LJSmithInstallation | Page 42

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4 . Assemble the bending rail in one half of the bending mould as you glue each piece , finishing with the other half of the bending mould .
5 . Wrap the bending rail assembly with filament tape about every 4 ' to hold the rail together while forming it to the curve . See illustration # 4 .
6 . Start forming the rail to the curve by clamping at one end . Gradually pulling the rail to the forms and clamping as you go , work to the other end of the rail . Force the bending rail down on the front edge of each bending form . Put a clamp on each bending form and put clamps on the bending rail in between the forms . Clamps should be no more than 6 " apart . It is very important to clamp the rail as closely together as possible to get good glue adhesion and a uniform bend in the rail . See Photos Below .
7 . Most handrails are ready to remove from the forms in 24-48 hours . However , when bending a very tight radius , it is advisable to allow additional drying time . Take the rail assembly off of the bending forms and remove the bending mould . Remove the excess glue with a hand belt sander .
8 . Use normal methods for installing fittings , balusters , and newels . It is best to install and finish railing immediately .
107-E MAKING A PITCHBLOCK
A pitchblock is a triangular piece of wood used to mark fitting easements for trimming at the proper angle . It may be made in one of two ways :
Pitchblock
Stringer
ALTERNATIVE # 1 Alternative # 1 - Use the triangular piece of off-fall from the stringer or . . .
Plywood
Pitchblock
ALTERNATIVE # 2 Alternative # 2 - Use a piece of plywood . Clamp a piece of handrail to the nosing of the treads . Set the plywood on one tread and against the nose of the next tread ( check this corner of the plywood to see that it is square ). Mark and trim along the underside of the handrail .
Mark " rise ," " run ," and " rake " on the appropriate legs of the triangle and on both sides of the pitchblock . If the rise or run is different on different flights of stairs , make a pitchblock for each flight .
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