Newel post installation to staircase

[@nicolehanbury7792]

thank you so much for this! we’re about to tackle this exact project and this is the first video we’ve found that really goes step by step

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you for the encouraging comment! I'm glad it helped. This is exactly what I'm shooting for: videos that help others. Cheers!

[@Flowerbags]

You’ve helped me no end with this video. Thank you. We’re a middle aged couple of amateurs and I’m confident we can now tackle this job thanks to your super helpful video.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

You've made my day with this comment! So glad it helped that much. Good luck with the project. Let me know how it turns out.

[@searchingforaway8494]

You do great work!!! I wish there were more professionals like you around! Master craftsman

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you for this! Such an encouragement!!

[@azzzza1045]

Well put together video mate 👍 as a chippie of 20 years though I’m wincing at how close your guide hand is to the circular saw blade, if that kicks out and jumps you’ll lose all 4 fingers 🫣 (not preaching, just wanna see you keep them as you’ll need them) great stuff though keep up the content and keep them digits above the blade, cheers mate!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

I do appreciate the tip bro. Thanks for taking the time to send this encouraging message. I will be keeping the content coming and also will be more mindful of my digits. Cheers Scott (PS. I have two cousins living in England that are "chippies.")

[@rickcimino5483]

I learned something today.....after 40 years in the biz, I did not know there were tape measures like that. I can't tell you how many times I have screwed up by measuring from the 1 inch mark. I just know it was enough times that I started measuring from the two inch mark so I don't screw that up. Thanks for posting.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thanks for the comment Rick. I've made the same mistake many times as well. That tape measure is a good remedy. FastCap makes lots of helpful products like the BurnOne.

[@stevendavis6759]

Great video Scott you have awesome skills I'm looking forward to seeing more videos

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you so much Steven. Very encouraging. Lots more to come - stay tuned.

[@oldelibertystructures5401]

We call our oscillating tool the "jitterbug". We used to use a corded Rockwell however we have transitioned to the Dewalt cordless model. It is probably the most loved tool and used tool we have next to the cordless impact driver.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Jitterbug is a good name! We just call ours the "Fein Tool." I bought it from a wholesale supplier and he told me, "Once you have one you'll use it on every job." He was right. Cordless would be nice.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

We call ours angry saw. Noisy dusty piece of shit!

[@jorgezalazar7946]

Question Scott, you said "how to cut the stringer" isn't that the stair-skirt, the stringers are below the threads holding all together??? thanks!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

On a closed-stringer stair case the stringer serves as support for the treads and also as a skirting. This video would help you understand how that works. Thanks for the question! Scott kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp7ckqpoibWIns0

[@SparkyLongwood]

Super helpful! I’m in the process of replacing my newel post but the new post is a pin top with an up-easing cap. How do I measure for the newel post height if the handrail intersects with the up-easing, not the post?

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Nick, Set or determine your railing height - and cut your post so that the top level part of the pin-top post will be level with the underside of your railing/easing fitting. Use a story pole. Make sure your balusters (if any) will be long enough. Hard to give you more direction on this unless I see the staircase. Hope this helps. (I'm actually finishing off a project with an easing and when the video comes out it may be helpful for you but that won't be for a few weeks.) Cheers, Scott

[@thooney2934]

That was beautiful mate. I’m still learning

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you! I'm still learning too! Cheers!

[@saimonsoon5815]

Do you need that stringer on the side of the staircase? Or its okay to use the lagscrews straight into the side stringer under the 1st step?

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean. Can you provide me more information? Thank you, Scott

[@saimonsoon5815]

@scottearlsmithFTC I mean, the structural stringers under the stair treads. I can just screw the post on that stringer? Or do I need an additional stringer (liker yours) on the side of the step to screw the post to ? Thanks for answering! If you need a helper in Tennessee, let me know!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@saimonsoon5815 I'd love to be in Tennessee right now! So the stairs in the video are "housed stringer stairs." This means that there is only one stringer on each side of the stairs and they are routed to receive the treads and risers. However, if you have a set of stairs where there is a stringer under the treads and risers to provide structural support, then by all means you can lag into that stringer. The following video will show that. Hope this helps, Scott kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2rQmIp7lNuBg68si=8LHl6hZel-t9pRre

[@saimonsoon5815]

@scottearlsmithFTC Awesome! Thank you very much, sir. That's exactly what I needed. I will be building posts and rails from the 1st floor to the 3rd floor of a house, and I feel confident enough after your videos. Thanks again.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@saimonsoon5815 You are very welcome and all the best on your build. Scott

[@LiquidMux]

Dude! Sound track is SICK.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Not sure if that is good or bad. If you don't like the soundtrack I have a similar video with no music. Here's the link. Scott kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaC3pqyIm7mbi8U

[@JamesWall-y8k]

Brilliant video , can I ask what is the blue gauge that you use in the video? Thanks

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thanks for the comment. I believe that is the Kreg depth gauge you are referring too. Cheers, Scott

[@stephenwilliams1286]

Hi scott this a brilliant video, all the detail is great. I have a similar situation. One Question though, Can you please explain how you would adjust for plumb at the stage where you lag screw the newel in if it was quite level first time?

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Stephen, Providing you have glued the joint, you can use a cedar shim if necessary, or if it's a micro adjustment you can tighten one lag more that the other, and get it to where you want it. Once the adhesive dries it will be very solid. I can live with a post that is slightly out of plumb to get a solid connection. Cheers, Scott

[@stephenwilliams1286]

Thanks Scott that’s very useful!

[@stephenwilliams1286]

Me again! New question RE 2:10 when you rebate the stringer from the first plumb cut…is there a reason you chose 1.5inches? Is it a personal preference or is that 1.5inch tied back to the newel somehow? Can it be a deeper rebate? My newel base is 118mm (4.65inch) so I think it would look better if more overlap than 1.5” with bottom step

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

No it's just a judgment thing. In my case with a 3.5" newel a 1.5" rebate will leave me 2-inches of meat to put a lag screw through. So making a deeper rebate on a big newel like you're working with makes total sense. Good luck, Scott

[@stephenwilliams1286]

@@scottearlsmithFTC thanks yet again! Very on top of your comment responses! Much appreciated 🙏🏼

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@stephenwilliams1286 Thank you Stephen. I'm down with a chest cold so I've got nothing else to do! Meanwhile my dog is going nuts because she wants to go hunting. Good luck, Scott

[@stephenwilliams1286]

If youre truly looking for stuff to do haha I hope you dont mind but I just facebook messaged you to ask you for some advice on my top of stairs newel. I sent you pictures! hope that's ok 😇

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@stephenwilliams1286 Nothing there. Are you sure you sent to the right FB address?

[@PleakTCG]

I don’t have a railing selected yet, can I use a piece of 2x4 to find the rake of my newel post? Thanks!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Yes you can. I have another video that may help. Check this one out. Cheers Scott kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2rQmIp7lNuBg68

[@victorvek5227]

Great video sir. Have you ever used a brad point bit for your plug holes instead of a forstner bit? I’ve always used forstners for this but I’m curious which would make a cleaner hole.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you for the encouraging comment. No I haven't used brad-point bits but I have used a sharp spade bit in a pinch. I'm sure if the brad-point is sharp it would work great.

[@stephenwilliams1286]

Scott, question on rail height. You measure the height on the newel based on the rake line at the front of the tread/first riser, but the after you do the notch the newel post in fact sits 1.5inches further into the step. Does that mean that the rail height is going to be lower than measured unless you adjust accordingly? Should the height measurement be taking the rebate you make into account?

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Stephen, Obviously you're catching on because you are exactly right. You could hold a story pole at the point where the newel post will come to rest after it's notched and that would be right on. Scott

[@stephenwilliams1286]

😊 thanks I must be getting to grips with this stuff!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@stephenwilliams1286 Glad I could be of help!

[@stephenwilliams1286]

I have a good teacher 😎

[@zephyr1408]

Hi I am a pro finish contractor , licensed & bonded all that stuff. Yours is the perfect channel to p/u tips esp on stairs and railings because I just do not do enough of them! However; I am all in! Spencer Lewis & Gary Katz R great finish channels by pro production carpenters! One complaint? Music ! I really do not come to a trades channel to listen to any music? If you notice those channels i mentioned hv no music just teaching! Now pls do not be offended I only take the time because us trade ppl are really lacking good pro teachers! It all channels on DIY stuff where some guy quits his job to video himself build stuff around the house??? Which is great if I was not actually way past that! I started listening to you then I was over taken by loud music that killed the process! U might consider asking your viewers if they enjoy the music or not? Or you might say who cares what you want? Either way thank U for the videos and help sir!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you for your thoughtful and respectful feedback. I hear you! I do notice that many of the channels I listen to (Spenser Lewis, Joey Chalk, and others) don't do music. I simply gave it a shot. I suspect it's not beneficial so I will stop using music in the videos. In fact I'm going to see if I can mute the music in this specific video. When you're trying to making inroads on KZbin you have to experiment a little. I haven't been able to upload much content of late, as I've been working at my Lake Superior cabin with no wifi. This has given me lots of time to rethink what I'm doing. I've come to the conclusion that if you have good content eventually your channel will grow. I think the music is done. Your feedback came at just the right time. Thanks again.

[@zephyr1408]

@@scottearlsmithFTC I hv been saving your stair, skirts , treads , Newells, all those videos from you! I put them in my files w/ Inside carpentry, and of course King Gary Katz’s videos ! Do you hv and door ones? I do a lot of doors but always looking for stuff from guys like you! I just learn so much! Anyway God Bless u & urs !

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@zephyr1408 Thank you so much and God bless you as well. Check out this door-build video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHipiYhmi69ka7s

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@zephyr1408 Also this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWnbp5pmZc6kf6M

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@zephyr1408 and this one on hanging doors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKW8foOgoNSSqqM

[@FocusST305]

If you've never forgot the +1 rule, are you really a joiner/carpenter 🤣 in the UK we use the 100mm rule, the amount of tradesmen i know who've forgotten to add that 100mm is endless... including myself. That's a COOL tape measure 🙏

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

That's for sure James. Forgetting to add the inch/100mm is a right of passage for us carpenters. My cousin in England has two sons that are "chippies." Cheers, Scott

[@vincentrogers8586]

Failing this seemingly simply exercise of short term memory has caused many tears, trips to the wood store and serious questions about whether one should really be allowed to use power tools or modify other peoples homes.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Hahaha. Also a good reminder that we are human! @@vincentrogers8586

[@patrickbambrick]

Hey Scott! I’m replacing my newel posts that are already notched like you did in the video.. do you think I could just lay the new ones side by side and make copies?

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Assuming they were perfect the way they were - yes. But hard for me to say without seeing the stairs and the posts.

[@alexr2309]

One question, how much does it have to measure? Newel post

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

It depends on the height of your railing and the position of the post. This video explains that really well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2rQmIp7lNuBg68

[@philipdale1149]

Brilliant video, very informative

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you Philip!

[@ashwoodbrain2]

Hi any chance you can tell us the sizes of drill bits and screws you used? Thanks

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you for reaching out. The screws are 5/16x6" construction screws from U2 Fasteners. I used a 3/4" forester bit, followed by a 1/4" bit and then a 3/16 long-shank bit for the pilot hole into the stringer.

[@could_try_harder]

brilliant video, lightbulb came on the first 30 seconds.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

That's great. I have a shorter video on layout that explains the "rake of the stairs." You're right when you talk about the light going on; once you get it - you get it. Cheers Scott PS. Glad you enjoyed the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2rQmIp7lNuBg68

[@KenDavies-z4m]

Great video

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you Ken! Scott

[@rodbickel8628]

Thanks. This helped me a lot.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Glad to hear that Rod!

[@michaelroper6694]

The cuties at the end sold the video. Peace out.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Haha. Thank you. I will pass on the compliment to them. They are a lot of fun to have around the workshop. Cheers!

[@999Jigs]

Peace out ✌🏻

[@daesilvi]

Good video but the music was too much.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Sorry about that. The only way I can delete the music is by deleting the content as well. If KZbin ever comes up with a way to mute a section of published video I will do that right away. Glad you liked the video and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Cheers, Scott

[@mewmew32]

great video aside from the awful music queues!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you for the feedback. So far no one has indicated they like the music, so I've stopped using it. I can't delete the music from the video without loosing the whole segment. Glad you liked the rest of it though!

[@IrishBoy]

awful sound track and very loud!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@francistafaro3]

I thought the music was good, do you have another video on how you did the handrail for this project? Frank

[@MrDandaman137]

helpful tricks, introductory music too damn loud compared to your voice. I muted your channel a couple of times, but I feel like I'm missing stuff when I do. Please lower your intro, it wakes up my kids, thanx!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you for this. I have reduced my intro by 50% in all my recent videos. I've also stopped using music altogether. Unfortunately I can't remove the music or lower the volume in existing videos on KZbin. Glad you stuck with the video and appreciate your input. Cheers, Scott

[@infinitystudiosllc7956]

Lose that music…

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thank you. That's a common complaint. Unfortunately I can't delete the music without deleting the content. If KZbin comes up with a way to remove, I will. However I am not using music anymore, and only a few of the older ones have music. Regards, Scott

[@jarradmoore6939]

Terrible music

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

I've stopped using music in my videos but can't remove the music from this video now that it's published. Thanks for the feedback.

[@thomasoconnor4575]

great video, music unnecessary and annoying.

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Thanks Thomas. Once KZbin comes up with a way to delete audio without the video, I will remove the music. I appreciate the input. Scott

[@thooney2934]

Who the hell is that breathing at 15:25 buddy 😅?

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Hahaha. It's hard work for an old man!

[@thooney2934]

@@scottearlsmithFTC sorry buddy I thought it was someone else.👍😅

[@thooney2934]

@@scottearlsmithFTC subscribed buddy.. I’m learning of you ! 👍

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@thooney2934 Probably my camera guy. Nothing too exciting!

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

@@thooney2934 Glad you are learning something. And thanks for the sub, much appreciated.