Right tool for cutting a 19mm wide slot in a banister rail

[perdrix]

I have a glass sided stair with 17mm thick laminated glass. I want to fit a stair rail. I'm thinking the best way is to cut a slot that's 19mm wide and (say) 20mm deep and epoxy the rails to the top of the glass.

The rail I have chosen is basically a 54mm diameter pole with a 25mm flat on one side. I'll need two lengths of 2.4m and 3.6m

I've had insane quotes to S&F this (over £1k). So I'm considering DIY options.

What's to best tool to cut a slot like this? A router on a router table with guides? A table saw? Something else?

Alternatively can anyone recommend a local joiner (near Pillerton Priors) that won't charge me £550 plus VAT for the labour

Thanks
David

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Why don't you just buy a slotted handrail?

 

[blup]

A half inch router with suitable bit. Is £550 too much when presumably the glass has to be fitted as well, and all put in place?

 

[opps]

Assuming that you mean something like the following "mopstick" handrail.

European Oak Mopstick Handrail

A hardwood handrail with mopstick profile machined from solid prime grade European Oak.

www.britishhardwoods.co.uk

I wouldn't attempt to do it using a regular router. A router table will be much safer.

Eg- https://www.diy.com/departments/hol...mes-with-1-4-1-2-collets/9120058378010_BQ.prd

BTW, I have never used the above. I am simply showing you what they look like. It may, or may not, be cheaper than buying a decent half inch router and separate table.

 

[mrrusty]

very quick google shows this sort of item is available off the shelf. For example. https://aluminox.co.uk/product/crest-wooden-beech-slotted-handrail-gasket/

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I think the glass is already in place, he just wants a handrail to sit on top. Plenty of stainless steel handrails can be found off the peg, not so much timber.

 

[mrrusty]

The link was to a wooden handrail in timber in 2.5m lengths pre-slotted for glass of various thicknesses and complete with a gasket to be cut to appropriate lengths

not cheap, but imho the exact product needed?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

That is a bonkers price, he could get stainless steel for less than half that.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Eazypost Large D 15-19mm Glass Clamp

Our Stainless Steel Large D Glass Clamps are designed to be suited to our range of pre-assembled posts but can be used in a variety of applications. Security and stability are essential. Our Glass Clamps are used to secure the glass panels safely to our...

www.bmsteel.co.uk

You could buy a pre slotted handrail and have a chippy make a slot bigger?
Although I would check with the handrail Co.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

There's a tried and tested system for mounting handrails on glass, you get a handrail with a predetermined slot in it, then a rubber gasket to suit the glass width is inserted with a touch of the appropriate sealant, no need for messing about with cutting slots or using epoxy's or other nonsense.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Crest Wooden Oak Slotted Handrail & Gasket – Vantage Balustrades

vantagebalustrades.co.uk

 

[big-all]

my thoughts
a picture will be handy
check it will finnish between 900 -1100mm
the glass would have to be 100% in line with no kinks
how will you fix it on
routing will need around 8 passes [2x4] to get the width and depth
you will need full support fore and aft 8m on 3.6m
3mm bearing surface either side off the cutter can come unstuck if you're not careful

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

The OP lives in a new build, the glass is there already.

 

[cdbe]

I'd slot that on my table saw, otherwise I'd ask a few local joinery companies - the sort that make timber windows and staircase etc. Hopefully one who'd do it in a quiet period for some cash.

 

[blup]

Or make up a jig and run a circular saw over it several times until the kerf is wide enough