Need Insight

I think I’d use steel (or heavy aluminum) pipe instead of wood.

I’d also extend the base of the thing to the right – if someone leans on the rail they’re as likely to tip the whole thing as to break the posts (unless you have a lot of weight under the lower step).

-- Peter

I agree with the previous posts too. The dowel is just not strong enough. The client on the handrail has a huge mechanical advantage in making the dowel flex. You need material that will not flex, hence steel.

-- Steve Groeneweg, http//www.UltimateCarver.com

Since removing the dowel may be too difficult without damaging the carcase do you think a strip of steel run up the length of the dowels would help?

-- Drew -- "I cut it twice and it's still too short!"- Rock-n H Woodshop - Moore, OK

Anything you add to strengthen the dowells must go right to the floor. If it just runs from the top of the step to the handrail, the dowells would likely break at the top of the step.

I’d suggest steel angle rather than a flat strip, as the angle will add strength in all directions – flat strip will only help in its wide dimension.

Also, as I mentioned in my first post, you need to extend the step to the right, otherwise a person leaning on the rail would tip the thing to the right (if the dowells didn’t break.) A panel against the wall, solidly attached to the steps, would probalby be sufficient.

-- Peter

I’d go with square steel tubing.

-- Bondo Gaposis

If you install a “X” in the middle of the two uprights that will make it much stronger as far as racking is concerned.
you don’t say what kind of wood the uprights are made out of? the kind of wood you use will make a big difference strength wise.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/