Need info on how to build metal stairs and handrails....please!

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Where can I find info on how to build metal stairs and handrails?  Especially handrails that go from horizontal to having a pitch for stairs.  Including jigs & fixtures needed.Welders have bigger rods.Welders achieve deep penetration.Welders know how to fill a gap.Don't eat the yellow snow.
Reply:Start with your local city building codes - if thats what your after - It will tell you the range the hand rail can be in hieght , size, distance from wall and transition information . If it's an industrial application - try OSHA
Reply:Thanks, that's some good info to know, but what I'm looking for is how to actually put them together, fabricate them.  We don't make that kind of stuff where I work now, but I used to work at a place that did, when I was mig welding (now I tig), and I really feel like I missed out and want to know this stuff so I have more things to put on my resume.  The sad thing is that the old guys there kept that information secret from the young guys, who only welded, because of job security, which is kind of stupid because they are all retired now and they took all that knowledge with them instead of passing it down to the younger generation.  I don't think they really cared, they were a bunch of grumpy old coots.  I guess in union shops it's different, the old guys teach you everything, but not in these dinky little non-union shops.  It's every man for himself.Welders have bigger rods.Welders achieve deep penetration.Welders know how to fill a gap.Don't eat the yellow snow.
Reply:there many threads on this forum about building rails.  I have posted a couple.  NOMMA.org has some nice tutorals, free.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderthere many threads on this forum about building rails.  I have posted a couple.  NOMMA.org has some nice tutorals, free.
Reply:Like this, follow the print and you end up with something like this.......Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I've built some for a customer a couple of years back.  This customer was not too concerned with code, and wanted them cheap!  What I did that helped me figure out the proper length and angles was to actually go out and measure the steps.  I measured the height and length of several steps to make sure they were all the same length (turns out they were all very close), and counted the number of steps.  I used auto cad and drew the stairs and then drew my handrails to fit.  The angles matched as well as the length.
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingLike this, follow the print and you end up with something like this.......
Reply:Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265I've built some for a customer a couple of years back.  This customer was not too concerned with code, and wanted them cheap!  What I did that helped me figure out the proper length and angles was to actually go out and measure the steps.  I measured the height and length of several steps to make sure they were all the same length (turns out they were all very close), and counted the number of steps.  I used auto cad and drew the stairs and then drew my handrails to fit.  The angles matched as well as the length.
Reply:There is some good information on building stairs in this book.  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:check "Resources" then "on-line videos"on their site.  they are free.  I purchased several videos tapes many yrs ago, now they are free.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapweldercheck "Resources" then "on-line videos"on their site.  they are free.  I purchased several videos tapes many yrs ago, now they are free.
Reply:Follow the drawings, and you should be fine. If you are having to make your own drawings, you may want to have somebody review them first, to make sure you haven't made a code error, or such. Remember when doing hand rails to always measure vertically (using a level) from the nose of the tread. If you make all your angles at the nose of the tread you will avoid the error of having to make up/down jogs. Up/down jogs are ALWAYS ERRORS! It means that the rail has changed height. You will see thousands of them when you start looking critically at stair rails. Sometimes they are fab errors, somethings they are drawing errors, but there is never any reason to have one. Be sure you understand where to begin the rail and where to end it. make sure you know how, and to what it will anchor. I have done many stair rails, some easy some very difficult. I have hated every one of them. If you are making just a rail to go on an existing stair way measuring is critical, small error make big differences. Laser levels are indispensable. welding up frames on site is the easiest way to do it. Welding inside a nearly completed house SUCKS!!!! A small tig machine to tack frames and bracing together is the cleanest way, otherwise invest in a lot of welding blankets and heavy duty canvass tarps. Don't buy harbor freight welding blankets.Good luck
Reply:http://vimeo.com/channels/112773
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderhttp://vimeo.com/channels/112773
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderthere many threads on this forum about building rails.  I have posted a couple.  NOMMA.org has some nice tutorals, free.
Reply:Same with "stairs".  My search on "stairs" shows absolutely no results on how to build them.Welders have bigger rods.Welders achieve deep penetration.Welders know how to fill a gap.Don't eat the yellow snow.
Reply:Maybe I am missing your question entirely, but are you sure you know how to use an internet search engine?I was going to reply to this over an hour ago, but got tied up watching videos and reading articles about stair fabrication and handrail layout and design; that I found using an internet search...Google search the term  "Stair building" or "How to build stairs"For handrails you can Google the terms" Handrail design" or "Handrail layout" or "How to design a handrail"At any rate, there is a plethora of information out there about how to layout a set of steps. Even more info relating to handrail design and fabrication. I will offer you a piece of advice as I build handrails and staircases from scratch at least 3 times a month for both industrial and residential/commercial applications:Get a speed square (both the 7" and 12" models, Swanson brand are my favorites) and a good angle finder. I use the dial type as well as the protractor type Yes they are links to Harbor Freight tools - no, they are not accurate to within 0.001", but they work great for this type of application, and have proven themselves countless times. Even cheap to replace when "someone else needs it more than you do"Basics for building steps:Find the height of the level you are building steps to and divide that measurement by the number of steps you want. that will give you your "Rise" or the height in between steps. You should aim for around 7" Adjust step numbers until you get to a decent rise. For your "run", I usually go with anywhere from 10" to 12" depending on the application. That number is how deep the step is.Once you have those numbers, use your speed square to layout your steps on your stringers. Don't cut anything yet, just make lines. This will help you verify that your numbers are correct and will work for your intended application.As for stringer length: IIRC industry standard is somewhere around 32 degrees for the angle of the stringer.See picture for quick explanation of stairs. And please, I am very very tired so if I missed something, I'll fix it later.
Reply:Whatever you do, you must not neglect the Pothagorian Therom.
Reply:Originally Posted by TimmyTIGWhatever you do, you must not neglect the Pothagorian Therom.
Reply:Sorry about the smartassy response, I was gonna try and delete it yesterday but we don't have that option here. I guess I'm gonna have to use a little more discretion when I'm posting all intoxicated.