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I just completed a 13’interior railing overlooking a family room. After I attached the 29 spindles to the bottom oak 1×6, I had a heck of a time fitting them into the holes on the bottom of the railing because they all have to go into the holes at the same time. Having about 10 friends would have helped, but I didn’t have enough beer money.
Is this why I see trim carpenters cut off the dowel on the bottom of the spindle? That way, they just drill a hole on the bottom of the handrail and not the top of the 1×6. They can then install one spindle at a time.
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I just completed a 13'interior railing overlooking a family room. After I attached the 29 spindles to the bottom oak 1x6, I had a heck of a time fitting them into the holes on the bottom of the railing because they all have to go into the holes at the same time. Having about 10 friends would have helped, but I didn't have enough beer money.
Is this why I see trim carpenters cut off the dowel on the bottom of the spindle? That way, they just drill a hole on the bottom of the handrail and not the top of the 1x6. They can then install one spindle at a time.
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Hi DaveB.
As far as holding all the spindles, clamp a 1x2 on each side of all the spindles first.
On the subject of the dowels, I think the best is to use the special bolts that first screw into the spindle, and then screw into the 1x6.
Sometimes, the whole ballustrade is made-up first, in the shop, and then brought to the site and installed.
When done right on site, a lot of guys forget the glue and nailing that is really needed.
Hope this helps.