The Mechanics to Prime Window Craft Gauntlet: Walk Away with the Factory
A 3-Part Restoration Challenge | Harrison, Arkansas | November 1, 2025
🔥 Think You’ve Got What It Takes?
The Window Craft Gauntlet is the ultimate team competition in historic window restoration.
It's several events blended into one, combining Joinery, Mechanics, Frame and Sash Restoration.
The winning team will take home a complete Sash Factory Router Table valued at $5,000—ready to launch or level up their own Window Craft operation.This is not a workshop.This is a proving ground.
🔧 What You’ll Do:
Your team will have 4 hours to:
Joinery and Carpentry
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Build a Properly Sized Six Lite Sash
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Fit and Tune New Sash
Mechanics to Prime
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Change Ropes
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Strip Frames
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Install Left Stops and Parting Bead
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Prime Frame
Strip to Glaze
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Strip to Glaze Original Sash
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Prime, Cut Glass and Glaze New Sash
Assemble and Tune
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Install Top and Bottom Sash
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Install Locking Hardware
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Install Right Stops and Parting Bead (no nails)
📏 Official Rules
This is the Mechanics to Prime Triathlon—a time-limited, team-based challenge where three disciplines collide:
✅ 3-Person Teams Only
Every team must include a carpenter, a finisher, and a leader/manager.
⚔️ Direct Competition Required
You must face another team. No solo runs or unchallenged victories.
⏱️ 4-Hour Limit to Qualify
All work must be completed in 4 hours to be eligible for the grand prize.
🧱 Finish What You Start
Even if you go over time, you must still finish the window. No unfinished work left behind. Period.
🛠️ On-Site Work Only
No pre-built components. Everything must be made during the event.
🧰 Tools
Sash Factory Router Table and set up provided. Personal tools must be approved during check-in.
🦺 Safety First
PPE required for heat, scraping and sanding.
🎯 Judging Criteria Includes:
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Joinery quality
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Sash fit and glazing
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Frame readiness and mechanical function
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Primer coverage
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Professionalism, teamwork, and time performance
🏅 Judges’ decisions are final.
📝 Registration
Who Can Enter:
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Artisan Army apprentices, alumni, or qualified restoration professionals
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Preference for workshop-trained teams
What You’ll Submit:
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Team name
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Team captain + contact info
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Member names + roles
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Tool list (for approval)
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1-paragraph team bio
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(Optional) Work samples (links or photos)
💵 Entry Fee: $150 per team
Covers workspace, tools, materials, and event gear.
Fee waived for teams formed through qualifying workshops.
🗓️ Deadline: October 15, 2025
Slots are limited.
🏆 Grand Prize
The Sash Factory Router Table ($5,000 Value)
Includes orientation + ongoing support.
🏅 Runner-up teams may receive:
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Tool kits
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Artisan Army merch
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Future workshop credit
🧭 Step Into the Press
This is the full M2P Pillar in one shot.
No shortcuts. No second chances.
Just three people, one window, and four hours to prove you’re ready.
