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This was my first large railing commision and I feel very fortunate
to have had the opportunity to work for such a wonderfull employer. Philip Townsend of Townsend Fine Homes and his client were
wanting a stately and welcoming railing to crown the beautiful rockwork adorning this North Carolina High Country estate.
The great challenge in this project was to design somthing traditoinally pleasing without being frilly
;creating a mathematical symplicity while keeping within the North Carolina state codes. The main railings were
based on a series of desending arcs {caprail and footrail} with a hammerd and twisted upright piercing the footrail and welded
to the caprail. The main artistic component being an "X" , hammered, half-lapped, then wrapped with 1/4" keystock. The main
rails required approximatly 135 "X"'s .
It took approximatly two and a half months to forge and bend all the components and about two
months to install. Rain was a constant problem. The "X"'s were arc welded in place to keep down the cost.
I was able to forge and assemble the 14' bridge as well as the front rails in my shop with minimal
onsite welding. Compleated rails were then faux finnished.
I would like to thank Philip Townsend for this rewarding commision, it has opened up numerous
doors for me.
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