Conference 7.286::home_work

    I'd use my table saw, with the blade set at a 45-degree angle,
    to knock off the edges all around, and then sand to make it
    smooth.

    They make an attachment for a table saw so you can do this.  I have
    them, but don't remember what it's called.  It consists of 3 blades
    on a wheel.  It accomplishes the same thing as a router.
    
    You can get the 3 blades in various shapes.  I have a set of 5 or
    6 shapes from Sears.
    

    
    RE: .2
    
    I believe this is called a moulding head cutter.  You could also
    use a router with a roundover bit or just buy some handrail
    stock from a lumberyard.
    
    Some lumberyards (Caldwell's in Berlin, MA) have a shop there that
    will do milling for a reasonable price.
    
    Phil

    
    
    If I understand the problem correctly, I would suggest using a router
    with either a 1/4" or 3/8" radius "rounding-over" bit. Try to purchase
    a carbide bit with a pilot bearing to avoid potential burn marks. The
    cost of such a bit is approx. $12-$20 and can be used for many other
    projects.
    
    rb
    
    

    If you are going to edge the pieces first, then a table saw, router,
    roundover plane (or moulding plane), or even a file will all work.
    I usually use my router, but I have been thinking about picking up
    a roundover plane (they go for about $18-$20).
    
    If you are going to edge it after installation, then a router or
    roundover plane and a file are about all that will work.
    
    I usually edge the pieces after installation, because I feel I wind
    up with a better looking (continuous) edge.
    
    - Mark

    
    
    	Sorry about all the spelling and grammatical errors in the request
    for information. I believe I need to explain a little more about
    where this rail is located. The 1/2 wall starts at the bottom of
    the stairs and goes up to the second floor (13' length), then flattens
    out for 4' and makes a left turn along a 12' balcony and then makes
    a right turn for 4'. Trying to work the piece of wood after it is
    in place may be hazardous because it starts at the floor and goes
    up to an elevation of 12'. The 1/2 wall is 2x4 plus 1/2" drywall
    (both sides) construction. I am planning to lay this piece of wood
    on the 1/2 wall, which will extend a 1/2" over each edge. Working
    the upper edge I don't believe will be a problem, but the bottom
    edge a 1/2" from the wall could be tricky. I have never heard of
    a "round over" bit and couldn't find it in my catalogs, but that
    is not saying much.
    
    Chuck

    
    Sometimes the round over bit is called a corner round bit. It sounds
    like you would need to do this operation to the wood before it was in-
    stalled, at least on the bottom, but also if there was an inside miter
    joint; the base of the router would not allow the bit to contact the
    wood. BTW, Spag's has those bits (DML brand) in the School House.
    Hope this helps 
    

I know this doesn't pertain to the original topic, but it does fall under 'hand
rail ideas':

I recently installed another handrail, between the normal height (24") rail
and the stairs for use by our 20 month old son and his little friends.  I made
it out of a smaller diameter wood (1.5"?) than the normal handrail so they
could grab it easier.  It's mounted about 12" above the stairs and the kids
really do like to use it.

Whenever we go up or down the stairs together he always makes sure Mommy and 
Daddy use their handrail as well.

Dave

    Does anyone know where I can buy cast iron handrails?  I did my steps
    over with bricks and would like to handrails in.
    I live in southern, NH but it's worth a drive to find a decent set.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    Doug

    Wouldn't that be wrought iron?
    

    Ok, I just want something decent, not flimsy.  My wife has
    checked around and a lot of the handrails she looked at don't
    have much too them for support.
    
    Doug

    Check out a welding shop in your area. These guys can come out to your 
    house and take measuerments and make suggestions then go back to the
    shop and go to it. 
    

    In Southern New Hampshire - I drive by a welding company that makes
    railings, etc. in Hudson... they always have a selection of their work
    in the yard (mail box stands, etc.)

    	R C Welding
    	9 Belnap Road
    	Hudson, NH	603-883-5909


    	Belnap Road is the short cut from Rt 111 to Rt 3A - coming from Rt
    111 (Salem) in Hudson, after the Cumberland Farms store, (down from old 
    Benson's Animal Farm) make a left turn, and go app. 3/4 mile on Belnap, 
    and they are before you come to Rt 3A on the left side....

    
    I second the vote for RC welding. I've seen his work. He does a nice a
    job and can do just about anything you want in the way of ironwork.
    
    

    
    I know you're in N.H., but in Wilmington Mass on RTE 38 there is
    a place called Anderson Wrought Iron. He makes everything you could
    possibly think of. Its a father son(s) operation I believe, and been
    around for 30+ years :
    
      895 Main Street
      Wilmington, MA 01887
      508-658-4316