Popular mythconceptions

[dnw64]

I致e had some ancient ones that actually were 2x4. I致e had some other ones that were 1-5/8-3-5/8.

Full 2 x 4 (+/-) used to be the rough cut size. If you got it planed it might be 1-5/8 x 3-5/8, again +/-.

As alluded to by another poster, calculations involving 1/8" dimensions was trying for some, so the finished dimension was changed to 1-1/2 x 3-1/2. Because of that, the mills found they could start with smaller rough cut sizes.

Growing up in the '70s I know building supply standard material was 1-1/2 x 3-1/2. But I built a shed in the early-mid '90s and bought rough cut from a local mill. All were full dimension 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 and I used them rough. One of the reasons was that I needed 26' material and the local lumberyard couldn't get anything over 24'. Win-win for me.

 

[turnkey4099]

I致e roll started my truck by rolling backwards in reverse and going forward in forward gears. As long as you don稚 use reverse going forward I知 not sure what the point is.

Exactly. He never did explain it.

 

[turnkey4099]

I致e had some ancient ones that actually were 2x4. I致e had some other ones that were 1-5/8-3-5/8.

Those aret still common - that's the dimensions before planeing. I tore down an old schoolhouse with intentions of using the old rough-cut lumber in a big addition. I framed ONE 18' wall with the 2x4s and it took me hours to sort through the piles finding enough the same size to use in the framing. Next day I was at the lumberyard early.

Have the dimensions changed. Last time I bought 1x4 they were less than 3/4" thick...I didn't check the width on them.

 

[wheelbuilder]

Full 2 x 4 (+/-) used to be the rough cut size. If you got it planed it might be 1-5/8 x 3-5/8, again +/-.

As alluded to by another poster, calculations involving 1/8" dimensions was trying for some, so the finished dimension was changed to 1-1/2 x 3-1/2. Because of that, the mills found they could start with smaller rough cut sizes.

Growing up in the '70s I know building supply standard material was 1-1/2 x 3-1/2. But I built a shed in the early-mid '90s and bought rough cut from a local mill. All were full dimension 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 and I used them rough. One of the reasons was that I needed 26' material and the local lumberyard couldn't get anything over 24'. Win-win for me.

It makes me wonder how bad the wood is now that they need to take a half inch for something that isn't finish lumber. I'm just as happy with the rough cut when it doesn't show. Figure it to be slightly overengineered at that point.

 

[dnw64]

It makes me wonder how bad the wood is now that they need to take a half inch for something that isn't finish lumber. I'm just as happy with the rough cut when it doesn't show. Figure it to be slightly overengineered at that point.

I own a hardwood secondary processing facility. IOW we buy kiln-dried roughsawm lumber and make it into things.

Since most of what we make is very high end picture frame moulding we have very high standards for straightness/flatness. Unlike construction lumber or trim, picture frame moulding is both entirely visible and must support itself*, so it has to start right to stay right. Our standard is that 2" rough material (which generally comes in at between 2-1/16 to 2-1/8 rough) will finish flat and clean at 1-1/2". Depending on the profile we may be able to fudge that a bit. But the fact is that those boards that saw so nice, clean and flat at 2-1/4" when green do not end up that way at 6-8% MC. They twist, warp, bow and cup. It takes a lot of work to make them pretty even at 1-1/2", and even so some pieces won't make it.

But you're right - it DOESN'T take a half inch for structural material. 1/4 to 3/8 between shrinkage from drying and planing is almost always enough. But as I said, that leaves lumber with awkward dimensions. One more reason to go metric, I suppose...

*there are some applications that make use of a hidden structural component that will help hold the visible frame straight.

 

[Jstpssng]

It makes me wonder how bad the wood is now that they need to take a half inch for something that isn't finish lumber. I'm just as happy with the rough cut when it doesn't show. Figure it to be slightly overengineered at that point.

There has never been such a thing as a true 2x4; the only time it's that size when it's still in the log. You lose saw kerf when sawing, and more when it's planed. The log scale rules are based on 1/4 inch kerf, as that was the thickness of the old circular blades. An oddity of lumber; when the sawmill buys the log they don't pay for what would be lost in sawing and planning; yet you pay for it when you buy the lumber. Then they sell the sawdust and shavings again... now most places are running band mills with thinner blades; yet they still are buying/selling logs and lumber using the old 1/4" standard.

For your applications non standard lumber may work. However, in many (most?) applications having everything the same is important. Ask Eddie Walker how much fun it would be to do an interior when the studs waver. Students in a votech school learn that a joint is sloppy if you can slip a dollar bill into it.

There are a few mills still around that will sell green lumber but they are disappearing. It's hard for them to compete with bigger mills though. I can buy a KD 2x4 for less money than I can have my own logs custom sawn. Instead I often will sell the logs and use some of the money to buy the finished lumber. One advantage is that I only get what I want, instead of boards of all sizes.

 

[4570Man]

Those aret still common - that's the dimensions before planeing. I tore down an old schoolhouse with intentions of using the old rough-cut lumber in a big addition. I framed ONE 18' wall with the 2x4s and it took me hours to sort through the piles finding enough the same size to use in the framing. Next day I was at the lumberyard early.

Have the dimensions changed. Last time I bought 1x4 they were less than 3/4" thick...I didn't check the width on them.

The 5/8 ones I had were planed. I keep the recycled 2x4s around for various projects and they don’t usually hang around long but my experience with the same for building a wall.

 

[Diggin It]

If you really want to twist somebody around, ask them the length of a pre-cut stud.



Hint, 96" it ain't.

 

[Jstpssng]

If you really want to twist somebody around, ask them the length of a pre-cut stud.



Hint, 96" it ain't.

Without using Barney (Google) is it 84 or 81 inches?

 

[Diggin It]

Neither.