Freestanding Eliptical Stair

Listing #3436 Listed on: 09/20/2011 Company Name: Schwall and Sons Woodworking
Name: Jonathan Schwall

Heres another fun project done a couple years ago. quartered/rift white oak treads and sapelle handrail

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Posted By:Jim Baldwin
Magnificent stairs to be sure!

The use however of goosenecks at some of the transitions presents a slight "crippling" effect on the otherwise sweeping handrails. (I'm sure you might agree)

As you know, a project like this is simple in appearance but deceptively complex in execution.

Great Job!
Posted By:Kerry Fullington
Nicely done Jonathan. I rather like the goose necks.

Jim,
How could the rail be done differently?
Would you forget the newels and let the rail flow around on balusters?
Posted By:Jim Baldwin
Yes, ideally there would be no newel posts (especially on the inside elliptic curves) and certainly no goosenecks or cap turns (as they are a gross interruption of the elliptical falling line.

Over-sized balusters or newels can be used for support but they should fit under a continuous rail.

Another solution are the use of a few iron balusters specially made to match the wooden balusters and installed with suitable anchors.

A "true continuous handrail" is the very essence of these types of stacked stairs. When viewed from the top, the handrail should appear as an "uninterrupted spiraling line".

This stair in every other aspect approaches a "true masterpiece" and superb piece of craftsmanship.

I'm quite sure Mr. Schwall would agree as he has communicated with me. He explained that this stair was built according to architectural specifications which stipulated these types of fittings.

It's unfortunate that architects don't always understand the finer points or details involved with these kinds of projects.

Either way, this is a project to be proud of and I feel privileged just to comment on it.
Posted By:Jim Baldwin
I also wanted to ask about the "pole" (which I hadn't noticed before) which appears to extent the full height of the stair?. What are your thoughts on that?
Posted By:Jonathan
Yea the pole holds something that has nothing to do with stairs - lights probably.
Posted By:McKay
I have designed and built furniture for 40 years and to see this quality of work makes me want to sell my tools and go home. My jaw is still on the floor!
Posted By:Mark
I'm with you McKay, he is a true artist. I would love to be his helper and learn from someone with so much talent.
Posted By:Gabriel Montreuil
Not to mention the floor... Awesome jobs!
Posted By:Ed Aumiller
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Posted By:Larry
Nice work but the goosenecks are really out of place. Beat the architect over the head next time!

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