How would you build the top rail for a handrail of a spiral stairs

[dshall]

I want to build a handrail for some spiral stairs. The handrail needs a radius with the start of rail 36" above the ground and the end of rail say................ 90" above the ground. Tried using a 3D molding but can't seem to get it to work. Any ideas?

[moak]

I'd use sketchup.
I cant make a video right now. Have a look at the attached sketchup file. I separated out the individual steps.

[Joe Carrick]

Use a 3D Molding PLine that is just a 30 degrees arc and the end of the arc to match the stair rise in 30 degrees. Set the Molding to be centered on the PLine. Position one of these and then copy rotate about the center of the stairs with the "z" value matching the rise in 30 degrees.

[perryh]

I just use a generic symbol and attach the detail sheet from "The iron shop". Those details say it all.

[perryh]

like this. until they get better models.

[dshall]

Use a 3D Molding PLine that is just a 30 degrees arc and the end of the arc to match the stair rise in 30 degrees. Set the Molding to be centered on the PLine. Position one of these and then copy rotate about the center of the stairs with the "z" value matching the rise in 30 degrees.

I don't get how you get the slope. It seems that the start should be at a specific ht. and then the end of arc is at higher ht., can't seem to figure this out. What part of your above statement addresses this?

[dshall]

like this. until they get better models.

Yeah, I get that. But my delta is 10', I can stretch symbol but that increases the rise and does not not increase the needed number of risers. Just did a vid on making a spiral stairs and it is really easy. The only tough part is getting a good curved rail. I can do it, but it could be improved upon if I can figure out how to slope the 3d molding handrail.

[billemery]

Hi Scott,
I can come very close to a manufactured spiral using a Chief stair.

I can also isolate the railing and turn it into a symbol that I can use on a stair built from polyline solids

[Curtis Johnson]

It sure would be nice if we had the ability to use the existing dbx and plug in Z elevation values for both the start and end when doing a spiral handrail, or perhaps other details as well. Seems to me like everything is there but the code to make it happen.



I will be interested to see where this thread goes as I will be starting a project with both a spiral staircase and a circular stair case.

[perryh]

Yeah, I get that. But my delta is 10', I can stretch symbol but that increases the rise and does not not increase the needed number of risers. Just did a vid on making a spiral stairs and it is really easy. The only tough part is getting a good curved rail. I can do it, but it could be improved upon if I can figure out how to slope the 3d molding handrail.

Yes, that is a problem. Right now I just stretch a symbol and it does looks pretty bad. I just don't have the time to spend on creating the exact model. As long as I add a detail page it works for permit purposes. I would love to do it in Chief so I'll go watch your video. Still need the detail page though.

[dshall]

Hi Scott,
I can come very close to a manufactured spiral using a Chief stair.

I can also isolate the railing and turn it into a symbol that I can use on a stair built from polyline solids

Bill, it sounds like we are building the same way, psolids for stairs and the rail per description below.

http://youtu.be/kziX-zqZDhs

My rail is segmented. I built a CA curved stairs with rail, took an overview, deleted all surfaces but rail and turned into symbol. It looks like you did same thing. Your rail is also segmented.

Joe seems to think he can build the spiral, waiting on work from him on how to do a SMOOTH (unsegmented) top rail.

[dshall]

Wait, how about a curved ramp, not stairs, I will give it a try.

[dshall]

Yep, that works, and so much easier. Use a curve ramp, take overview, delete surfaces of ramp, railing remains, turn into symbol and all is well............... SUPER!

[billemery]

Hi Scott,
Here is a spiral done in Chief. Yes, the handrail is segmented, but it's close enough for me.I haven't tried it with a ramp

[dshall]

Hi Scott,
Here is a spiral done in Chief. Yes, the handrail is segmented, but it's close enough for me.I haven't tried it with a ramp

Bill, be very careful using the floor assembly as the landing. I believe the landing is provided by stair company. The stair landing by stair company is not as DEEP as your floor assembly. You could have head room problems using your thick floor assembly vs. the stair companies SHALLOWER landing assembly.