What distinguishes the best quality work?  Handrailings, and
balustrades have no lumpy curves. Transitions and joints in the
rail are carefully laid out and faired so that the hand and eye
travel smoothly over the length of the rail. The rail is
accomplished with the minimum number of joints. For example,
short combinations of an easement and level turn are not pieced
to avoid difficult machine set-ups or handwork. Even where a
railing is supported on a metal channel the wood joints are
fastened with dowels or plates and a mechanical connector such
as a rail bolt, screw, etc.  Different woods offer varying
challenges in maintaining consistent grain match. However,
serious effort is made to come up with the most pleasing
appearance. Given the necessity to laminate for thickness, such
laminations should not be apparent on the upper surfaces of the
rail.  The rail profile should be crisply executed and not
dubbed over. Volutes (scrolled endings of balustrades), and
other decorative or tightly configured portions