Joining newel posts

[robmorgan]

Hi all,

I have an original sawn off newel base and a new complete newel, both square.

I need to join the two together. I gather mortise and tenon would be the optimal solution, but I'm wondering if a simple tongue and groove joint would do the job.

i.e. cut a big (1/3 width) groove in the base in line with the stringer and a matching tongue in the post (or vice versa), glue and perhaps dowel through for good measure.

I figure the joint only really needs good lateral support as the handrail will prevent the newel from being pulled forwards or backwards. I'm not fussed about how it will look as it will all be painted white.

Good or silly idea?! Any pointers, suggestions or alternative solutions welcomed.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[big-all]

the usual is an inch and a half dowel
other choices
mark the square into 4 smaller squares like a harlequin cake an remove diagonally opposit blocks about 6-8" deep

 

[robmorgan]

Thanks - just one piece of dowel in the centre? How deep should it go?

Like the idea of the "harlequin cake" joint though! Worth the effort or will the dowel joint be more than adequate?

 

[joe-90]

The dowel will be fine if it is fixed properly. Epoxy resin etc.