How to fit Fusion Mk1 spindles on landings

 
         
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Contents

     
  Step   1 - Measure newel post distance
Step   2 - Calculate number of spindles
Step   3 - Check spindles
Step   4 - Assemble the MK1 spindles
Step   5 - Measure for baserail
Step   6 - Position baserail
Step   7 - Mark centreline
Step   8 - Position spindle
Step   9 - Mark position of handrail
Step 10 - Mark centre position handrail
Step 11 - Drill wall
Step 12 - Cut newel post to size
Step 13 - Mark handrail length

 

Step 14 - Cut handrail to length
Step 15 - Install handrail
Step 16 - Mark bracket positions
Step 17 - Mark hole positions
Step 18 - Drill pilot holes
Step 19 - Drill baserail fixing holes
Step 20 - Insert first spindle
Step 21 - Mark location of spindle bracket
Step 22 - Fix first spindle to handrail
Step 23 - Fix remaining spindles to handrail
Step 24 - Repeat
Step 25 - After care
 

 

decide on the look you want, Fusion MK1 spindles, MK1 spindles, staircases, landings, Fusion, baserails, handrails, newel posts, newel caps, WONKEE DONKEE says: Save yourself a lot of time andbother by using my calculator. Just enter the distance “ND”. This will then give you the number of  spindles and intermediate newel posts you will need, and all the dimensions too. Nice ‘n easy.

Step 1 - Measure newel post distance

 

 

First of all, you will need to work out if you need an intermediate newel post fitted or not, and how many spindles you will need.

 

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Fusion TM components, MK1, Fusion, WONKEE DONKEE says:Measure along the baserail, it will help you keep the tape measure horizontal. By the way, did you know that the end of your tape measure is loose for a reason? Click here, or on me, for more info.

Step 2 – Calculate number of spindles

 

Measure the distance between the inside faces of the newel posts, or the distance between the newel post and the wall.

Measure the width of the newel base (w).

Enter these two dimensions into the Wonkee Donkee calculator (To open calculator in new window, click here).

This will give you the number of spindles you will need, as well as the spindle centre positions

(The height of the handrail is determined by the spindles as shown later).

 

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Marking landing newels, Fusion, MK1 Fusion, stair Fusion, newel posts, WONKEE DONKEE says:

Step 3 - Check spindles

 

If you are using the MK1 type spindle, you will need to assemble them before going any further. The MK2 type spindle needs no assembly.

 

 

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Newel trim instructions, trim newels to height, how to trim newels, stairs, newels, richard burbridge, Fusion, WONKEE DONKEE says: "When tightening the screw, be careful not to over-tighten or you may strip the thread and then you will not be able to tighten the screw properly. Best way is to screw down until the head makes contact with the material (you will feel the resistance) and then tighten a further half turn."

Step 4 - Assemble the MK1 spindles

Insert the brackets into the spindle tubes as shown, and secure with the supplied 63mm long screw.
Ensure that the brackets line up with each other by placing on top of two blocks of wood before tightening.

 

 

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Tape measure instructions, measuring newel height, richard burbridge, stairs, Fusion, MK1lic Fusion, MK1 Fusion, MK1 newels, fitting MK1 spindles, how to measure newel post height, WONKEE DONKEE says:

Step 5 - Measure for baserail

Before fixing the spindles, the handrail and baserail will need to be installed.

Using the measured distance between newel bases and/or between newel base and wall, mark and cut the baserail to length.

 

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How to mark bottom newel, richard burbridge, fitting MK1 newels, marking out lines, cut point, baserail offcut, stairs, staircases, richard burbridge Fusion, WONKEE DONKEE says: The baserail is not fixed down at this stage because you don't want to see the fixing screws. Wait ‘till you know where the brackets will be - the screws can be hidden under the brackets.

Step 6 - Position baserail

Loosely put the baserail into place, making sure that it is lined up centrally to the newel post and parallel to the floor edge.

Do not fix anything down at this stage.

 

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, MK1, Fusion, stair parts, Step 7, Mark centreline, Wonkee Donkee says "Take time in your marking out - It will save you time later." Diagram of baserail, straight edge, pencil, level

Step 7 - Mark centreline

With the baserail correctly positioned (A), make a small mark on the wall to indicate where the centre line of the baserail falls (B)

Using a large level (or straight edge and level), mark a vertical line from about 850mm to about 950mm from the floor. This will give the centreline of the handrail (C) & (D)

 

 

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fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, stair parts, spindles, position spindles, fitting newels, fitting MK1 newels, Step 8, position spindle, Wonkee Donkee says "You will find it much easier if you have someone to help you at this stage."

Step 8 - Position spindle

Place two assembled spindles vertically and spaced apart, on the baserail.

Rest a length of handrail or handrail off-cut on top of the spindles to give the finished height of the handrail.

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, stair parts, newels, handrails, handrail, Step 9, Mark position of handrail, Wonkee Donkee says "Take care not to damage or mark the finish on the parts. You could use a piece of handrail off-cut rather than a full length as long as it sits over both spindles." Diagram,newel post.

Step 9 - Mark position of handrail

Mark a line on the newel post about 5mm below the top of the handrail.

If you have intermediate newel posts, mark the height on these as well.

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, MK1, Fusion, stair parts, Step 10 - Mark centre position handrail, Wonkee Donkee says "With the spindle sitting centrally on the baserail and the wall bracket positioned as shown, the spindle will be vertical if the centre of the top hole is lined up on the centreline mark.". Diagram, handrail, wall bracket, newel post, centreline marked.

Step 10 - Mark centre position handrail

Place a wall bracket on the end of the handrail and position the wall bracket against the wall with one of the fixing holes at the top. Make sure that the previously marked centreline passes through the middle of this top hole.


Use a pencil to mark the centre of this hole as well as the centre of the other two fixing holes.

 

 

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, stair parts. Step 11, Drill wall, Wonkee Donkee says "Make sure that all three screws are nice and tight. For further details on drilling walls and how to select the correct fixing, click here or on me." Diagram, wall bracket, wall, power drill

Step 11 - Drill wall

Remove the handrail, wall bracket and panel. Drill a hole in the previously marked positions to suit a wallplug or fixing appropriate for the type of wall the wall bracket will be fixed to.

Secure wall bracket to the wall using the screws provided.

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, stair parts, Step 12,Cut newel post to size, Wonkee Donkee says "Don’t worry too much about the quality of your sawing this end will be  covered by the fitting." Diagram, newel post, hand saw.

Step 12 - Cut newel post to size

Using a fine toothed hand saw, cut the newel post at the place previously marked.

 

 

 

 

 

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Fitting instructions, prepare newels, mark handrail length, handrail, fit newels to handrail, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, Wonkee Donkee says: "Again, no need to be too fussy - the brackets are quite forgiving!"

Step 13 - Mark handrail length

With the handrail in place and in the wall bracket, make a mark about 5mm in from the inside face of the newel post as shown.

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, stair parts, brackets, newels, fitting newels, Step 14, Cut handrail to length, Wonkee Donkee says &quotTake your time but don’t worry too much about the finish of your cut.", diagram, handsaw, handrail, cut where previously marked

Step 14 - Cut handrail to length

Using a fine-toothed hand saw, cut the handrail at the place previously marked.

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, newels, stair parts, Step 15, Cut out slot, Wonkee Donkee says "Don’t screw the brackets on just yet. That’s for later..."

Step 15 - Install handrail

With the handrail now cut, place it back into the wall bracket and, at the other end, position the handrail on the newel post using the landing connector. Do not secure at this stage.

 

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Ftting instructions, Richard Burbidge, MK1, Fusion, stair parts, Step 16, Prepare Battens, Wonkee Donkee says "To avoid problems later, be as accurate as you can with your measurements. Check your marking out before going to the next stage.By the way, do you know why the tab at the end of your tape measure is loose? There is a reason…...click here to find out why!". Diagram, tape measure, pencil, brackets

Step 16 - Mark bracket positions

Using a tape measure and sharp pencil, measure the centre position of the brackets. To make it easier, the printout from the Wonkee Donkee calculator will give you all the dimensions you need.

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, newels, handrail, step 17, mark hole positions, stair parts, Wonkee Donkee says "Remember, we are only marking the timber at this stage. Do not drill into the timber if you do, the hole may be too big for the screw!" Diagram, bracket, fixing hole, power drill, bradawl

Step 17 - Mark hole positions

Using a bracket from one of the spindles as a guide, mark the position of the fixing holes using either a bradawl or a drill and drill bit. Make sure that the bracket is lined up centrally to your previous marks.

If using a drill and drill bit, select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the size of the fixing hole in the bracket - a 4mm diameter bit should be sufficient. Using a slow speed, and with the drill positioned in the fixing hole, carefully drill only enough so as to make a mark on the baserail.

Repeat for all brackets attached to ther baserail.

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, Step 18, Drill pilot holes, Wonkee Donkee says "Want a Tip? Wrap a small amount of masking tape around the drill bit so you know how deep to drill." and "A pilot hole is a term used to describe the        pre-drilling of a hole with a smaller drill bit and is used to guide the larger drill bit for accuracy and also to remove material in stages. In this case, we’re drilling a pilot hole to guide the screw, prevent the timber from splitting, and to make it easier for the screw to be screwed into the timber. This is more important when using hardwoods." Diagram, drill additional hole here, 3mm drill bit, tape, 25mm, baserail.

Step 18 - Drill pilot holes

Remove the bracket and, using the marked hole positions, drill two pilot holes using a 3mm drill bit to a depth of around 25mm.

Drill an additional pilot hole between the two fixing holes. This will be used later to secure the baserail to the flooring. Space these about 500mm apart - but under the brackets between the two fixing holes. Make sure that a fixing hole is located under the first and last spindle brackets.

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, newels, fitting MK1 newels, stair parts, Step 19, Drill baserail fixing holes, Wonkee Donkee says "IMPORTANTDo not drill through into the floor, otherwise there will be nothing for the Screw to screw into!You may also use a drill bit to countersink the hole. Use a drill bit that is the same size or larger that the screw head. " Diagram, countersink bit, powerdrill, floor

Step 19 - Drill baserail fixing holes

Using a 5mm drill bit, drill ONLY the middle of the three holes (that is, the baserail fixing hole) all the way through the baserail. 

Repeat until all the baserail fixing holes are drilled.

Using a countersink bit, countersink the hole to accept the screw so that the head of the screw is just under the surface of the timber. This is to prevent the screw from fouling on the bracket.

Secure the baserail to the floor using No 10 x 45mm (5x45mm) countersunk screws.

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, stair parts, Step 20, Fix spindles to baserail, Wonkee Donkee says "Take care not to damage the screw heads - you will want them to look good because they will be seen after the installation." spindle, baserail, staircase, handrail, fitting spindle to handrail, fitting spindle to handrail, diagram

Step 20 - Insert first spindle

Place the first assembled spindle into place on the baserail and secure using the No 6 x30mm (4x30mm) screws supplied.

 

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, newels, fitting MK1 newels, Step 21, Fix spindles to handrail, Wonkee Donkee says "Make sure that the bracket doesn’t move as you use the bradawl.You could also use a drill as shown previously, but use a 3mm drill bit and drill the pilot hole.Take care when working above you - it’s easy to get something in your eyes!" Diagram, spindle, handrail, baserail, spirit level, level, bradawl

Step 21 - Mark location of spindle bracket

Using a spirit level, ensure that the spindle bracket is vertical and central to the flat on the underside of the handrail. Mark the hole positions using a bradawl.

 

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, stair parts, newels, spindles, fitting spindles, fixing spindles, handrails, Step 22, Fix spindles to handrail, Wonkee Donkee says "Take care not to damage the screw heads you will want them to look good because they will be seen after the installation.". Diagram, spirit level, spindle, no. 6 30mm screws, 4x30mm screws

Step 22 - Fix first spindle to handrail

Fix the spindle into place on the handrail securing using the No 6 x30mm (4x30mm) screws supplied. Leave the screws loose enough to allow movement in the spindle. Placing the spirit level against the spindle, ensure that it’s vertical and then tighten the screws.

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, newels, stair newels, stair parts, Step 23, Fix spindles to handrail, Wonkee Donkee says "Looking good!!All that’s needed now is to wipe down your new stairs and enjoy them to the full!" staircase, green stairs, spindles, fusion MK1 spindles.

Step 23 - Fix remaining spindles to handrail

Continue until all spindles are in place then check to ensure that they are all secure.

Finally, using the supplied screws, secure the brackets to the handrail and newel post.

 

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, newels, stair newels, stair parts, Step 24, Repeat, Wonkee Donkee says "Looking good." staircase, green staircase, green stairs, stairs

Step 24 - Repeat

If you have an intermediate newel post, you will need to repeat these fitting instructions until all spindles are in place.

Check that all screws have been tightened sufficiently.

 

 

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, Fusion, MK1, stair parts, spindles, stair newels, Step 25, After care, Wonkee Donkee says "To take care of your new stairs, don’t use any  chemicals or abrasive cleaners.Only clean with a damp cloth or with cleaners that are specifically designed to be used on chrome or brushed nickel finishes." image of stairs, modern staircase, interior decor, stair design

Step 25 - After care

Enjoy!

Finished Landing with MK1 Spindles

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Some of the images used are © Richard Burbidge Ltd 2016 used with permission