Andersen friction glider!

I finally got around to staining the new Andersen 6040 "glider." Why stain? The outer sash is blocked by an awkward vinyl rib, which reduced the chances of a neat paint job. Excess stain could be wiped off, and the clearcoat afterwards is simply clear. Such a rib design (visible in previous post photo, at upper right) is another reason why this window is not up to par with Pella. Perhaps this is only on their 200 series. Luckily I had appropriate wood stain that goes well enough with the tan and white colors that I have planned for the window.

Upon removal and closer inspection of the operable sash, the gliding mechanism reveals itself as nothing but a couple of plastic friction blocks! No rollers. It's not truly gliding like Certainteed's glider, which have nice wide rollers.

And this explains why it feels snug and heavy.