Please accept my most humble and sincere apologies if anyone feels I came across as a "know it all." That was NOT my intention; it was only my intention to express that the end result need be somewhat sturdy....Kind of obvious, I thought, but anyhow, there's been lot's of good brainstorming suggestions here; like a local trade school or muffler shop or borrowing a welding machine. BITOG is good sometimes to help think outside the box. Hopefully the OP has some fresh ideas now. As a typical homeowner, I share frustration with sometimes needing to do some form of maintenance requiring a skill that I do not possess; yet knowing that those who possess such needed skills would consider what I need to be trivial.
Originally Posted by maxdustington
Originally Posted by Ihatetochangeoil
My final two cents worth to Ursatdx; no disrespect, but there's quite a difference between anything made by welding/soldering/brazing that simply hangs on a wall vs. a handrail which must meet local building codes and if it were OSHA, must withstand a 200 lb. side load without failure. I question if what is pictured could have done that when new.
Originally Posted by Donald
Is the railing ornamental or safety? If its safety I would find someone. Have you looked under Services on Craigslist?
The concern is with no welding skills you might make welds that look good but are not strong.
I took an evening welding class and after we did the weld we put it in a press to try and break it. Often the weld was not deep enough although it looked fine. You will not be able to judge that with no experience.
Know-it-alls know everything except the meaning of a homeowner repair. As long as OP keeps his handrail away from hydaulic presses, he should be fine to weld it with a cheap 110v flux core MIG.
OP already said the job was too small to call a pro, read the first post!