|
Builder’s Tip: Adjustable Stair Jigs Instead of Gauges
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Click for larger image. | Some carpenters swear by stair gauges for use with a framing square during stair-stringer layout. But I’ve encountered problems with stair gauges.
First, the cheaper six-sided gauges are difficult to set accurately because the edge of the gauge that contacts the edge of the lumber sits off the edge of the framing square. And while my good Starrett stair gauges align exactly with the edge of the square, they have not solved the problems posed by the lumber. The edges of lumber have defects: nicks, knotholes and wane (sloped edges caused by the rounded edge of the tree). When the gauge falls on one of these imperfections, it throws off the layout.
Another problem occurs when the lumber used for the stringer is only long enough for the layout. When this occurs, one of the gauges has nothing to bear against for the first or last step because it’s off the end of the board.
Because of these problems, I’ve stopped using stair gauges to lay out stair stringers. Instead, I use a stair jig with an adjustable fence, as shown in the drawing.
The jig consists of a framing square, a fence and two tiny C-clamps. The fence is 32 inches long, a full 1 inch thick and 1-1⁄4 inches wide.
To make the fence:
- I ripped a 12-inch long kerf from each end of the fence, with the material standing on edge as I fed it into my table saw.
- I made this kerf in the center of the 1-inch thickness of the board.
- Stopping the rip at 12 inches left an area of uncut wood about 8 inches long in the center of the fence.
To set up the jig, I slide the fence over the legs of the rafter square, set it to the desired layout and clamp it in place.
In use, the fence rides along the board and easily bridges imperfections in the lumber. It also holds the square in the correct position right up to the end of the board.
Once the fence is fabricated, it takes no longer to set up this jig than it does to affix stair gauges. This jig also can be used to lay out rafters.
— John Carroll, Raleigh, N.C.
Tips & Techniques provided by Fine Homebuilding.
©2005 The Taunton Press
To request a reprint of this feature, e-mail Mary Lou von der Lancken at Fine Homebuilding.
 BuilderBooks.com Offers More Than 250 Books That Help You Build Your Business
BuilderBooks.com is your source for training and education products for the building industry. The official bookstore for NAHB, BuilderBooks.com offers award-winning publications, software, brochures and more available in both English and Spanish. To view these publications online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
 Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and a Chance to Win Digital Camera
Subscribe your employees to Nation’s Building News Online. It’s free, easy and NAHB members who sign up three or more employees will be entered into the "Make Your Business Click" contest to win a digital camera. To learn more or sign up your employees, click here.
|
