SPIRAL STAIRS 1:12 DOLLHOUSE SCALE

Please print as many stair treads as needed for your height. You can adjust the stair tread "Z" dimension to fit exactly by determining the height, let's say 8" and you want 13 steps. Divide 8" by 13 and this will give you the "Z" height to change for each tread. Over the years I have collected glass jars of different diameters to heat form plastic to curves. The handrails need this heating treatment to be formed to a curve to be able to glue to the treads easily. I used a 3" sauce jar (straight parallel sides is important) to wrap the handrails around using typical rubber bands to hold it in place. Synthetic rubber can take the temperature, so don't worry. Make sure the verticals are parallel to the jar sides. Pre-heat the oven to 275 degrees. Then turn off the oven and place the wrapped jar on a pan in the oven and allow to cool for about one-half hour to set the curve. Make certain you turn off the oven before putting in the wrapped handrails. Do this to all the needed handrails then glue together and place on stair treads ends. Trim if necessary for overall handrail length. Use a 1/4" wooden dowel for the spine.

The first step (Ground Level Tread) needs to be trimmed by 5/16'. See photo closeup. I have also included a STANDARD RAILING.

I exclusively print with PLA and have found that ordinary clear lacquer thinner (Nail polish remover) is a wonderful glue. Make a small test for yourself of two pieces of scrap PLA and give it a try. Let sit for 20 seconds and then try to break it apart. It leaves no residue and is applied with a small brush. I've been using lacquer thinner as a glue on styrene and PLA for years. No sloppy or messy glue to show when finished.

I have always painted my models with oil paint, specifically Windsor and Newton Griffin Fast Drying Oils. They dry overnight. I never liked acrylics because they obliterate fine detail, and they always look chalky to me. Oil colors are made from the finest color pigments available; color saturation and permanence are proven throughout the history of art. Thinned with Mineral Spirits you will get the most remarkable weathering and aging finishes you have ever seen. I feel reasonably assured that once you try Griffin Oils you will never go back to water based acrylics.

If you would like me to design a custom model for you contact me directly at:

[email protected].

It is totally free, but I will post it on Thingiverse for others to print and enjoy.

Happy modeling,

Gary Lavarack - 3Designer

Please watch my YouTube video on making miniature bricks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGhF5i4UlqQ&t=29s