[TheForge] Spiral stairs? (Was: horn)

[Walter Mullett]

Mike,

If you are doing spiral stairs because you want spiral stairs ok, but if you
want stairs in a compact space, have you thought of looking at double rise
stairs? (also known as alternating tread stair)  Spiral stairs can be a
problem if you are carrying anything.

Double rise stairs can be tricky to negotiate at first because you always
have to start off with the same foot when using and your gait is a little
strange.  The tread width is the same as normal stairs and the height you
climb (rise) is the same for each step but only when you use the correct
foot.  With one foot, you step forward and up then you only step up with the
other foot.

Alternating tread stairs are very common in Europe because of the space they
save.  They only take half the horizontal distance (run) as a normal stair.

You can see what they look like at this site.

  http://www.stairplan.com/spacesaver.htm

Walt
-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike Spencer
Sent: Monday, July 04, 2005 12:32 AM
To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [TheForge] Spiral stairs? (Was: horn)


Any suggestions for method of construction for a spiral [1] stair?
For my own use in the shop, pure utility.  I have thoughts, have done
sketches, diagrams, calculations etc. but pointers to gotchas or prefered
methods would be welcome.