Spacing Different Sized Spindles

conexsys

I have a railing job that uses a combination of wood and metal spindles. The spindle size is different, 1.5" for the wood and 0.5" for the metal ones. Is there an easy way of figuring out how to make the spaces between the spindles uniform, or is it all trial and error. Any help would be great, thanx.

Dustball

Spacing between centerlines of spindles would be your desired spacing between spindles plus 1 inch. Example- 2" spacing between spindles would mean 3" between spindle centerlines.

Very quick and rough sketch with accurate spacing.

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mickeyco

Depending how big the spacing is going to be, if you are trying to get it to code using the minimum, take one of each size (or 3 or 4 etc. if it's a pattern) and measure them as one unit and use the "unit" to figure out how many you need and the spacing.

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nywoodwizard

Its the same as with any baluster,deduct half the amount of both balusters and add them to your desired spacing,no greater than 4" spaces.Does not apply to angle portion,which centers will be larger and according to degree of stairs."Nothing wrong with trial and error as long as errors don't become a habit" .Don't be afraid to also read books relating to railing building and research the web, railing building can't be taught over night

3/4" + 1/4" + 4" = 5" centers

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conexsys

thanx for all the help, I think I'll study it up some more with some books. Thanks.

Catoctin Timber

To evenly distribute space in a given section use the following:

Take total amount of space in section (ex: 4' section)
Subtract amount of space used up by the railing material (5 @ 1.5 + 5@ .5= 10")
Divide by the number of spaces (10 spindles leaves 11 spaces)

4'-10" / 11 = 3 7/16" space