each other, the horizontal interior boards between the joists(is that the right word?)

 

[Wishing4Wings]

If you're worried about looks, you could put a little framing around the outside. If it's wide enough, it can cover a lot of imperfections.

 

[Tracyree]

That might be what I have to do. :/

Maybe if I use a sawzall and cute from the outside for the side cuts, using the board edges as guides, the cute from the inside for the top and bottom cuts, using the board edges for guides...maybe it'll work.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

I think you'd be better off penciling in your guidelines, that way if you slip or get off track, you won't mess up your trim pieces.

 

[3forfree]

If you have joists on the walls just measure off them with a framing square for the size you want and draw lines, then use a saw of choice to cut it. Put some hardware cloth across the opening and as mentioned before frame the outside and put a hinged window on the outside.

 

[crchickens]

Funny you should ask. We just had to put extra windows in our barn that our goats and pigs are housed in, and we have NO access to electricity out there. My husband used a level to draw the lines on the inside where we wanted them. He then used his battery powered drill to drill the four corners, and he used an old fashioned hand saw to cut the lines. It turned out very nice. We added the welded wire, and this weekend we are going to add trim to it. We kept the cut out pieces and we are going to make a track at the bottom of the opening on the inside of the barn, and he is going to add two wood pieces that rotate to hold that piece into place in the winter time. It has made a HUGE difference in the barn temperature. You will be glad you added them to your coop. We went crazy with ventilation in our coop, which is part of what inspired us with the barn. We realized how much warmer it was then the coop.

Good luck, and drink lots of water while you do it, because hubby felt like he would pass out from the heat.

 

[The Lazy L]

Frame the opening on the inside and drill a hole in one corner.

From the outside take a router with Flush Trim bit and cut you opening.

 

[RonC]

Nail a board temporarily to the wall to use as a guide for the sawzall. Space it so the plate below the blade rest against the boardl.You can even nail it to the piece you are removing, just leave a little uncut to hold it in place till you get the majority of it cut. Then you can free hand the small places you didn't cut. Drill the holes in the corners like others have suggested to insert the blade.