Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2022
    Location
    Cameron wi usa
    Posts
    55

    Default Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    I am building a cable railing for an interior stair case, it could be in a large wooden boat. The top hand rail will be a cherry board 1/2" x 4" that will set over the top of 2- 3 1/2" square newel posts. One end of the board will dead end into a wall on the side of the stair case, the other end will hang over the starting newel post and be exposed end grain. I am looking for a way to decorate the end of it. I'd like a shiny metal socket, sleeve or cap that would slide over the end of the board covering about the first inch.
    Where would I find such a thing? Or do you have another suggestion on how to cap this end? The cable between the posts and the cable fittings are shiny stainless steel so I'd like this cap to be a similar color. Its in a home, I mean boat, that I've gutted and am redoing in a modern Scandinavian design. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Hills of Vermont, USA
    Posts
    46,671

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    I would think most any metal fab place could make something up pretty easily. However, wouldn't a piece of wood to cover it be easier & cheaper?

    Another thing: I've done some cable railings & like them, but to have them look right the cables have to be pretty tight & I'd think a 1/2" board would bend pretty badly to get them tight enough.

    ETA: Since this is a non-boat question, it might be better in the Bilge. All kinds of questions get asked there (I've asked many).
    "If it ain't broke, you're not trying." - Red Green

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    PNW, an island west of Seattle
    Posts
    3,630

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    Cut a 1/4" X 1" mortise into the end of the board and insert a 4" long piece of stainless steel flat bar. File/sand it smooth with the wood cap.

    This suggestion is a general way to go. You can embellish it by using three 1/16" flat bars or put the flat bar into a rabbet on the top surface. Or use metal dowels in some similar manner.

    If you ask your question at a general welding shop I can almost guarantee you will be confronted with a blank stare.

    Jeff

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Kennebunkport, ME USA
    Posts
    74

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    You could alternatively put a simple return on the end to cover the end grain.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Deepest Darkest Wales
    Posts
    25,263

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    How do you plan to deal with seasonal movement?

    Do guitars in your area suffer from Fret Sprout in the winter?
    I'd much rather lay in my bunk all freakin day lookin at Youtube videos .

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2022
    Location
    Cameron wi usa
    Posts
    55

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    Quote Originally Posted by P.I. Stazzer-Newt View Post
    How do you plan to deal with seasonal movement?

    Do guitars in your area suffer from Fret Sprout in the winter?
    In the winter I sometimes move to a different climate to enjoy warmth and sunshine. My home does not and is climate controlled.
    I do not own a guitar and know very little about how they react to seasons.

    I would appreciate it if you would refrain from commenting further on my question.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    beer city usa
    Posts
    121,004

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    wow
    Simpler is better, except when complicated looks really cool.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Kailua, HI
    Posts
    450

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    yeah, yikes.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2022
    Location
    Cameron wi usa
    Posts
    55

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    To those who offered good advice I thank you.
    Garret, there will be a 2x2 centered underneath the 1x4 to provide the strength needed for the tension of the cables. Although it is recommended to space the posts no further than 4 feet apart, in this case for esthetics and since the railing will only be for about the first 6 steps before the walls start on both sides I plan to have the newel posts 7' apart. The upper post being a half post anchored into the end of the wall. In your experience with cable railings will this work?
    This house is in a place where building codes and inspectors are not a concern.
    Last edited by RCRVRP; 01-16-2023 at 08:08 AM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Hills of Vermont, USA
    Posts
    46,671

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    Quote Originally Posted by RCRVRP View Post
    To those who offered good advice I thank you.
    Garret, there will be a 2x2 centered underneath the 1x4 to provide the strength needed for the tension of the cables. Although it is recommended to space the posts no further than 4 feet apart, in this case for esthetics and since the railing will only be for about the first 6 steps before the walls start on both sides I plan to have the newel posts 7' apart. The upper post being a half post anchored into the end of the wall. In your experience with cable railings will this work?
    This house is in a place where building codes and inspectors are not a concern.
    Gotta say that after your post # 6, without an apology you're unlikely to get a great deal more help.
    "If it ain't broke, you're not trying." - Red Green

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Deepest Darkest Wales
    Posts
    25,263

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    Perhaps I should provide the apology, I suspect that I failed to make the meaning clear and thus caused some offense.

    Sorry
    I'd much rather lay in my bunk all freakin day lookin at Youtube videos .

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Still Above the Grass
    Posts
    8,585

    Default Re: Looking for a metal fitting to cap the end of a board.

    Quote Originally Posted by P.I. Stazzer-Newt View Post
    Perhaps I should provide the apology, I suspect that I failed to make the meaning clear and thus caused some offense.

    Sorry
    No, you do not owe the OP an apology. The OP owes you an apology.
    It always amazes me when a spanky new member feels free to be brazenly rude to a member of 20+ years.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •