I seriously have no clue how you do not have millions of followers, man ! Love your channel and videos, keep em’ coming! Learning so much along the way ✊️
I think you and I are about the same age 37. I’ve always done things the long math way and the apps you provide make money and time. I have a bunch of books I wrote on jobs to look back at. You and I have spoken on this platform about sketch up, I just took a morning and moved outside to figure a 60” radius on my pediments. I’ve been doing this the old way and glad I know my angles and equipment but even at 37 apps can make money in time. You’re good and South Carolina needs some more like us.
This old guy learned something from you again I just downloaded the app you are using, I do lots of stairs and the old school math calculation to figure it all out is a pain, no longer. Thank You
A pitch block should be in every stair builders toolbox. It gives you your rise , run and rake. , it can be used for cutting your angles on volutes and up easing
I've turned down many railing installs just because they are so daunting. Your vids are giving me the knowledge and confidence to take some of them on. I follow a lot of big name guys, and you consistently put out some of the most helpful and professional vids.
I install a lot of these rail systems and the only thing I do differently is after cutting the balusters with my bandsaw I hit the burs with a sanding disc on my cordless angle grinder. Speeds things up for me. Love your videos. Keep up the good work!
As usual, Mr. Carpenter delivers superb techniques and explanation. My recommendation for the slanted hole is to cut out the front of the wood guide to accommodate the spade of the drill and rest the drill rod on it. That way, you don't have to check the angle often. I will even put a half circle chanel on it by drilling then sawing it to give a good resting surface.
Nice video as usual. When I make my story poles, I take a piece that's the width of my newel posts, cut a U out of the top that's the profile of any top rail(and bottom rail if it's there) to straddle the rails and lock into place. I secure a couple blocks on the side of the piece if there's no bottom rail and then have all 1/8 pilot holes drilled in the right location. I just lock it in and fire away. Eliminates the need to mark height with a pencil and center with a combo square. Works especially well for long cable runs on exterior decks. Some people could say that as you use it you'll widen the hole and the bit can walk but it's easy to maintain enough control to avoid that.
I do production stairs, use a grinder with a sanding disk or flap wheel and use that to debur the bulisters. For the balusters on the rake i use a couple scraps to make a guide on the same angle that i can run my drill along. Also use 15 minute epoxy for balusters it's much much stronger
I appreciate seeing you leave the wrap on them during install. I do the same thing with all of the work I do, which is typically nothing like this carpentry stuff.
I can’t believe how perfectly timed this video is. We’re smack dab in the middle of redoing our floors and stairs and planned on the horizontal railings like this but was a little concerned I’d screw it up. This was awesome. Thanks Spencer
I personally don’t love the idea of horizontal balusters but to each their own. Great job on the install though nice and clean, and thanks for the tips.
As usual great video. I’m getting ready to install similar handrails with horizontal balusters and never thought it might not be code. Thanks for the heads up.
Hi Spencer, another great video. Would a rotary ball end rasp bit help in gouging out the holes? Therefore not needing the spur tip of the forstner bit. Just a thought. Thanks again. 👍👍
Great video! Another detailed learning experience. Only one suggestion about using safety glasses for all Carpentry. You need those eyes to keep doing your excellent work! I lost the tips of two fingers on a table saw so I am a stickler for safety first!! We need you to keep making these informative vids!
Looks terrific. As a painter and carpenter I would have loved to at least gotten a coat of primer on the wood before the banisters went in haha. But great job very informative.
Love the video man. I install stairs and railing for a living and particularly those exact spindle. I often find they say 9/16 but when they're power coated they are a hair over that. Cheers my friend.
As always, another excellent instructive video from Spencer Lewis. Question: would you consider sharing the baluster spacing app you used in above vid; I did not find it in the program notes. Thanks for sharing all your content - you've upped my finish game in uncountable ways.
On the angled ones you did at the end, you added some adhesive and also because of the angle it would be less likely for the balusters to move and come out of the holes, but how do you make sure the balusters don’t come out on the horizontal ones you did in the beginning of the video… same adhesive? Thanks for the content, very educational!!
@@SeanFoushee Aren’t those the raked balusters? I had same question about the first, horizontal set - might not even matter if those horizontal ones are “removable”.
That’s awesome, I use a forstner bit too, to add some space on the inside of the hole when I do railing. I’ve got the large DeWalt bandsaw but that small one looks perfect for railing. I also was picking crap out of my eyes today because I was only using my safety squints. 😉
If you want to do this on a budget you can buy 3/4 metal electrical piping and a roll of heat shrink tubing and slide the conduit into the heat shrink and hit it with the heat gun real quick. Nice smooth finish ,extremely durable .i have done it numerous times.
Thanks, Great video! What would one expect to pay for just the labor on that job? Say, per section of railings installed including posts, top rail etc.
What is to stop the 2nd flr horizontal bars from being pulled all the way to the side that was hollowed out with the forstner bit and then coming out of it's whole on the opposite side, it didn't look like you put caulk or anything to prevent that like on the stairs?
I found that app, and downloaded it. It’ll work great for strait runs, but what if you need to drill in to stairs. I’ve got two 11’-0” runs to do on basement stairs next week, and a little lost on spacing.
I suggest starting layout only on the stairs first, so front of batuster is even with front of riser...all the way thru the run. Then divide each tread as necessary. Usually you'll end up with 3 balusters per tread. Then, for the rail. It depends if the rail is solid or plowed, and if your balusters are square or round tapered. Either way, level up from center of baluster layout on stairs for each location so you don't start an accumulated run. For round tapered balusters, they make a special level with a marking point that works well for top to bottom centers. Hope this helps.
Assuming you leveled the top railing, are you measuring down from the top to create your story stick? Asking because a lot of floors aren’t level and using the floor side as starting reference could possibly leave you with uneven spacing. Also, I feel sorry for the guy who has to paint or stain the railing & posts afterwards! Would be far easier to do before the baluster installs, I imagine.
I’ve done a lot of them and it has always baffled me that horizontal balusters meet code. Can build the kids a ladder but at least they won’t get their head stuck!
But it makes me think about a foot and leg slipping through when the kid is halfway up. Better than falling off the top into the stairwell, but still not a happy ending.
Another great video. Question about painting the trim. On a new construction trim job does the painter spray or brush the trim. Sorry if this question has already been asked. Great channel!!
I seriously have no clue how you do not have millions of followers, man ! Love your channel and videos, keep em’ coming! Learning so much along the way ✊️
The majority of people don’t care or appreciate how it’s done, they just want it done. A million followers isn’t enough!
Facts on Facts. Just found Spencer and am ever grateful for the content.
Hands down best horizontal rail video on TH-cam.
You are so good at teaching in a tone and method that is learnble for any level of wood worker. Great Work !!!
I think you and I are about the same age 37. I’ve always done things the long math way and the apps you provide make money and time. I have a bunch of books I wrote on jobs to look back at. You and I have spoken on this platform about sketch up, I just took a morning and moved outside to figure a 60” radius on my pediments.
I’ve been doing this the old way and glad I know my angles and equipment but even at 37 apps can make money in time.
You’re good and South Carolina needs some more like us.
This old guy learned something from you again I just downloaded the app you are using,
I do lots of stairs and the old school math calculation to figure it all out is a pain, no longer.
Thank You
1/2"forstner bit, genius
Pitch block, genius.
Thank you for sharing great information
Glad it was helpful!
A pitch block should be in every stair builders toolbox. It gives you your rise , run and rake. , it can be used for cutting your angles on volutes and up easing
@duaynenaugle4186 there's a stair layout app that will also give the angle with rises and runs I gotta find the baluster one now
I've turned down many railing installs just because they are so daunting. Your vids are giving me the knowledge and confidence to take some of them on. I follow a lot of big name guys, and you consistently put out some of the most helpful and professional vids.
I install a lot of these rail systems and the only thing I do differently is after cutting the balusters with my bandsaw I hit the burs with a sanding disc on my cordless angle grinder. Speeds things up for me. Love your videos. Keep up the good work!
As usual, Mr. Carpenter delivers superb techniques and explanation. My recommendation for the slanted hole is to cut out the front of the wood guide to accommodate the spade of the drill and rest the drill rod on it. That way, you don't have to check the angle often. I will even put a half circle chanel on it by drilling then sawing it to give a good resting surface.
Nice video as usual. When I make my story poles, I take a piece that's the width of my newel posts, cut a U out of the top that's the profile of any top rail(and bottom rail if it's there) to straddle the rails and lock into place. I secure a couple blocks on the side of the piece if there's no bottom rail and then have all 1/8 pilot holes drilled in the right location. I just lock it in and fire away. Eliminates the need to mark height with a pencil and center with a combo square. Works especially well for long cable runs on exterior decks. Some people could say that as you use it you'll widen the hole and the bit can walk but it's easy to maintain enough control to avoid that.
Great technique. 🔥👍
I do production stairs, use a grinder with a sanding disk or flap wheel and use that to debur the bulisters. For the balusters on the rake i use a couple scraps to make a guide on the same angle that i can run my drill along. Also use 15 minute epoxy for balusters it's much much stronger
You rule man ... can't figure anything else to say today. Thanks always Spencer. It's been a huge pleasure being a sub to your channel and vids
I appreciate seeing you leave the wrap on them during install. I do the same thing with all of the work I do, which is typically nothing like this carpentry stuff.
Great video brother!
I can’t believe how perfectly timed this video is. We’re smack dab in the middle of redoing our floors and stairs and planned on the horizontal railings like this but was a little concerned I’d screw it up. This was awesome. Thanks Spencer
Story pole and pitch block. Notes taken 📝👍🏽! As always, thank you so much for the education!
Congrats on 150,000 subscribers. 👍👍👍👊
Thanks 👍
Thanks for the videos……Always nice to watch a true craftsman
I personally don’t love the idea of horizontal balusters but to each their own. Great job on the install though nice and clean, and thanks for the tips.
They’re just another idiot trendy design element that people will be ripping out in 20 years.
@@monkeygraborange true but trendy designs = job security lol
@@brians5539 you aren’t wrong about that!
As usual great video. I’m getting ready to install similar handrails with horizontal balusters and never thought it might not be code. Thanks for the heads up.
If you’re not worried about kids climbing on it and don’t plan on selling the house, or at least not anytime soon, then just do it. Code be damned.
I wish I lived in your state, I know you work alone but I still would try to apply.... Good bless you and your family.
Hi great video do you have one on the posts and rails you did prior to the balusters in? Also what balusters did you use? Thank you!
Congratulations on almost having 150 K subscribers.
Nice detail mate! You have made what appeared to be a bit complex very simple. Thanks again 👍🏻
Hi Spencer, another great video. Would a rotary ball end rasp bit help in gouging out the holes? Therefore not needing the spur tip of the forstner bit. Just a thought. Thanks again. 👍👍
Thanks for sharing. Never knew how they installed those. Thanks for the lesson!
Fantastic tutorial. Well done.
An auger bit with spurs would make a nice clean hole on the angled balusters.
What did you do to keep them in place.
Did this a couple years ago...the app would have been so nice..great vid
Great video! Another detailed learning experience. Only one suggestion about using safety glasses for all Carpentry. You need those eyes to keep doing your excellent work! I lost the tips of two fingers on a table saw so I am a stickler for safety first!! We need you to keep making these informative vids!
I’ve got this project in our remodel and this video came at the perfect time! Great tips and tricks! Is that poplar wood for the handrail and posts?
I would love a video on how you balance work with family life?? I struggle with it myself
Your a great teacher :). Thanks for sharing. Always enjoyable.
Looks terrific. As a painter and carpenter I would have loved to at least gotten a coat of primer on the wood before the banisters went in haha. But great job very informative.
Which app are you using for baluster spacing?
Curious, would you be worried about paint ruining those, why not dry-fit now, but install them after paint?
This is exactly how I lay out mine.
Your right you have to as perfectly on when you lay these out!!
Thanks again Spencer I look forward to seeing your videos!!
Always great work and great teaching. Thanks Mr. Lewis !
Your work is top grade
Love the video man. I install stairs and railing for a living and particularly those exact spindle. I often find they say 9/16 but when they're power coated they are a hair over that. Cheers my friend.
Way to go man! Your content is the best out there for finish work I follow you and practice a lot of your methods. Thanks for all the videos brother 👍
As always, another excellent instructive video from Spencer Lewis. Question: would you consider sharing the baluster spacing app you used in above vid; I did not find it in the program notes.
Thanks for sharing all your content - you've upped my finish game in uncountable ways.
"Baluster Calculator Elite"
Have a set of stairs to do. Excellent timing, thanks
Great how-to on the angles and fitting! Thx
Love the detail of explanation
On the angled ones you did at the end, you added some adhesive and also because of the angle it would be less likely for the balusters to move and come out of the holes, but how do you make sure the balusters don’t come out on the horizontal ones you did in the beginning of the video… same adhesive? Thanks for the content, very educational!!
@14:00 he uses adhesive in the holes.
@@SeanFoushee Aren’t those the raked balusters? I had same question about the first, horizontal set - might not even matter if those horizontal ones are “removable”.
I had the same question-I would definitely use the adhesive on the flat as well.
Thanks for the video on this. Well done.
They may not be safe, but they look great! Happy customer 👍
Dude you work is awesome 👌🏼 👏 👍🏻 😍 love it... keep it up
your the man !. such a relaxing learning experience
Hey Spencer what's that app that you use for the balusters spacing would like to download that to my Android phone
Is that a level on the back of your drill?
Thats so simply brilliant.
Welcome Back 🙂
Have you done those modern slat balusters? My wife likes that style. Any tips? Dowels into the slat and the handrail?
Spencer, how did you secure the vertical rods, a bit of adhesive like downstairs?
As always great video my mate, love how you make it look so easy I’ve learnt a lot over the last couple of months Thank you 👍👍👍👍
For the raked rails how do you figure out the spacing for newel to newel post? Trying to figure that out at the moment and I'm completely lost.
Awesome video as always man. What's the name of the app you used to calculate your baluster spacing?
Nice looking job your work should be on fine home building Magazine!
Awesome information...another great video! Thanks Spencer!
That’s awesome, I use a forstner bit too, to add some space on the inside of the hole when I do railing. I’ve got the large DeWalt bandsaw but that small one looks perfect for railing. I also was picking crap out of my eyes today because I was only using my safety squints. 😉
how well did the caulk help hold the balusters in place?
Spencer, where to find not to expensive horizontal railings?
Rolling the spindles over a cordless mini belt sander is a great way to debur the edges 😉
Great vid. How come you didn’t use clear silicone.
Didn’t need to. Posts were getting painted white and I had a tube of white open already. Just being frugal I guess.
Thanks again for the vid
We are about to try this now wish us luck
If you want to do this on a budget you can buy 3/4 metal electrical piping and a roll of heat shrink tubing and slide the conduit into the heat shrink and hit it with the heat gun real quick. Nice smooth finish ,extremely durable .i have done it numerous times.
Thanks, Great video!
What would one expect to pay for just the labor on that job? Say, per section of railings installed including posts, top rail etc.
Are you just relying on the adhesive to hold the poles in place?
Yep
Thanks brother
Thanks for the video. Where did you buy the newel post, balusters and handrail?
With those small rods you can spread them apart with your fingers thus creating a larger than 4” opening
You've helped me earn so much more money thank you!
Could you help me find the App for Baluster spacing. I am not finding the one you showed in this video. Thank You.
Great Vidoe
I had an issue with tear out on the angled holes. Any thoughts?
What is to stop the 2nd flr horizontal bars from being pulled all the way to the side that was hollowed out with the forstner bit and then coming out of it's whole on the opposite side, it didn't look like you put caulk or anything to prevent that like on the stairs?
Like always great educational video but those spaces look more than 4in on the bottom railing
Excellent! Thank You.
Fine work my man
I found that app, and downloaded it. It’ll work great for strait runs, but what if you need to drill in to stairs.
I’ve got two 11’-0” runs to do on basement stairs next week, and a little lost on spacing.
I suggest starting layout only on the stairs first, so front of batuster is even with front of riser...all the way thru the run. Then divide each tread as necessary. Usually you'll end up with 3 balusters per tread. Then, for the rail. It depends if the rail is solid or plowed, and if your balusters are square or round tapered. Either way, level up from center of baluster layout on stairs for each location so you don't start an accumulated run. For round tapered balusters, they make a special level with a marking point that works well for top to bottom centers. Hope this helps.
can you share that app? I can't find it!! thanks
Where do you get stairs railing kits from?? Please can you share your supplier
Awesome video, what is the name of the app you are using?
Great explanation! Where can I get the steel rods?
Assuming you leveled the top railing, are you measuring down from the top to create your story stick? Asking because a lot of floors aren’t level and using the floor side as starting reference could possibly leave you with uneven spacing. Also, I feel sorry for the guy who has to paint or stain the railing & posts afterwards! Would be far easier to do before the baluster installs, I imagine.
Nice work!
I’ve done a lot of them and it has always baffled me that horizontal balusters meet code. Can build the kids a ladder but at least they won’t get their head stuck!
But it makes me think about a foot and leg slipping through when the kid is halfway up. Better than falling off the top into the stairwell, but still not a happy ending.
I love your work and videos. But, how do you quote such a complicated job?
Am curious why you didn’t use a Forstner bit to drill and enlarge the inside of the post holes
Another great video. Question about painting the trim. On a new construction trim job does the painter spray or brush the trim. Sorry if this question has already been asked. Great channel!!
Always spray.
Where did you get the poles
Thanks for sharing
Any adhesive or caulk to keep bars from moving?
Yes, adhesive caulk in every hole.
Where did you get those balusters
What thickness of wood do you use most for false beams?
Nice job!
Are the rods you are using hollow?
Yes
What kind of wood is the rails made out of? Looks like either ash or maple
Could you share where I can purchase the balasters, please. Thank you.