Railing Volutes

[Gayle Brooks]

I recently jumped on in the middle of a project and was assigned to make the volutes for the grip rail. I took some time and thought how to make this fluid, spiral, descending shape. A thought came to make this upside down. To pull the cap like a slinky to get this shape. We have a hoist that spans most of the shop that could accomplish this.

First was to make a template of the stairs and using 3/8" round bar I bend up a template based off the layout of what should happen.




Here is the cap with the spiral already made. It is flat in this picture.


Using flat bar, I welded these additional guides onto the flat bar. They are put on with a level. I also transferred the line down to the table for reference when I start to manipulate this.


So heating it up in the forge, I clamped it down and had an eye bolt already for the hoist. I had a guide to assist when I reached my height for the center. The first pull came out very close.


Some shots of adjusting to the template



Then finally start tweaking and fit to the template.



Thanks for reading!

[Gayle Brooks]

gah! forgot to post the installed version lol.



The client asked about having pickets around the bottom so the following is a conceptual picture to help sell the idea. As of yet, he has not decided. Used photoshop for those wondering.

[Mainely,Bob]

Here`s a question,which final pic do you prefer?
Money and additional work aside,if it were your house would you go with the simple no pickets look or the addition of more and why do you prefer it?

You obviously have a very well developed eye for this is why I ask.

[Gayle Brooks]

I like the idea. Looks nice and "done." if that makes sense. The downside of it: walking up and down the stairs its a little constricted and the pickets on the bottom would choke it a little more.

[beth]

thats very clever how you got that curve! i love it Its really interesting to see the two outcomes with your photo shop thing - i totally rate both, but personally prefer the one without the pickets - i love the space round the posts. It just looks clean and good to me. Its all subjective tho eh? also it may well look and feel different in the flesh. thanks for another post - i learn loads off your posts!

[Bad Creek Blacksmith]

I like it with out the pickets... Keeps it open and uncluttered, with the pickets its to busy. Great job Looks great.

[Iron Falcon 72]

I like it without the pickets but....if he wants pickets maybe you can get him to pay to have you repeat the top part of the rail that you made and then turn it to the step on each side.

[Gayle Brooks]

The client got back and wants the baskets. So we pulled the hole grip rail out and now have it setup at the studio at the same rake it was installed at. Thought I would share the progress of adding on an element and the reminder that once the project is done, there might be something to do down the road.

So first thing was a piece of Masonite that we took with us and traced the tread, posts and where the actual post was on the tread. I then dropped a plumb bob from center of the cap down to the Masonite and transferred the line of the cap since my pickets will follow this. I used a permanent magnet to hold my line. The paper is there so I can easily pull the string if I need.





I tack welded some bar at the 4" gap marks to see how it would like. Since we are at the bottom tread outside of the main post code doesn't apply here. Though I am sticking with the 4" max to keep it consistent with the rest of the rail.


I had a scroll jig that was close to what I needed. I bent the pieces together then adjusted them out for the 3/4" square bar.


Step work of the twist detail on the pickets. Pretty simple. 2 flat twist.


so in all I have my parts pretty much done. Some adjusting and a welded support on the top so I can remove it and rivet the bottoms. The other side will get the same treatment.


Thanks for reading! :)

[ianinsa]

That's a great looking job! A 'must put' for your marketing docs.

How did you post these photo's in this format (other than thumbnails?)

Incidentally the 'code' using 4" is similar around most of the world ie.100 dia ball etc. This is not just 'prevention against falling' but also 'preventing the passage of a child's head'.....often not considered by metalworkers worldwide, causing much anguish to parents of s....(environmentally chalenged) kids.

Ian

[Gayle Brooks]

Sorry Ian didnt see your post!

I upload images externally to photobucket and use the code URL[ /img] to post. I should be available to get pics soon of the finished rail, we were waiting on the carpenters to finish last I heard.

[macbruce]

You're outside the box again.........keep it up. I don't know how many volutes I've done and it never occured to me to slinky the bastids, they're sposed to be flat, right?.......................mb

[Still Learnin']

That is a good job Rory. I personally like the "no pickets" look but that's just me and my "form follows function" mentality. If it ain't broke, don't fix it sorta thing. I'm a minimalist and part of it is because I'm lazy but also because less is more sometimes. You did a good job giving the customer what they want though and that's the important thing. I think we all at some point or maybe at alot of times, have to give the customer what they want even if it's horrid. Money and sense of style don't always go together !!! lol

[Gayle Brooks]

if the boss is ok with it, im ok with it! haha

Thats as flat as I can get em, not to bad I think.

[ianinsa]

if the boss is ok with it, im ok with it! haha

Thats as flat as I can get em, not to bad I think.

No Sh*t Sherlok!!!!!!
Great job

Ian

[Iron Clad]

That is some serious nice work. I must say that without pickets looked better, it was easier to see the fantastic hand rail from a front view, great job either way.

[CurlyGeorge]

Rory, you have done a great job on both the project and on expaining your work. It is beautiful. I, also, prefer the open look. But like you said, the boss was happy and that's what counts. Thanks for taking the time to post and explain your work. :)

[Old N Rusty]

nice shop and good work

[Ted T]

Rory; Very Nice! Very Nice in deed!
You sir have a buckett load of skills!
1. Metal fabraction skills.
2. Skills of thinking and reasoning for lay-out.
3. An understanding of the order of operations.
4. Add Persistence and self-esteem of a Craftsman to the
mix, and just look at what ya created.

It is still exciting and somewhat amazing to me when I see a physical product created, that started out as only a thought (from only a thought, to physical reality).

It may be that this satisfaction is one of the many benefits of time spent in honing your skills as a craftsman.

You will never give away more than what you will gain by sharing your skills with us.

Please keep up the good work.

I appreciate it, and no doubt others have also!

The reason I wanted to make my comments to you is that “You” and others of your generation will be the ones carrying on the banner of excellence in the metal working and Blacksmithing craft.

And you are doing it well!

Ted Throckmorton