My questions are simple, but I doubt the answers are.
For all you stair builders out there……how did you get started in stairs? Did you transition from some other field? and if so how? Did you apprentice? for how long and to whom?
When did you do your first complicated circular/spiral/curved stair and how did it come out.
What advice would you give to a competent ( but still learning) finish carpenter whom aspires to transition to and specialize in this field?
And finally, I have been asked if I am interested in doing a Curved stairway ( don’t know all the details yet) but I have never done one! Scares the crap out of me, but REALLY intrigues me too. What advice would you offer me there?
JIM
Replies
Jim, I started building staircases 25 years ago out of necessity, at the time I was a designer builder working in a rural area where talents to build anything was as rare as it can get. I designed a house for client and he wanted a really cool staircase since I couldn't find anyone to build one I decided to do it myself. My first one was nothing to brag about, numbers 2 and 3 were not much better, then one day a man comes walking into my shop and holds up a picture (in fine homebuilding) of a freestanding spiral and asks if I can build one like this. I lit up like a kid in a candy store, that project came out pretty cool and I have been going steady since, each project was more complicated than the last and I enjoyed the challenge. Over the years I have helped several newbee's get started in the trade and enjoy shareing info with like minded people.
The short version is since I already had 10 years experence in building "curved stuff" stairbuilding for me was a natural next step. The basic math necessary to layout stairs is nothing more than high school geometry, the rest I learned as I went, as well as picked up some helpfull stuff from the trade journals.
I gather you use the term "stairbuilder" loosely. Like every other speciality trade there are many variations, most carpenters assemble stairs using stock parts, if this is what you want to do your investment in tools and machinery would be at a minimum, if you are a good finish carpenter and can follow instructions you should have no trouble building a decent looking set the first time around, just don't rush and don't expect to make a killing at it either. Some of us, me included, don't use off the shelf parts but rather build everything, treads, risers, stringers, newels and railings including all the turnouts and transitions. This is more involved and requires a substantial investment in machinery as well as a long learning curve.
As for you building your first one, ask yourself, whats the worst that can happen, how fussy is this client and can I afford to work for peanuts or will my family starve if I bring home a months worth of small paychecks? Personally I like challenges, even if it means laying awake at night and wondering how I got myself into such a mess.
Good luck
Armin,
Thanks for the detailed reply.
Currently I am a rare commodity here in NE GA. Educated, meticulous, strong work ethic and heavily "tooled". I also am being asked to build or install things that others are not able or willing to tackle ( very limited talent pool here ). My reputation is currently preceding me to jobs and the clientele are willing to wait weeks to secure my services,(new construction trim, hardwood floors, stain grade stairs, remodeling etc. ) or are even willing to pay premium prices to secure their place in line. These stair questions are my attempts to find out what I might be getting myself into. I don't want to tarnish my reputation.
That said, I guess I should ask, where do I start as I begin to evaluate the building of a curved stairay? Whats first? What do I need to look for? What resources should I read; programs should I buy, etc.
Thank you
JIM
Jim, First you need to find out what the local code allows, this varies greatly from area to area. Make sure you have enough room to build a comfortable and SAFE staircase since ultimately you will assume all the liability for building the thing. My biggest gripe is with the lack of headroom, designers give very little thought to stairs, sometimes it seems like the stairs are more of an afterthought than part of the master plan.
Are the stairs you are considering in a new house or a remodel? How much do you know about stair construction now? There are several books out on circular stair building but I personally found them to be of little use. Fine homebuilding mag had several feature articles years ago that I thought were well written . Also the old Breaktime threads had a very lengthy explanation of circular stairbuilding, I haven't been able to open the archives but maybe you are better at this computer stuff, so give it a try. Unfortunately the pictures were eliminated when Taunton switched to the new system so a lot of the information could be hard to follow without matching photos. If you have a big bookstore in your area try looking to see what books they may have available, Also they must have a Woodcraft store somewhere near you, they may have something on the subject as well.
If you are interested in some pictures send me an e-mail and I will forward them to you. If you give me some basic info as to what your prospective project is I could probably help you further.
I also am atrim carpenter in the Minneapolis area looking into making the transition into stairbuilding I intend to make all my own parts in the long run and am wondering about opinions on essential tools to get up and running.
Thanks
You guys need to look into Armin's stair treads . He makes some fine looking treads that will realy boost your stair making rep. fast. Don
Lecutter, If you plan on using stock off the shelf parts you more than likely have most of the tools you need. The following is a list of a few tools you might want to add to your want list.
Trammel bars, I have 3 sets so I can step off rise, run and stringer lengths without changing settings.
3/8 drill motor and HSS forstner bits for drilling baluster holes.
Jig for drilling baluster holes ( I made my own rather than fork over big bucks for a commercial jig)
Digital level.
A nice plunge router and a second "D" handle router.
Sliding arm miter saw.
Tons of clamps, some of mine are home brewed made to order, cheap and have served me very well.
Pocket screw hole jig, this little tool really shines in stairbuilding.
This list is by no means complete. Have fun.