Mortised metal balusters

This video is a "how-to" guide to installing mortised balusters on a stair railing (balustrade) project. This video is part of a series of balustrade construction "how-to" videos by Scott Earl Smith, owner of Finishing Touch Carpentry. Using a drill press and a mortising attachment Scott walks you through the process of creating mortises in an oak railing shoe and then installs metal balusters - 50 of them!
Liability waiver: Finishing Touch Carpentry and Scott Earl Smith assume no responsibility for the safe usage of tools, and general safety practices. This is not a safety video and all users should research their own safety measures prior to attempting any of the techniques shown in this video.

[@moiy1983]

Great job Scott!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you Moises!

[@CanadianHardwoodPro]

Do you prefer fillets or the press-up and pull-down method with square spindles?

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

I prefer fillets and haven't had complaints from customers. The main supplier sells the plowed rails and I don't get any customers wanting anything else.I have done the up-down method too and I'm thinking about buying a tilting mortiser. I know another contractor 8 hours away and they only do the mortised square holes on theirs. Almost seems like a regional thing. Thanks for reaching out. Scott

[@CanadianHardwoodPro]

@@scottearlsmithFTC yes definitely regional differences! I'm from Ontario and moved to Vancouver in 2019, and railings are much different here than in Ontario.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Interesting.
@@CanadianHardwoodPro

[@EddyCarroll]

Excellent work, and very clearly explained and demonstrated. Thank you!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you very much Eddy. Appreciate your subscribe as well.

[@arturojimenez4382]

Can I use a regular 2x6 board for the shoe or is there a special 2x6 board or railings installation? I notice a regular 2x6 have right corners and not rounded.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Arturo, I just used a regular 1x6 oak board - not specific for railings. You can round the edges with a router if you desire. Thanks for reaching out. Scott

[@Xemantic]

I don’t understand how you don’t have way more views and subscribers. I’ve been learning a lot from you as I’m currently working on my house. Thank You for sharing your knowledge

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

I’ve been told that a few times. Thank you so much! I’m working on several more videos and will be publishing next month. Please share with others. Hopefully the channel will start growing soon. Good luck with your projects.

[@dereknixon6723]

Nice work! Well explained and helpful.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you Derek!!

[@christopherliochon3768]

désole je me comprend pas se que vous dite mais le projet et la façon de l assemblage oui
très beau travail

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you. Sorry I don't have translation into French.

[@paullasko2023]

You might consider a different compressor unless the noise doesn't bother you. I had that same Porter Cable for years and it made such a racket. I upgraded to a 2 gallon Makita. It's probably a pound or two heavier but is much much quieter.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

When my Porter Cable craps out I will upgrade. Thanks for letting me know about the Makita version. I have a bigger Makita with twin tanks but it's brute to move around. Cheers Scott

[@Mrs.Lessard]

I wish I knew this a year ago!! Even still… thank you for creating this video!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Next time! Thank you for the comment.

[@rafauka897]

That was a great video! True profesional. Please more video like this

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you! Coming up soon!!

[@shintro-6028]

BUEN TRABAJO

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you!! Sorry I missed this years ago.

[@lionheart79]

excellent

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you!