Jig for railings

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Hello all,making some railings for headboard of bed and wondering if anyone had plans or knew where to get a jig to space the balusters appropriately?The railings will resemble regular railings that you would put on a deck or staircase...just plain straight balusters connecting to tube in the top and bottom. Is there a best approach for getting the spacing uniform and centered?Thanks for any replies...I know there are some expert railing people here! Lincoln AC-225
Reply:There are several approaches.  One would be to cut a spacer the size of the gap you want between balusters.  Use the spacer between each picket.  Weld then move the spacer.  The first picket must be where you want it because all others will it orientation (plumb or not plumb)Since you are doing a head board.  I would lay my top and bottom rail on a table.  Clamp them together and then make chalk marks where the balusters should be placed.  If you are using 1/2" baluster then the marks should drawn to represent the 1/2" space  occupied by the baluster then your spacing then another 1/2" representation.  Marking the rails prior to starting  will allow you to see how the spacing will flow, so you don't have one smallspace at the end.  You could start in the center and work your way out, but again I would mark my rails then I would see how large or small the gaps at the end would be. Good Luck
Reply:Thank-you Tapwelder, that's a great idea. Lincoln AC-225