On Thu, 21 Jul 2005 17:20:49 +0200, wrote:

I want to build a handrail for the stairs in my home. The stairs it
will compliment curve over a section appx. six feet long as they rise
to a small landing [ which is perhaps why no handrail was ever fitted

I can work out the radius of the rail as it follows the wall just by
making a takeof from the wall. What I can't picture is the second
radius that has to be molded in to accommodate the stairs as they rise
a total of appx. six feet. I have to hold the wood laminations as they
glue in a compound curve.

When we do this in new homes we screw clamping brackets to the
existing treads (or to temp treads if finished treads are to be used)
to which we then clamp the bending rail. This gives you the radius
and correct rise to match that particular stair. We use 10"x10"
metal L shaped brackets that have a stiffener welded at an angle
between the legs.
The problem with bending rail with a rake is that as you clamp up the
rail it needs to twist as it rises. Your not only gluing the pieces
together while making the bend you also have to have enough pressure
to actually put a twist in the rail. It takes a lot of brackets,
clamps and glued up fingers.

Mike O.