Installing a Chippendale Style railing

I am getting ready to install my railings and was looking at different designs and came across the chippendale pattern. What are some peoples experience with building this kind of railing. Its obvious that its going to take some time, but thats ok. I also know that all the mitre cuts are going to vary. What is the easiest way to figure out what degree to cut these? I have the notched 4x4 posts (dont remember if they're 42" or 36"), and will have a railing cap of 2x6. To do the railing pattern, what works best. Using 2x4's or 2x2's. Also what is the best spacing? I have one side that is 15', another side that is 17' and another that is 11'. The side that is 15' is the side that faces the street and is really the only side anybody will see unless your on the deck. So i am planning on doing 5' O.C. for this spacing, and 5'-8" for the 17' span. They say the Chippendale works between 3-7 feet. So does my post spacing seem ok for those that have built this pattern before

 

Do you have a reference of the type handrails you are going to build so we can see them, too. There just isn't alot of call for "Chippendale" stuff around here, so it would help to see it.

 

Local building codes dictate the spacing of the pickets. Check with your local building code office.

 

the spacing for the pickets is 4" for code which isnt a problem. Im just wondering if anybody has done the Chippendale pattern to see what works best for post spacing. Chandler im not getting what your asking. If you are wondering what the pattern looks like, here it is.

http://pages.areaguides.com/ubuild/FancyDeckRailingChippendale.htm

 

The address below gives a description of a useful tool for transferring the angles to your mitre saw. The tool is available at your nearest home center and is not expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Level-Tool-Sliding-T-Bevel/dp/B00002N5OA

If I were building the Chippendale railing, I would construct a frame of the outline of a section, build that section and install between the posts. The frame would be made of 1x3 of the correct height and length to fit between the posts with an appropriate rail on top. I would use 2x2's for the grid with a half-lap joint at the center where the two diagonals cross. Rip a couple of spacer blocks to use to maintain the correct spacing of the 2x2's. Good luck with your project.

 

Sorry, I just didn't know it was called a Chippendale. Yes, these are quite popular, although labor cost goes sky high when we do them. You just have to remember all the spaces cannot exceed 4". That is where alot of customers balk, as it looks too "tight" for them. Our local inspector takes a 4" ball with him when he inspects decks. His ball had better stay on the deck when bounced toward the balusters.
Wirepuller38 has a good description on a good way to do them.

 

well good news here, as i thought the 4" spacing would be kinda tight as well. Local code is you dont have to have a railing 30" or under. I went around last night and found that it is 28" in the highest spot. So with that, i can do any type of pattern spacing that id like.

Wirepuller, i'll look into doing what you said. Chandler, i will pick up that angle tool as well. I figure i can do this railing over a weekend or two. I will have about 8 sections or so. Thanks