Secrets of Stair Construction

I have used double sided tape. Stick the stringers on it the desired distance apart, then start adding the steps. Really, once you get the top and bottom steps in place there's no need for it to be held any longer.

 

There was a holding jig that came as part of the stair assemblies associated with the BTS Cabin Creek Coal tipple.  The jig held the stair stringers the proper distance apart. I applied the bottom step and top step, adjusted the risers in the jig so that the assembly was square and true.   Then at least one middle step.   Allowed the partial assembly to set.  Then applied the remainder of the treads.  Handrails were installed after the stairs were installed.





The laser cut stringers are set to fit, so the two different levels the the stair connects are designed to be adjustable. The observation room moves up and down and the lower level cat-walks were adjusted to the height of the steps.

All component parts were stained Golden Oak.  Stain allows the glue to adhere without much trouble.  Painted surfaces can be problematic.

What Vucan sez.  Me 2.

 

KD

CA accelerator spray also helps a lot in delicate situations. A quick spritz and the glue sets instantly.  Greatly reduces the amount of time you need to keep things aligned. 

 

Of course, a third hand doesn't hurt either. 

I use 2 small clamps (like the ones  Mike CT shows above  there) to hold the stringers at the right angle and space for easy drop in of tread. Then i place the top and bottom tread(glued) with tweezers. after they dry  its easy going from there.

However the dbl sided tape thing sounds good.

Sears Craftman spring clamp set.  Valuable tools. $10 for the set.

Clamps used.

Depending on the application, I sometimes cheat and substitute Plastruct plastic stair

strips....those Sears clamps look like more of a few I use...will have to check those

out....

A bag of wooden clothespins are also useful,

When I'm assembling treads onto stringers, I usually just tack on two treads to one stringer a fair distance apart using Goo and then some CA from the back side.  Joint that to the other stringer using the same process.  Then fill in the rest of the treads.

 

But, thank goodness for laser cut stairs!!!  Making your own from scratch can be mind numbing........

"But, thank goodness for laser cut stairs!!!  Making your own from scratch can be mind numbing........"  Martin.

 

 

Most of this picture is stair parts.   Note the stringers to the back.  The treads are still part of the laser cut sheets.  Easier to stain/paint the parts on the sheets.  Once assembled touch-up with stain or paint is done.   I usually have a small cut Solo-cup that has white construction glue that sets on the work area.  Unfortunately I don't have a picture in this set.  Application of contruction glue is with a paint brush to the small parts. Let it tack-up as the water/solvent dries and apply the parts with sticky glue, not wet/fresh glue.  IMO.    All else fails, grab the CA, a thicker set, for something more agressive.

Yes.  The thicker glues will work better since there's exposed end grain involved in glueing the treads to the stringers.  Thin glues just soak in and you get weak brittle joints that are prone to failure (generally at the least convenient time).

Thanks for all your suggestions.  At the moment, I'm trying a combination of your suggested double sided tape and two pieces of basswood as jigs.  But the fumbling continues as I can't find a suitable way to hold the two stringers (taped to the basswood strips) at the right width while placing a tread securely in the middle of the two.  I know once I get the top and bottom treads securely glued, the rest will be easier - I think!. 

 

I have done stairs before, but for some reason this one is giving me fits.

 

Back to the mines to try again.  Stay tuned for an update.

 

Bill

Once you start the bottom one, as said above, use a spacing jig to hold the next one and go from there....gap filling CA for sure too.

 

..I'm shocked no-one said "one step at a time" to the title secret to stair construction.

Update:  Finally got it done.  I had to do what I did not want to do; that is, glue the top and bottom tread to one side first.  I had visions of the glue setting up and finding that I had not held the tread perfectly in line.  But I apparently got it close enough since the remaining treads fit just about perfect.

 

Frank53: You're hired.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

I guess I was thinking more of this kind of stringer, where it's notched.

 

 

That kind, then Frank probably does have the better method.

 

But glad you found success, Bill.

 

Same kind of arrangement that I was thinking where the tread lays upon the stringer and is supported then by the stringer.

 

I've made them but as long as they are available laser cut, I'll stick with the laser cut ones.

 

Probably helps a bit if you've ever installed a real 1:1 stairway.

An interesting side note on this thread.  I posted a link to the Sears hobby clamp set and via Facebook, the internet, it now appears on my screen as $9 and free shipping.  It's a wild world out there, if my foggy head survives. IMO. 
Repost of a thread above.
Sears Craftman spring clamp set.  Valuable tools. $10 for the set.

Clamps used.