In a few weeks I’ll be going to work for a custom stair builder, as an installer. They’ll provide complet training and my choice of tools. I already have most tools, and they already know to get me the Hitachi slider, but I’m wondering what other tools I should consider, such as specialty tools I don’t yet know about. And yes, lot’s of curves involved. So, what’s the basic high-end stair installers tool kit consist of?
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For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net
See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
Replies
I think it's called a Bore Buster, but it's for drilling holes into handrail for round spindles. It's a pretty sweet jig that saves time. If I remember right it's only $500 for it I might be wrong.
Thanks Stilletto,
Yep, it's called Bore Buster. I did a google search and found it at http://www.fjnewmeyer.com/html/tools_and_hardware.html and http://woodstairs.com/parts/tools.html. I also found it in "Construction Staricases, Baluxtrades & Landings - William P. Spence - Page 121.
Funny thing, the first link displays the exact same photo, described as "N-3060 Bore Buster", as I found in the book. The second link doesn't have a photo but lists it for $567, and shows the manufacturers part number as LJ-3060
Oh wait, I found this thread at JLC - http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27048, through which I found this - http://www.ljsmith.net/lj-3060.html
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For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
The one at LJ Smith looks like the one I borrowed from my buddy. Man that thing takes alot of the headache out of centering the spindle and drilling it at the angle of the steps.
Our resident stair installer is um... how should I say this....
on permanent vacation...
Stan Foster and Armin have been filling in for him though...
seriously....
The Fien multi master...
forstner bits,
some carving tools for fine tuning rail assemblies
A GOOD saw stand for your Hitachi.
Lots of clamps
more clamps
The new Toyota 2007 1-ton Tundra limited with a matching tool trailer and a gas card.
A complete set of specialized router bits and a router for each bit(changing bits is non-productive)
thats all for now...
I ENVY you your new job!!!
I hope it works out for the best!!!
GLUCK!!!
Mr. T.
There's a steering-wheel in me pants and it's driving me nuts!!!
<Our resident stair installer is um... how should I say this....on permanent vacation..And I thought Stan and Armin were the resident stair installer'sWho are you referring to?<matching tool trailer This I got to see. Got any pixs?
"Who are you referring to?"word to the wise.....best not to ask...lest you wind up missing too. ;|
Barry E-Remodeler
Tim: I wish you the best at your new job. Is it perhaps for Designed Stairs? Cooper? just curious. There are some fine companies in and around Chicago.
Tools? I dont have an elaborate display of tools....just some simple stuff. My little favorites are velcro disc sanders that fit in my cordless drill.
My little dremel tool with various cutters is nice.
I use a DeWalt 708 with a DeWalt fold up stand. You can also mount a nice disc sander to this stand with another quick attach base like the miter box has.
Most of my favorite tools are just jigs made out of scrap. Anybody that ever visits my shop would probably laugh at what few tools I have...and my table saw, jointer and planer are Grizzly brand that have been serving me well and cheaply for years.
The best tool you can have is the "improvisation" tool...which is stored in your head. It takes experience to dig this tool out...and the more experience....the larger and more efficient this tool becomes.
Again....best to you...and will be looking forward to seeing some of your work.
Stan
I'd rather not mention at this time, don't want to jinx my situation. But they cover an entire 5 county area. My work would be in the North Shore burbs an here in the city.
"Most of my favorite tools are just jigs made out of scrap."
Yeah, mine too. At least they're the most fun! ;o)--------------------------------------------------------
For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
it is undesirable to mention "he who shall not be named".....
much evil was done under his riegn of terror....
he even threatened the all knowing OZ!!! (piffin)
but alas he was banished to a remoted star system by the valiant IMERC and his Jedi friends at NORAD....
the rest of the story is classified so you will have to get it from a Shrub staffer...
The Tundra and trailer are pipe dreams...
Mr. T.
There's a steering-wheel in me pants and it's driving me nuts!!!
now i remember who yur talkin bout, just can't think of the name
Okay, I'll tell the boss to get me one of them Tundras and a matching trailer, but I'm not sure he'll go for the gas card, wouldn't want me using it to fill my own tank.
Making the jigs in my half baked workshop, I know what you mean about changing router bits. I'm going to need at leas 3 more routers just for my own stuff. As for clamps, hmmm... Sounds like a good excuse to build more wooden boxes.
The Fein Multimaster? Yep, definately gonna need one o them.
Forsner bits - I have a 7 piece set, 1/4" thru 1". I'll probably need a bigger selection.
Thanks for the gluck, I walked into a real opportunity here. I just wish I could ditch the kitchen I'm working on and get started tomorrow, but I ain't paid yet, lol. --------------------------------------------------------
For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
The Bore Buster is a nice tool, but after a few times you will most likely not use it. It is slow and there will still be a lot of baluster holes that you can not drill with it, (to close to a post, under a rail bolt, etc.). Plus the drill bits are expensive, about $80.00 apiece.
Take a look in the back of an L.J. Smith catalog at the tool selection, most work well.
For some real specialty stair tools, (rail jointer, pitch square, stair template, metric sized spade bits, etc) contact Steve Grunzel @ [email protected]. Steve is a stairbuilder and tool producer for stairbuilders. I have dealt with him many times, he is a gentlemen and expert in the field, he will treat you like we all want to be treaded, and help you with any questions you may have.
Unfortunately, he does not have a website, but do yourself a large favor and contact him via email, you will be pleased that you did.
Bear
Get one of these, really saves on hangnails...and it's such a pita looking for those castle nuts that bounced off the 3rd floor balcony<G> Hey, pocket doors can't come off the track if they're nailed open
Thanks Bear, I'll get in touch. I found a couple of his items on eBay - the DeWalt plate jointer conversion kit and the stringer router template, both look very impressive.
As for the Bore Buster, I'm not really concerned about the price as the company will cover that. I'm surprised that you say it's slow, I'd think getting an accurate bore for spindles would be time consuming anyway, and BB would help eliminate the possibility of missing the mark or getting the angle wrong, especially with curved rails and such.
I'll learn a lot more about these tools during training. I'm guessing I'll see a lot of the tools from LJ Smith on the job, which is mostly why I'm asking about these tools. It would be nice to have a clue before I get there, or at lease show that I did some research.
Does Steve have a website? --------------------------------------------------------
For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
Build yourself another plywood toolbox just for that collection of pitch blocks you'll want to make & keep handy. Make them so you can quickly clamp them to your fence so you have a good way to cut rail easings securely with the proper angle.
I only do a couple of staircases a year, but I still find that collecting and labeling jigs is a timesaver.
That's a real good idea! I didn't think of it but no doubt I'll want to keep certain pitches for reuse.--------------------------------------------------------
For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
Have ya a good scribe on hand...trust me.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
" Iam not a poet, but your hat is singularily inadequate"
Another good one that is cheap is the pocket hole jig. The single one is all I use for connecting handrails to newels and hand rails to wall plates if you use them.
A rare earth magnet for a stud finder may be a good tool to have around too.
Here is an item I take for granted, but is an absolute must. A digital level that reads angles. You can measure the angle on the staircase and set the rails to match.
Bear
http://www.professionalequipment.com/xq/ASP/ProductID.231/id.15/subID.252/qx/default.htm