I have been a carpenter all my life. I have built countless multiradius staircases and still at 51 years old,I am amazed by your handrail skills carpenter. Thanks
Hi Bill thanks for your kind words, glad you enjoy the channel. The Historical build in Seattle sounds amazing if you have a chance please do a few photos or video and send to us loved to see it all the best Tony 👍 have awesome weekend
I’ve done my fair share of this laminating technique in sculptured curved rocking chairs making. It is very very strong and stable. Your technique and work standards are excellent. (American admirer).
Hey Lewis Clark thanks for your kind words, sculptured curved rocking chairs how cool, always loved them don’t know why they alway give me a sense of calm when I see one, thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Hi hideyourcable thanks for your kind words, we are glad that you are enjoying the video, love you title above it’s ate company policy no wire or pipes to be seen, thanks for watching all the best Tony 👍
Just come across your channel. Really enjoyed the methodical and hands on tutorial you presented. Unless you have built such a piece one would rarely appreciate the amount of time and planning which goes into a hand rail, particularly one with a curve. Thanks again.
Chester Dodd thanks for your kind words it’s great to able to share one’s knowledge the old boy who trained me would have loved you tube he was a true master craftsman thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Hi Johns Law thanks man, don’t really get to do much curved work nowadays but I have a wreath on the way which I’am looking forward to when I have time 😂 all the best Tony 👍
Hi Mark Russell thanks for your kind words, super exciting times for you then with this new, we you all the best on the journey, please don’t hesitate to ask any questions on your new build if you need any advice or if we can point you in the right direction, thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Subscribed. Excellent craftsmanship. Most carpenters in NYC don’t get to work on projects like these. It’s unfortunate. It’s nice to see the level of detail you put into ‘em though
Thanks and great video/job. Question the blocks that the hand rail is sitting on how did you determine the dimensions of layout? And If I’m going to bend a rail and the treads differ in dimensions would I have to set blocks at the dimension where the finish nosing of tread would be at to keep the same rake?
Please get back to tony!! It’s a framed out curved staircase so I know I can clamp to stud just wanted to know the rule of thumb on the block playing weather you just mimic the dimensions of each tread nosing
Hi Troy Queen thanks for your kind words, you are lucky to be able to buy from the stair supplier your right it saves a lot of time. Thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Amazing work! Thanks for the in depth info. Out of interest how long did the entire build take? I'm about to tackle one in my own house but need to know how long it might take me.
Make or mockup copy of the wall height and stair width. Now construct the stair case curve with piece of 1 inch phex pipe. draw the lines. Measure each step height. Next cut in the stair rail or ballaster. Measure. Measure. Measure Once you finally confirmed all the exact measurements. Cut the oak strips and start gluing As you can see. With the massive amount of clamps needed. Set the glued up oak or the wood of your choice. Clamp in place. Finally removed the ballaster. Next lay the assembly in place and see if it fits. And finally the finish work.
Hi there, You used oak in the video. I need a mahogony type finish, sapele perhaps. Would you use the same process? Or would you prefer a different wood? Thanks Sam
I've got a project with a VERY tight inner radius handrail, almost like a spiral staircase over 180 degrees. The radius is like 6" or less... How would you deal with not only a tight curve, but also a heavy twist? We are scratching our heads on this one, thinking CNC might be the only way, which is big money. Thanks in advance!!
nice job, im wondering how they do the solid wood curved hand rails? I can just imagine the difficulty on steam bending large and very long pieces of wood. then fitting it on a jig. Is that how they do the solid wood ones?
Hi hurculeforever thanks glad you enjoyed the video, steam bending solid pieces, well something that I haven’t done but I bet someone out there would be maybe doing it especially in boat building or something on that line, I’am going to TH-cam it I need to know all the best Tony 👍 keep safe
Solid wood handrails today are typically manufactured using CNC equipment (computer numerically controlled) These are typically 5 axis machines and very expensive to purchase and program. The programmer must also be highly trained. A typical curved stair with one inside stringer and handrail, usually requires at least 3 solid, helical handrail segments. These are rail-bolted together to form the overall length. During the 19th century, various drawing techniques were used to create the required patterns (called face molds.) These were sometime provided by the architect or a handrail specialist. Not just the proper helical curve was required but twist bevels had to be ascertained. The ends of each handrail segment had to have exact amounts of twist in order to remain level as it spiraled around. The method that I used was known as "the tangent method" and was first introduced to North America by Robert Riddell. Although there were others who used different systems. Riddell remains at the top. The Mowatt brothers refined his work and penned one of The best books on the subject. The look and feel of solid curved handrail segments remains rare. But there was a time when only a crazy carpenter would cut-up perfectly good timbers and reduce them to bundles of strips. BTW, to my knowledge, there has never been much steam-bending in curved handrail manufacture. That was more for the boatbuilder. PS, Not only the curved handrail was formed with twisted surfaces but all of the adjoining fittings as well. I'm retired now but have been paid to lecture and teach this now obsolete and forgotten skill. It still works today though and with very few limitations, commonly associated with strip-bending.
Hi tony,fellow carpenter here though not up to your standard with staircases like this one,I have been watching very closely and due to the fantastic way that you explain things I believe I would be able to tackle a similar but maybe less complex one so thanks. Do you ever watch grand designs? There was one a few years back where the builders/homeowners had a business and made a living steam bending wood and some of the details that they incorporated in to their house were stunning,I would recommend watching it if you can find it anywhere. Thanks for these videos mate.
Hi Silver Fox there will be three more to follow, hope we can get them out soon apologies about delay just crazy times hope you’re all well all the best Tony 👍
Hi top 111 portland good question, the reason I don’t I feel I have more control over the run of the handrail especially with longer rack piece handrail, in the joinery shop we would use a feed roller on a spindle moulder, thanks for watching all the best Tony
Wouldn't recommend them or trend routers. Plenty of power but the handles and position of them are horrible. Especially if you use the router plenlty. Makita router is lovely to use and comfortable. My opinion. I do plenty of moulding and curved handrail same as these guys so just my opinion. Go to a toolstore and get a feel. Yes you will get more attachment with trend but also the price tag as well with them
Vertical strip-lamination, is only one way to make spiral handrail and is not without problems and limitations. These guys make it look quite easy. It's not. Besides building elaborate bending forms, you must have a mountain of clamps (which must be left on the job, if you're using the stair as a a bending form. Small, steep stairs are sometimes not possible to bend. This also requires at least two workmen to get things done and you've got to work fast or use an extended-time glue. BTW, if you use the wrong glue, your handrail will spring-back more than it normally does. At that point you'll have wasted your time and materials. Don't bother finishing it or trying to install it, just cut it up.
Here's a tip guy's after you've glued up the handrail piece's wooden or plastic handle with a roll of plastic film on top you'll need three people for this 2 each end and one rapping from one end to the other. Stops the drips and tightens up the veneer and it conformes to your caul
question, why show the glue up of an inclined railing , but then show the routing of a flat curve ? Why not show the routing of the railing that you glued up ?
Hi rmdemaray we had a camera nightmare, for some reason the camera didn’t record, so we then had to use the footage from the curved flat landing rail to show the process. On the rack handrail you have to take your time a bit more. I’am just glad we had the other curved rail, in the next stair video you will see the jig being made got the flat curved landing handrail, hopefully this makes sense thanks for watching, keep safe all the best Tony 👍
Hi Michael P . Shaw Joinery then went to Humphrey Brother Curved and Spiral wooden Stairs then to Manor House Interiors then did shop fittings then site work and then decided let’s have ago building for myself and the rest is history all the best Tony 👍
That “double locking feature” isn’t really a safety feature. The first break of tension is the collet nut loosening from the collet holder threads and the second break of tension is the actual collet being pulled free from the collet holder as the collet nut is being backed out. Great work though!
Was just wondering why you choose to you a straight cutter and not a fluted one to cut the stringer? Not doing stairs that long! But have already blown up one router on an oak string because you cant plunge in increments with a the standard dovetail cutter! I ask with respect and reverence as you clearly know your s***t!
Hi William Davis sorry for the late reply, great question, it’s funny that I have never used a dovetail cutter I suppose it’s because it’s the way I have been shown always used a flute when being trained it might of been cost, the main reason for me is most veneer finishing you have to have a square surface because the trim router bit needs it, if it was dovetail it would trim to the wrong position, the rule with cutters as I was always told width of the cutter is the depth you plunge no more is 13mm cutter 13mm plunge, also some cutter have cutter speeds on the plus always use a 1/2 collet not 1/4 or 3/8 thanks for watching, keep safe all the best Tony 👍
Hi mark kouba depending on what glue you use might be the case, but do you get the working time, do you get the clear glue line, I have tried many glues over the years especially when I was making stair’s full time and always came straight back to cascamite, plus working with Oak as you may or may not know it has a tendency to move a lot, personally you would have it delaminate if you only did one side. Thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Glue on both sides helps the strips to slide while they're being bent. It also allows a little more time before the glue begins to grab. And you need more time to get everything in position and all. Clamped up. Strip-laminating is tricky business and when you're done, you cross your fingers that you won't have to much spring-back or delamination issues. I hated the whole process and even the striped handrails it produces. It also requires another pair of hands which was not always at hand. Eventually I learned to cut and shape curved handrail from solid stock which put an end to my bending days.
@@rockandmeatroll hi I would assume kitchen cabinets are on a horizontal and vertical plane the handrail is on a pitch or rack I have never seen a rack cabinet only panelling all the best Tony 👍
Absolute Tradesman.
Hi Michael much appreciated, I will always be thankful to the guys who trained me thanks for watching all the best Tony 👍 have a awesome week
I have been a carpenter all my life. I have built countless multiradius staircases and still at 51 years old,I am amazed by your handrail skills carpenter. Thanks
I picked up a huge historical build in Seattle. Thanks for sharing . Lol I'm nervous.
Hi Bill thanks for your kind words, glad you enjoy the channel. The Historical build in Seattle sounds amazing if you have a chance please do a few photos or video and send to us loved to see it all the best Tony 👍 have awesome weekend
I’ve done my fair share of this laminating technique in sculptured curved rocking chairs making. It is very very strong and stable. Your technique and work standards are excellent. (American admirer).
Hey Lewis Clark thanks for your kind words, sculptured curved rocking chairs how cool, always loved them don’t know why they alway give me a sense of calm when I see one, thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Fantastic teaching video, really appreciate the time you take to share nice job.
Hi Peter Kiernan thanks for your kind words, thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Absolutely stunning. Now working my way through all your other vids. Thanks for sharing. Awesome stuff
Hi hideyourcable thanks for your kind words, we are glad that you are enjoying the video, love you title above it’s ate company policy no wire or pipes to be seen, thanks for watching all the best Tony 👍
Beautiful work
Much appreciated Lee, take care 👍
Just come across your channel. Really enjoyed the methodical and hands on tutorial you presented. Unless you have built such a piece one would rarely appreciate the amount of time and planning which goes into a hand rail, particularly one with a curve. Thanks again.
Hi BlueKingfisher thanks for your kind words, thank you for watching, keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Excellent video it’s nice to see someone who takes pride in there work I’ve learned a lot from your video thank you
Hi Mark we are glad you found the video useful have a awesome weekend all the best Tony 👍
great seeing unique content like this on the tube, fair play lads! more vids on this pls
👍
More to come Reg, take care 👍
Excellent work well done and very well explained thanks for sharing
Glad you liked the video Paul! 👍
Excellent video....thanks for sharing
Hi Danny Mistry glad you enjoyed the video all the best Tony 👍
Excellent video thanks for that!
Hi Desmond Lacy thanks for your kind words keep safe all the best Tony 👍 oh thanks for watching
Awesome video! Thanks for explaining the detailed hints and such.
Chester Dodd thanks for your kind words it’s great to able to share one’s knowledge the old boy who trained me would have loved you tube he was a true master craftsman thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Love the videos great job 👍👍👍
Master of masters
👍
Excellent absolutely amazing beautiful top job
Thank you Javed 👍
Absolutely brilliant awesome carpentry cheers
Thanks for watching Roy 👍
Nice work Tone 👍
Hi Johns Law thanks man, don’t really get to do much curved work nowadays but I have a wreath on the way which I’am looking forward to when I have time 😂 all the best Tony 👍
Awesome 👍👍
Hi Silver Fox 👍👍👍 keep safe
Fascinating.
Thanks Maria! 👍
Hi Tony - really great video just subscribed. Doing a self build at the moment so saving all these videos in a play list for as & when I need them.
Hi Mark Russell thanks for your kind words, super exciting times for you then with this new, we you all the best on the journey, please don’t hesitate to ask any questions on your new build if you need any advice or if we can point you in the right direction, thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Subscribed. Excellent craftsmanship. Most carpenters in NYC don’t get to work on projects like these. It’s unfortunate. It’s nice to see the level of detail you put into ‘em though
Hi Freddy Leon sorry about the late reply, slip through the net. Thanks for your kind words keep safe all the best Tony 👍
So many clamps 🤘🏻
Hi TheHairyKarl never have enough clamps 😂 thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
very informative thanks
Glad it was helpful Kris! Take care 👍
Thanks and great video/job. Question the blocks that the hand rail is sitting on how did you determine the dimensions of layout? And If I’m going to bend a rail and the treads differ in dimensions would I have to set blocks at the dimension where the finish nosing of tread would be at to keep the same rake?
Please get back to tony!! It’s a framed out curved staircase so I know I can clamp to stud just wanted to know the rule of thumb on the block playing weather you just mimic the dimensions of each tread nosing
Would love to be his Apprentice you'd learn so much
Much appreciated Jack, take care 👍
Great job ,lots of skills,l am able to buy the pre shaped interlocking segments from my stair suppliers,which saves me on the install time.👍🇨🇦
Hi Troy Queen thanks for your kind words, you are lucky to be able to buy from the stair supplier your right it saves a lot of time. Thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Those supplied from Stair companies are usually 7 layers making it hard to bend to a tight radius.
Thanks for the video ist's really important 😁
Hi Bjorn we are glad you enjoyed watching happy holidays all the best Tony 👍
Fantastic job can you use that glue outside ? thanks
Hi Benson, yes - you can use the Cascamite powdered resin wood glue outside. Take care bud 👍
Amazing work! Thanks for the in depth info. Out of interest how long did the entire build take? I'm about to tackle one in my own house but need to know how long it might take me.
Hi Tyler
Thanks for watching
Depending on the style of staircase about6 to 8 weeks 👍
@@BuildWithAE nice! 20 weeks plus for me then.. thanks for the response
Beautiful work! How would you do this if you have a finished wall and can't clamp to the studs?
Hi Kimberly much appreciated. Not to sure
All the best Tony 👍
Make or mockup copy of the wall height and stair width.
Now construct the stair case curve with piece of 1 inch phex pipe. draw the lines.
Measure each step height.
Next cut in the stair rail or ballaster.
Measure. Measure.
Measure
Once you finally confirmed all the exact measurements.
Cut the oak strips and start gluing
As you can see. With the massive amount of clamps needed.
Set the glued up oak or the wood of your choice.
Clamp in place.
Finally removed the ballaster.
Next lay the assembly in place and see if it fits.
And finally the finish work.
Beautiful work...Sub'd.
Thanks Bob 👍
Hi there,
You used oak in the video. I need a mahogony type finish, sapele perhaps. Would you use the same process? Or would you prefer a different wood?
Thanks
Sam
Hi Sam sapele is a wonderful timber to work with and be absolutely fine DM some photos when done if that’s Ok all the best Tony 👍
My main question is how did you get the router in tune with the background music! Never seen anyone play the moulding cutter before! 😂
I've got a project with a VERY tight inner radius handrail, almost like a spiral staircase over 180 degrees. The radius is like 6" or less... How would you deal with not only a tight curve, but also a heavy twist? We are scratching our heads on this one, thinking CNC might be the only way, which is big money. Thanks in advance!!
You can steam the timber
@@BuildWithAE Steam AND laminate? Wouldn’t the wood be wet and glue not work well?
Hello! What’s the material or name of the thin wood pieces? How do I ask for them at Lowes/Home Depot?
How do I get my hands on that catalogue with all the profile cutters?
nice job, im wondering how they do the solid wood curved hand rails? I can just imagine the difficulty on steam bending large and very long pieces of wood. then fitting it on a jig. Is that how they do the solid wood ones?
Hi hurculeforever thanks glad you enjoyed the video, steam bending solid pieces, well something that I haven’t done but I bet someone out there would be maybe doing it especially in boat building or something on that line, I’am going to TH-cam it I need to know all the best Tony 👍 keep safe
Solid wood handrails today are typically manufactured using CNC equipment (computer numerically controlled) These are typically 5 axis machines and very expensive to purchase and program. The programmer must also be highly trained.
A typical curved stair with one inside stringer and handrail, usually requires at least 3 solid, helical handrail segments. These are rail-bolted together to form the overall length.
During the 19th century, various drawing techniques were used to create the required patterns (called face molds.) These were sometime provided by the architect or a handrail specialist.
Not just the proper helical curve was required but twist bevels had to be ascertained. The ends of each handrail segment had to have exact amounts of twist in order to remain level as it spiraled around.
The method that I used was known as "the tangent method" and was first introduced to North America by Robert Riddell. Although there were others who used different systems. Riddell remains at the top.
The Mowatt brothers refined his work and penned one of The best books on the subject.
The look and feel of solid curved handrail segments remains rare. But there was a time when only a crazy carpenter would cut-up perfectly good timbers and reduce them to bundles of strips.
BTW, to my knowledge, there has never been much steam-bending in curved handrail manufacture. That was more for the boatbuilder.
PS, Not only the curved handrail was formed with twisted surfaces but all of the adjoining fittings as well.
I'm retired now but have been paid to lecture and teach this now obsolete and forgotten skill.
It still works today though and with very few limitations, commonly associated with strip-bending.
Hi tony,fellow carpenter here though not up to your standard with staircases like this one,I have been watching very closely and due to the fantastic way that you explain things I believe I would be able to tackle a similar but maybe less complex one so thanks.
Do you ever watch grand designs? There was one a few years back where the builders/homeowners had a business and made a living steam bending wood and some of the details that they incorporated in to their house were stunning,I would recommend watching it if you can find it anywhere. Thanks for these videos mate.
What kind of wood is this? Is this something sold at Lowes or home depot?
Amazing video, could someone use that same lamination technique to form a curve on a kitchen cabinet ?
Is there a staircase part 5? Super interesting!👍
Hi Silver Fox there will be three more to follow, hope we can get them out soon apologies about delay just crazy times hope you’re all well all the best Tony 👍
how do u dado the bottom of the handrail? all those pictures in the catalogue showed a dado. maybe i missed it.
Very nice video and top work. Wondering where to purchase the thin wood for laminating?
Hi Rick much appreciated
Any joinery shop really all the best Tony 👍
Make sure it’s out of the same plank
@@BuildWithAE top man thank you
Are you going to show a video of how you finish the handrail?
Hi Bodge71,
Yes We will be in the near future, also to install and spindle installation.
Thanks for watching 👍
Nice built ! Wy dont use a router table or shaper table instead of a hand held router ? Table will give you more stabity...
Hi top 111 portland good question, the reason I don’t I feel I have more control over the run of the handrail especially with longer rack piece handrail, in the joinery shop we would use a feed roller on a spindle moulder, thanks for watching all the best Tony
How do you find the festool router? my DeWalt has packed up, I'm considering the festool
Wouldn't recommend them or trend routers. Plenty of power but the handles and position of them are horrible. Especially if you use the router plenlty. Makita router is lovely to use and comfortable. My opinion. I do plenty of moulding and curved handrail same as these guys so just my opinion. Go to a toolstore and get a feel. Yes you will get more attachment with trend but also the price tag as well with them
@@snwman862 couldn’t be worse than Bosch. I hate those stupid round knobs
Vertical strip-lamination, is only one way to make spiral handrail and is not without problems and limitations. These guys make it look quite easy. It's not. Besides building elaborate bending forms, you must have a mountain of clamps (which must be left on the job, if you're using the stair as a a bending form. Small, steep stairs are sometimes not possible to bend. This also requires at least two workmen to get things done and you've got to work fast or use an extended-time glue.
BTW, if you use the wrong glue, your handrail will spring-back more than it normally does. At that point you'll have wasted your time and materials. Don't bother finishing it or trying to install it, just cut it up.
Did I unplug when changing bits?
Здравствуйте, скажите пожалуйста какой клей используете,какое время застывания клея?
Here's a tip guy's after you've glued up the handrail piece's wooden or plastic handle with a roll of plastic film on top you'll need three people for this 2 each end and one rapping from one end to the other. Stops the drips and tightens up the veneer and it conformes to your caul
Hi Leslie what a cracking idea, will give it a go next time have a awesome week all the best Tony 👍
question, why show the glue up of an inclined railing , but then show the routing of a flat curve ? Why not show the routing of the railing that you glued up ?
Hi rmdemaray we had a camera nightmare, for some reason the camera didn’t record, so we then had to use the footage from the curved flat landing rail to show the process. On the rack handrail you have to take your time a bit more. I’am just glad we had the other curved rail, in the next stair video you will see the jig being made got the flat curved landing handrail, hopefully this makes sense thanks for watching, keep safe all the best Tony 👍
Just wondering how much glue you need is it loads or? Hahaha good vids lads thank you 🤣👍
Lots 😂
Woodglut has a very large project base.
Where were you trained
Hi Michael P . Shaw Joinery then went to Humphrey Brother Curved and Spiral wooden Stairs then to Manor House Interiors then did shop fittings then site work and then decided let’s have ago building for myself and the rest is history all the best Tony 👍
I like that the auto captions think the sound of the router is an applause
Artisan
Many thanks! 😎👍
what were the thicknesses of the laminates?
Awardart 3 mill under 1/8 of an inch
That “double locking feature” isn’t really a safety feature. The first break of tension is the collet nut loosening from the collet holder threads and the second break of tension is the actual collet being pulled free from the collet holder as the collet nut is being backed out. Great work though!
Hi Bradley well you learn something new every day it makes perfect sense thanks for watch all the best Tony 👍
What glue did you use......?
Hi Peter Hope Cascamite powder resin glue mixed with water thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
All those years wasted on metal stud should have stuck with proper joinery
Was just wondering why you choose to you a straight cutter and not a fluted one to cut the stringer? Not doing stairs that long! But have already blown up one router on an oak string because you cant plunge in increments with a the standard dovetail cutter! I ask with respect and reverence as you clearly know your s***t!
Hi William Davis sorry for the late reply, great question, it’s funny that I have never used a dovetail cutter I suppose it’s because it’s the way I have been shown always used a flute when being trained it might of been cost, the main reason for me is most veneer finishing you have to have a square surface because the trim router bit needs it, if it was dovetail it would trim to the wrong position, the rule with cutters as I was always told width of the cutter is the depth you plunge no more is 13mm cutter 13mm plunge, also some cutter have cutter speeds on the plus always use a 1/2 collet not 1/4 or 3/8 thanks for watching, keep safe all the best Tony 👍
You only need glue on one side unnecessary on both
Hi mark kouba depending on what glue you use might be the case, but do you get the working time, do you get the clear glue line, I have tried many glues over the years especially when I was making stair’s full time and always came straight back to cascamite, plus working with Oak as you may or may not know it has a tendency to move a lot, personally you would have it delaminate if you only did one side. Thanks for watching keep Safe all the best Tony 👍
Glue on both sides helps the strips to slide while they're being bent.
It also allows a little more time before the glue begins to grab. And you need more time to get everything in position and all. Clamped up.
Strip-laminating is tricky business and when you're done, you cross your fingers that you won't have to much spring-back or delamination issues.
I hated the whole process and even the striped handrails it produces. It also requires another pair of hands which was not always at hand.
Eventually I learned to cut and shape curved handrail from solid stock which put an end to my bending days.
It looks like plywood. Do you have a painter come in and woodgrain it? Bah
😂 all the best Tony 👍
I know Stodoys has the best woodworking plans.
Amazing video, could someone use that same lamination technique to form a curve on a kitchen cabinet ?
Hi Sean yes but probably on a horizontal plain all the best Tony 👍
@@BuildWithAE what do you mean by horizontal plane? Go with the grain not against?
@@rockandmeatroll hi I would assume kitchen cabinets are on a horizontal and vertical plane the handrail is on a pitch or rack I have never seen a rack cabinet only panelling all the best Tony 👍