how do I attach fineals to a handrail post?

[KMinAF]

I am building a handrail for my parents using 1 1/2 16ga square tubing and everything has turned out great, however they would like me to attach a finial to dress up each of the posts. The finials they brought me are flat on the bottom and cast iron. Any suggestions? I realize MIG and cast iron don't go together but what if I just ran a bead all the way around, would it be strong enough for decorative purposes?

 

[metaleltr]

I would braze it.

 

[crewchief888]

are you sure they are cast iron?

could be cast or forged steel...

 

[Agent1320]

You can MIG it. It's not structural, so there won't be any stress on the weld.

 

[KMinAF]

I ended up MIG welding them in place and I think they will be fine as long as they dont receive a sharp blow.

 

[kbs2244]

epoxy

 

[Jack Olsen]

I ended up MIG welding them in place and I think they will be fine as long as they dont receive a sharp blow.

That's how it's done. It's not a perfect union -- but it's not one usually subject to a whole lot of stress, either.

However, usually there's a hole in the finial that the steel stock fits into.

 

[rlitman]

I made my newel posts out of solid material (the tube can rot out if moisture gets inside).
With that, I was able to drill and tap the ends, run a stainless threaded bolt all the way in, and then screw the finial onto that.