Set Square wrote:
In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Cordless Crazy wrote:


My main concern would be structural strength of the newel post when
connecting the new piece to it.

Surely a good ole swing or bash from the pesky kids will have it bent
double and busted in no time?

What sort of fixing detail is there from old to new?


Not quite sure what you're replying to, because you didn't quote any
previous messages.


[deleted]

The alternative system - with a more conventional turned upper newel post -
uses a substantial spigot on the bottom of the upper part which fits into a
hole drilled down the centre of the base. The spigot has a hole in the
middle, and two cuts which divide it into four quadrants. A tapered dowel
tapped into the hole spreads these quadrants until the whole thing is a
tight fit in the base. It is then all glued together.


Do you tap the dowel into the hole & then have to try & squeeze the
newel post on? Or does the doweling move into the hole as you tap the
newel post down onto the bottom newel?


Obviously, neither system is quite as robust as the original solid newel -
but they ain't bad!