Kno how.

Design.

Here we will be adding mainly visual aids to help design the stairs and handrails, they will be more for creating the look you or your client would like to achieve.

These visuals etc. will be drawn to scale and as accuratly as possible as if they were being made in the workshop but are for concept only and not ot be taken as finished articles.

Many of the visuals will come as descriptive and rendered images, this is to help demonstrate the construction of the parts.

We have even tried to keep the timber grain going in the correct direction through the parts, although we may have used a mix of timbers again to help be descriptive in the renders.

We will have downloads of the 3d parts that you can use to create your own visuals. There will also be pdf sheets of different parts that you can print out to leave with your clients for decision making.

We are also creating 3d interactive models that you can spin around to show your clients how certain parts look from different angles.

Draw.

This is the nitty gritty bitty,

The drawing stage is where the design is turned into working drawings, this is the most important part of any project.

The design has to be fitted into the area allowed within the building, the flights have to flow across the landings into the next flight, the underside of the stairs are often overlooked but play a major role in the finished article.

Here we will guide you through: the staircase basics, information required to draw the stairs, how to draw the plans including the stretch out.

I will add (N.B.) notes when there is a valid point worth a special mention, I use these as reminder notes to myself and when training others.

We will be demonstrating how we build the 3D models, I am not a skilled cad user but I will build the models as though I was building the staircase and handrail in the workshop.

We have started scanning original component parts, such as spindles, newel post, etc. there are both 3D models and 2D outlines available for download, to be used in your own cad software to help speed up the drawing stage.

There is a start here menu option for anyone starting to learn about stairs.

Make.

With the drawings drawn and the layouts checked to ensure they work, the next stage is the production of the parts needed to make the stairs and handrail.

In this section we will show how to mark out and shape these componenets.

Staircases

how to make the feature treads, cut string or closed string, forming the cooper built drum for a set of winders.

Converting the plan views into working drawings, this will include the cut string position when fitting into a newel post, closed stings may sit centrally into the newel but cut string will change dependant on the handrail support.

Where not to use screws and nails in the construction of the staircase.

handrail.

Setting out for cutting the tangent handrail sections, sliding the mold, the tools used for shaping, both traditional and modern.

We will look at the change in methods used, there pros and cons.

How to replicate as close as possible, traditional hand carved handrail with modern day CNC machined handrail.

Install.

The final part of the puzzle, how to make sure site is prepared for the staircase to be fitted – fitting the trimmers, nosings, fascias, handrail, spindles and a mass of other stuff.

Restoration.

A repair section for those involved in repairing traditional stairs or handrails.

In this section we cover such things as: Tightening loose handrail joints, replacing tenoned or dovetailed spindles, the types of fixings used and a bunch of other stuff.

Fitting handrails.

Hints tips and trick to getting the handrail fitted, the tools used, an adjustable stand that can be used on any flight, set to any pitch and height.

Fitting stairs.

Setting ths landings to support the stairs, running the fascias around the landings and connecting them to the staircase stringers.

Fitting the landing nosings, chopping the newel post round the trimmers and the list goes on.