Replies

1. 
   Floss | Dec 30, 2003 07:19pm | #1

   BradS,

   You can make a round base for a small router,laminate trimmer, by splitting a large dowell or making a split turning on a lathe if you have one. Mount this to the router so that a small 1/4" bit comes through the center,apex, of the curved base. You can then screw another fence out near the edge of the split dowell and use it to remove small amounts of material to get the rough shape of the handrail. It also helps to layout the profile on each end of the rail and draw a series of lines at the transition points in the profile ie. beads or coves. Then use a series of carving tools,gouges,scratch stocks and scrapers to take the rail to the final shape. Does this make sense? It is really a simple way to shape a curved rail, but takes some time. I also think it is safer than trying to rig something up to a shaper. As far as cutting the ends square, a band saw is good as well as a sharp hand saw if you don't have a bandsaw. You can if you want make a pitch block, represents rise and run of stair, to set the rail on in order to get a more accurate, square, cut on the bandsaw and to layout the plumb,square, cuts of the rail. It is the same principle used for cutting volutes and gooseneck risers if you have ever done that. Hope this helps. J.P.

1. 
   BradS | Dec 30, 2003 08:06pm | #2

   Thanks for the advice. Do you have a photo of the router with split dowel base you could post or send to me directly at [email protected]?

1. 
   Floss | Dec 31, 2003 01:28am | #3

   I don't have a digital camera, however I can sketch something and have it to you by tomorrow morning.

   J.P.

1. 
   BradS | Dec 31, 2003 01:35am | #4

   I would greatly appreciate that.

   thanks

1. 
   Floss | Jan 01, 2004 06:46pm | #5

   I've been trying to get this sketch to the right size for viewing. Hope this works.

   It didn't. I'll e-mail it.

   J.P.