> Since industry standard is rough cut dimensions, all planed lumber
> and timber is "smaller" than the designated size ... you can't take the
> surface off of anything without making that thing smaller. Since
> builders want planed lumber -- easier on hands, easier to handle in all
> ways, easier to see knot holes and splits and other flaws -- the lumber
> we buy is going to be smaller than 2"x4" ... but it is NOT a scam, or a
> rip-off or a conspiracy. It's a way to avoid splinters and splits.
Sorry my man, but you are only half right. It is quite true that the
*original* excuse for the under-dimentioned 2X4 was the fact that these
had been planned, but that only takes off about 1/4" or less. The fact
is that "2X4's" have been getting thinner and thinner for years
irrespective of planning. Modern econo-studs are sawn at barely over 1
1/2" X 3 1/2" ... garbage wood. My house is about 40 years old and is
made of good, old-growth B.C. Douglas fir; the studs are 1 3/4 X 3 5/8
and quess what? they aren't planned and didn't need to be because the
wood was of such high quality. BTW, I'm an ex professional carpenter,
so I know what I'm talking about.
Ray, Vancouver Canada.
-- Arachne V1.66, NON-COMMERCIAL copy, http://arachne.cz/
