How to Remove Putty from a Window with a Cobra Speedheater

[@mrpibbsdotcom]

I have a Cobra Speedheater and I restore very old windows and for the most part I’ve had little success in using it to soften putty. My assumption is that once the oil has leached out of the putty it’s effectively turned back into chalk and it will never soften. Great paint removal tool otherwise.

[@denasorensen6272]

This is great! Thanks for posting.

[@OldHomeRescue]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fredfrenchy]

$499 seem a bit expensive for a simple IR. Old glass is between 1.5+2mm thick, extremely fragile especially when any pressure is placed on it. If you're doing a large project it's very likely you will crack some of the old glass. Very difficult to remove all putty easily as often the putty beneath the glass remains hard. So be careful when removing the glass. Removing old is completely different to removing replacement glass which may have been replaced witches 3 to 4mm and is much less likely to crack. Old glass is expensive to replace so very sensitive work is required when you're trying to remove original glass. The IR process. There is also often nails or tack nails holding the glass in place beneath the putt. Sometimes if you hit the tack it will crack the window. Gentle and extreme precaution when removing the tack nail.

[@OldHomeRescue]

The Craftsman Blog now has a ceramic version that comes in around $200.

[@rivernet62]

I have broken many windows trying to reclaim wavy panes. I've tried everything including heat, steam, knife, chisel, and oscillating tool. The only thing that is useful for removing strong and well set glazing (which is not just falling out on its own anyway) is the oscillating tool. Stay in the wood and yes, it's a painfully tedious process, but it's the only way you can have any assurance that you can release the window without breaking it.

[@OldHomeRescue]

We have a rolling chisel on our website now that is amazing for this!

[@brucekahn6083]

$500 bucks?? You've got to be kidding!! That's absolutely ridiculous. Forget that!!

[@OldHomeRescue]

@thecraftsmanblog has a ceramic version that’s around $200 that works well for a DIY scenario.

[@tylerjenkins6088]

Could you rebuild the window like it was originally?

[@terrytowelling6212]

What happens if the glass is embedded in putty inside the rebate? (I.e you can’t heat it.)

[@matt7iron]

They never answered your tough question.

[@aiselaallie2683]

How long do you leave the heater on the glazing to soften it?

[@OldHomeRescue]

Aisela Allie it really just depends... 10-30 seconds

[@aiselaallie2683]

Old Home Rescue - thank you!

[@danilorainone406]

heat enough to burn putty off the rebate,rabbet whichever, will scorch the wood,crack glass,placing aluminum foil on the glass will usually prevent breakage if the wood is to be painted,scorch marks are hot harmful,also if the window is already cracked or broken,Otherwise,careful cleaning out with a semi dull 3/4 in chisel is the method,taking care not to hit the glass edge or the embedded points

[@OldHomeRescue]

There’s actually a rolling chisel on our store now that works really well too.

[@davidcarter4454]

Why are you shouting?

[@OldHomeRescue]

Sorry, audio was difficult when we made this video.

[@charlievan4877]

😊😊😊 I had to turn off audio because of the shouty voice... Can you imagine living with someone who talks like that????

[@neilparsons7250]

Re-record it with a microphone headset or overdub with a calm voice.