Replies

1. 
   bigfootnampa | Jun 25, 2006 10:32pm | #1

   I don't know of any such machine... usual practice today is to order bending rail and laminate it on site to fit the required curves.  Bending rail has a key and slot built into the profiles so that the rail slices interlock making it relatively easy to align them as they are assembled.

1. 
   bymco | Jun 26, 2006 04:02pm | #5

   similiar to L.J smith stairs system?

1. 
   RickL | Jun 26, 2006 04:38pm | #6

   Two totally different things. The handrail router is a highly specialized router for doing custom curved handrails. The L.J Smith stairs system is stock  packaged stair components.

2. 
   bigfootnampa | Jun 27, 2006 07:40am | #7

   Yes, I think, but they are produced by many stair parts manufacturers.  I hadn't seen that machine before but it is interesting.  I've done rails with scratch stock, gouges and rasps before.   Lotsa work but I still couldn't have done it with that machine.  I had to match an antique profile.

2. 
   sapwood | Jun 25, 2006 11:39pm | #2

   Is this what you mean?
   http://www.ersystech.com/models/FG308.htm

   It is a spendy item.

1. 
   bymco | Jun 26, 2006 04:00pm | #4

   it looks right. Thanks

3. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 26, 2006 07:45am | #3

   Over on Sawmill Creek (http://www.sawmillcreek.org) there's a guy named Richard Wolf who is a stairbuilder.  He has one of those machines, and has reported about it on that forum.  Do a search on his name.  Use "handrail router" as the key words.