Replies

1. 
   calvin | Oct 12, 2006 02:11am | #1

   In over 30 years I've cut alot of stringers and built many rough stairs.  Finished a few too.

   But between you and Armin I am constantly reminded of how really little I know after all these years.

   You two make me want to rethink calling myself a carpenter.

   One of these days I'd give anything to sit on top of a ladder in your shops and watch.

   thanks again.

    

   A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

    

2. 
   gordsco | Oct 12, 2006 03:13am | #2

   Stan, beautiful work.

   I like how the long upper post drops below the skirt and also terminates the nosing.

   I may have missed this in other postings, but what type of set-up do you use to mortise the square ballusters into the curved rail?

    

   May neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.

   Gord

                           

    

    

1. 
   StanFoster | Oct 12, 2006 04:31am | #3

   Gord:   The square balusters have a pin top on them which takes a round hole.  They are real easy to install.

    

   Calvin and Gord...thanks for the comments. Its nice to be in such fine company as Armin...as I look up to Armins work as the level I would like to achieve.   I have to do a balancing act to maintain my lifestyle and be 100% of our family income.  This means I have to build a quality stairway..but not excessive quality as I would price myself out of business. 

   I just build typical curved stairways....and I do feel I am very efficient in getting these built and built nicely.  I have been living a very laid back lifestyle for years....and I dont plan on changing anything now as this proves to be working for my demographic area.

    

   Stan

    

    

    

   Stan

   Edited 10/11/2006 9:39 pm ET by StanFoster

3. 
   RW | Oct 12, 2006 04:38am | #4

   I'm with Calvin. And said it before, but you really do some outstanding stuff Stan. There's a market for you to add gallery seating to your shop and charge admission.

   Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

1. 
   stevent1 | Oct 12, 2006 05:02am | #5

   Stan,

   You the Stair master.

   Chuck S.live, work, build, ...better with wood

1. 
   Philter | Oct 12, 2006 06:11am | #6

   Nice blend/joint at the top rail/post connection!

   Super detail.

    "If 'tis to be,'twil be done by me."

1. 
   StanFoster | Oct 12, 2006 06:15am | #7

   Thanks:

   I forgot to mention......I do not particularly like the baluster layout.  The owners specifically wanted....single basket/double basket/  followed on the next step with a single twist/double twist.

   I was wanting to put the baskets in a diamond pattern....or just alternate baskets with the twists.

   Hey...they are the ones paying the bill.....<G>Stan

1. 
   arcticcat | Oct 12, 2006 07:20am | #8

   Hey looks great as usual  Stan.  It is always interesting to see the different patterns people pick out for the iron ballisters.

   I've got another little curved stairway project coming up in a few weeks.  I might have to pick your brain a little if you don't mind.

   Mike

2. 
   shearwater | Oct 14, 2006 12:44am | #9

   Stan,

   Nice work as usual.  Can you suggest a good source for plain, iron or powder coated balusters?  No baskets or knucke, just plain.

   I was looking at Fortress Iron http://www.fortressiron.com/Pickets_Round.html   You ever use these?

    

3. 
   StanFoster | Oct 14, 2006 12:59am | #10

   Shear:     Contact "Old World Millworks" around the Chicago area.

    

   Stan

4. 
   JAlden | Oct 18, 2006 06:48pm | #17

   Try these guys.

   http://www.outwater.com/

4. 
   McDesign | Oct 14, 2006 02:32am | #11

   Stan - love your work - don't get me wrong - BUT -

   I hate the location of the bottom, relative to the closet door - kinda' picture Scarlett O'Hara sweeping down the graceful curve

   Then -

   Abrupt left or right, or trip into the off-center closet door

   Ughhh!

   Forrest

1. 
   StanFoster | Oct 15, 2006 12:27am | #12

   Forrest:    I agree.......they seldom leave enough room for me to design a stairway to fit.   I have had theme where the front  door just clears the  bullnose step.

    

   Stan

5. 
   kayaker | Oct 15, 2006 03:13am | #13

   They look great man!!!  I have only done 3 but lots of other stairways. You were lucky enought to be able to use the little collers on the treads we werent able to for the longest time and what a pain.  anyway keep up the good work!

6. 
   riverman | Oct 17, 2006 03:53am | #14

   As always nice job. I really like the iron wood combo.

7. 
   ProDek | Oct 17, 2006 05:40am | #15

   Beautiful work as always Stan.

   Don't forget to charge all these guys admission when they come to visit your shop.

    :-)

    

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

   Bob

8. 
   ubc | Oct 17, 2006 03:38pm | #16

   Very nice work, to say the least. What about posting some how-to photos to, as they say, share the wealth?

   Regards,

   Brian

9. 
   ubc | Nov 05, 2006 10:19pm | #18

   I'm thinking about building my first curved stair and was wondering if you would share some photos and tips for laying out and cutting the mortises on the curved stringer.

   I made a jig for mortising the housed stringer on a straight run, can figure the rise/run, total rise, overhang, etc. but need some help with a curved set.

   thanks

1. 
   StanFoster | Nov 06, 2006 02:48am | #19

   ubc:    Just imagine the curved stringer as being nothing but a straight one.  If you layout your stair on a triangle piece of paper...then wrap it around a cylinder....you have it.

    

   Now all you need is you routing jig just like for a straight stairway.   You just have to kerf it every two inches or so so it will lay onton the curve nice.

    

   Stan

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Nov 06, 2006 03:21am | #20

   C'mon, Stan.  Show him (and us) some in-progress photos!