I recently decided to install a set of oak stairs for a friend of mine. I do trim work so I figured it couldn’t be something to hard to figure out. I went online and printed off the instruction guide from L. J. Smith. I purchased the drill jig that allows you to drill straight and at angles to set depths. The only problem I had was drilling into the bottom of the handrail. The forstner bit tended to walk to the side until it got started good. Should I be using a different kind of bit for this procedure?
Thanks,
James
Replies
I use a good sharp paddle bit, you can file them to odd sizes if you need to. The only time I use a forstener is when I'm going thru a plug or at a precarious spot where a paddle bit could blow out. If I use a forstener bit I drill a pilot hole first.
I never use a Fostner bit. I use a paddle bit as well. Just be careful not to go to far. Put tape on the bit as a guide where to stop. I also saw something on TV the other day on "Hometime" (beleive it or not) that grabbed my attention. I usually drill pilot holes in the bottom of my ballusters and 4d finish nail them after gluing but this stair guy used the two sided screws with a special bit in his drill to spin them into the treads. He drilled pilot holes on each tread using a template then spun the two sided screw into the tread. Drilled pilot holes in the bottom of the ballusters and twisted each one on. Looked super solid and was super quick. I'm doing that next time fer sure!!!
Be screwed
Namaste'
Andy
"Attachment is the strongest block to realization"
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
L J Smith has the toys to do that Andy, or you can just screw the balusters from below the tread or nosing, if they are located right.
Andy, I did use the two sided screw technique and I can tell you for sure that it works. Lowe's sells L. J. Smith products and they have the screws and the bit to drive them in with. You do have to be careful to predrill to a set depth.
JAMES