instal newel posts

[nick080557]

Hello, I'm new to the forum, please excuse any mistakes in the language.

I'm planning to replace painted softwood spindles, handrails, newel posts and clad the stringer with veneered MDF. The stairs are constructed from MDF risers and treads which is giving me a bit of a headache when trying to figure out how to replace the 2 newel posts. The bottom post looks like it has been installed with a mortise and tenon joint from the outside stringer and the steps built around it. I was think of cutting the newel post drilling and chisel out to create a mortise joint that would marry up to the new oak newel post. My problem is I will be joining an oak post up to a white softwood post. The post upstairs is even worse as this has been built into the floor joists and is visible in the room below, it would be serious major work to remove this.
Any ideas on the best way to instal the newel posts. Appreciate any ideas. Thankyou

 

[Terry - Somerset]

Just a thought - could you cut off square the existing newel post as low as possible, bore a (say) 25mm hole centrally in both the old an new newel post, and bond in a steel bar. This may be easier and stronger than trying to cut inaccesible mortice and tenon.

Rgds

Terry

 

[blackrodd]

Best advice from me would be to go and look at the Burbidge range and take note of how they join the various top and bottom newel halves, hand rail fitments and spindle spacings, etc.
With that in mind, after the strings are covered, cut the newel post off and mark the centre of each and drill them for a 38mm wooden dowell as in the Burbidge range,
Shape the old newel at the top you have left and dry fit the dowel and new oak top newel. clean up the painted lower original newel and veneer the square in matching oak veneer. All the diy easy fittings that Burbidge make could be used if needed. With all due respect, if you don't understand much of this get some one to help, 'cos like most jobs, its easy when you know how!
HTH Regards Rodders