How I spent my day…

[Mike Davis]

Rebuilding the porch rail for my daughter.
All the parts are cut and double primed. Next we tear out the old and pop in the new.

 

[ScottM]

Yes the “dad can you do” projects. They can be very frustrating but at the end of the day are most fulfilling.

 

[golfdad]

Great job Dad

 

[Mike Davis]

Only got the top part done. Both sides had lag bolts twisted off in the wall. For one I was able to remove and replace. The other gave me fits, finally went and bought a concrete drill and made a new hole. Two hours wasted on poor workmanship by the original contractor. The only treated wood used by them was the 4 by 4 posts. I may be slow but my work should last 30-40 years.

 

[CharlieGator]

Yes the “dad can you do” projects. They can be very frustrating but at the end of the day are most fulfilling.

Totally agree!
Done several house projects for my son and his family. Frustrating, but fulfilling!

 

[mkepke]

Good on you Mike.

But that leads me to an existential question; When did millwork get so boring and how do we reverse the trend?

My house is also afflicted with railings made from 2x4s and vertical 2x2 pickets.

I feel like I need to dig out an architectural style-manual and fire up the molder/planer.

-Mark

 

[Mike Davis]

People have actually told me that it's impossible to make two or more turnings exactly alike. I know several production turners who regularly churn out tens if not hundreds of matching spindles. Spindles for porches, stairways, cabinetry, etc. used to be the norm, not the exceptions. Yes, they can look busy and the artistic viewpoint today is simplicity. But they should be a space for more decorative and possibly innovative expression. The big box stores should not be leading the architectural design revolution.

 

[bob vaughan]

As long as buyers (contractors, too) are looking for the lowest price, durability is rarely discussed.

 

[Mike Davis]

One day turned into three, but it is finished.

 

[MLB3164]

Great job with great results!!!!! Father doing what fathers do best. Just shows "woodworking" is not all glamorous furniture building with exotic woods.

 

[bob vaughan]

One day turned into three, but it is finished.

LOL. I can count on one hand the times a family project went quicker than I thought it would.
Great looking handrails.