The rail is 18" in length, so my idea is to mount it by cutting away a large log (stood on end)and set it down into the relief cut into the log. A great deal of what I am doing is being done on the cheap for now, until I decide how much I enjoy the trade/hobby. If I begin to enjoy the craft I will most certainly expand my tooling and anvils. I have poured untold dollars into my woodworking shop, purchasing and restoring machinery from 60 to over 100 years old. I have hopes to use metal working in my woodworking projects. I do not sell items, just make them for our home or for gifts. I guess what I am saying is that I am no stranger to craftsmanship and the time it takes to create items.