newel post dowel joint?

[george-doors]

i have recentley moved into a house without a handrail so am looking to fit one. i have some limited carpentry skills but was wondering if anyone could explain how to fit a newel post to what is left of the old newel post safely. a dowel joint sounds easier than a tennon and i have seen newel posts that appear to already have a dowell or pin in the bottom?

cheers george.

[stoneyboy]

george-doors,
I assume you have only the lower bit of the existing newel post remaining.
If this is so using a dowel will not strong enough - you will have to try and form a halving joint.
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