How to Layout and Cut a Stair Stringer

[telosfd]

Nice! but what is the angle of the slope from the top to the floor? How can i calculate it?

[samten10a]

What they are doing is algebra figuring the hypotenuse of the run and the rise of the steps and using the constant a x a + b x b = invers or in other words (run x run) + (rise X rise) = inverse or hypotenuse use the hypotenuse as as constant on your calculator

[rockhound888]

First I'd like to say that your videos and your library of knowledge are well put together.

Second I think that you have lost your mind if you think I'm paying $50.00 to join your site! I'm with ppeters914 I just wanted some quick info on building stairs. For the money you want I'll hire someone who knows how to build stairs, and let them do it for me!

[Loredo3201]

you calculate the number of steps first from total rise, always divide by 7, then once you have the number of steps divide that number from total rise and you should get a measurement between 7 and 8 and no matter what the rise will always be 10 or 11 because it must equal 17 or 18. then simply set the stargaiges to 7 rise and 10 or 11 run and lay it out. then just follow the measurement. for the bottom of stringer , whatever you have to take off you take off. hope these steps are easier for you

[DaveOsborneDotCom]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, what you say is correct, but is the old way of calculating your stringer. What I am trying to show in this video is a new way. The marks on the edge of the stringer are given to be able to layout the stringer, very accurately. No step down method which could result in errors and inaccuracies.

Dave

[Loredo3201]

@DaveOsborneDotCom ohh well how did you come up with those measurements

[DaveOsborneDotCom]

@Loredo3201 Ever watch the TV show - Numbers? My brother, Dan, is a mathematician and came up with this procedure. Actually, I like it. Through our website, Dan is the webmaster, we have a calculator which spits out these numbers on a drawing. All from the total rise and a few other constants.

Dave

[duane2072]

@Loredo3201 Thats how I do it and you can lay this out pretty fast. I have never measured first with a tape measure. I use two squares and gauges.

[ppeters914]

Website requires paying monthly fee. Sorry, but all I wanted was quick info on building stairs.

Pete

[TheNeoSwoosh]

Hi I "Liked " your video but just a couple of extra tips 1) I would try not to stand directly behind the skillsaw when it kicks back it goes straight back theirs a coulple a vids on youtube illustrating accidents like those especially the cut with the knot

2) I find it much easier faster and safer to use a chop saw cut from one side to another then flip it - sometimes you might have to use a jig or hand saw to get the last bit the that the saw cant touch...

[CantFaze]

@TheNeoSwoosh ya ok buddy

[thetimbertailor]

Hi Dave,

With an open mind you'll learn SketchUP quickly! If you're like me, you started with long-hand division written out on a board chaning to a fractional calculator when they came out and then to stair calculating computer software. I think you'll find SU the next step. Heck, we went from vinyl to 8-track to cassette to CD to MP3's in our lifetime too. Just keeps gettin' better! No substitute for the years establishing the fundamentals of working with your hands though.

Matt

[DaveOsborneDotCom]

Hi Matt,

Yes, we have seen lots of things in our lives. I remember my Dad had a mechanical calculator, which did simple arithmetic. It was like a coffee grinder, with a handle he turned on the top. You forgot the slide rule, Ha! Yes, we have come a long way. My grandkids look at me weird, when I tell them I was here before plastic. My Dad had a grade 8 education, his company, sent him to university to learn computer scheduling, near the end of his career. He was a civil superintendent.

Dave

[DaveOsborneDotCom]

Hi Matt,

Thanks for this comment. I checked out your videos based on sketchup and was impressed how you could move around the program. My experience for my drawings is with MS Paint. Stop laughing!! I'm going to download Sketchup right now and see if I can learn it. I may have to get special instructions from my grandkids, Ha!

Thanks, again,

Dave

[thetimbertailor]

Hi Dave,

Had trouble with that last comment. Its supposed to read "Its great to see and listen to an "old hand" at work." Visit The Digital Jobsite blog at fine home building dot com if you're interested in seeing the video tutorials that show using SketchUp for layout and planning stair stringers.

Thanks!

Matt Jackson

aka The Timber Tailor

[963hammerman]

@thetimbertailor Is'nt easier to just divide by 8 for risers and treads. A 32nd of an inch can't be accurately marked from a standard tape measure let alone cutting it. Break down fractions into decimals and back and your done

[thetimbertailor]

Dave,

Its great to an "old hand" at work. Nice job on this "How to Cut a Stair Stringer video!

Having done stair layout for years using just a framing square and later a construction calculator, I've recently found using Google's free 3D SketchUp software a great new tool for the "math" part .

Just thought I'd invite you guys to check out the "Stairmathter" and "Steps in the Right Direction" blog posts I put up on The Digital Jobsite to see what you think of them.

Sincerely,

Matt Jackson

[daveusaz1218]

Very nice to see a pro at work

[lonelywolf1964]

I went to webb site and didn't see that.

[bighousedaddy]

Do you flip the board... Cause you're cutting the wrong side... I'm Confused...

Ken

[beno2rasho]

Your measuring down to 32'nD and cutting freehand...........you should have been a surgeon.

Very informative video....thanks for posting.

[MrMeanderthal]

just knock the chunk out and finish the corner with a chisel.. it's two whacks with the hammer and you're done..

[DecalfxVideos]

"My pencil is nice and sharp!"

[MrMeanderthal]

@DecalfxVideos yes, it's the most important thing in carpentry.. in fact the first thing I do with a new guy is ask to borrow his pencil.. what that pencil looks like will decide whether he cuts lumber or carries it..

[stairbuilding]

Great website and you have some great videos.

[DaveOsborneDotCom]

Thanks for the interest in our website and videos.

All the best,

Dave

[sabrinak5]

Great new video! Being a very, very novice "carpenter" what I noticed and appreciated seeing was how you are able to cut such accurate lines with your circular saw and then finish up with a smaller saw. Good to know! Thanks!