In a thread about drywall buut joints, I said I had sent an email to USG asking them about why ends of boards are not tapered. Here is the response I got:
For many years, most drywall has indeed been manufactured with tapered edges and non-tapered ends. This is due primarily to the way in which the product is made. After the gypsum slurry is poured between the drywall face and back paper, the drywall moves as a continuous “sheet” of material down a long conveyor belt (manufacturers can adjust the width of this ribbon to produce different board widths, such as 48″ and 54″ wide panels).
After it has begun to dry and harden, but before it is fed into a kiln, this continuous sheet is cut to the correct length on the manufacturing line with an automatic knife. This cutting process results in square ends on the panels.
Manufacturers such as United States Gypsum Company are always looking at ways to enhance the performance and benefits of their products, and the future will continue to bring new advancements to the world of drywall.
John Mandel Manager, Corporate Communications USG Corporation 125 S. Franklin St. Chicago, IL 606060-4678 Phone (312) 606-4523 Fax (312) 606-5301 E-Mail [email protected]
Replies
So other than explaining the mechanics of the line production, they said "We do it this way because it's the way we've always done it but as a modern, progressive company we continue to look for another way of doing it better"
?
;)
Thanks for posting it.
Excellence is its own reward!
What they are saying is there is no way they can taper the ends, in the real world. Also in the real world, I would hate to have to deal with tapered ends as a professional hanger, nevermind taping the mess that resulted.
There are so many issues a drywaller has to deal with, they don't need one more. Perhaps someone can market 4 taper board for DIY'rs, but I seriously doubt that would make any of their work look any better, the butts are the least of their worries. By the time you got by the upcharge you would really have to be an idiot not to hire a pro. If you have to deal with wide open spaces think plaster, and think dry frame.
It was nice of USG to get back to Boss, after seeing how many people here lusted for 4 taper, I wonder how many e-mails they get on that subject. Judging from the quality of the response I would say it is a bunch.
I was just having fun for a change and here you go getting serious for a change. Are we wearing off on each other?.
Excellence is its own reward!
That wasn't really directed to you, you were just in the way of my pissy fit.
Don't mind me, I have a cold. When I get better I am really going to let you have it. ;-)
My wifes company repairs rollers for the drywall industry and shes had the pleasure to tour several plants as a rep. Im a little supprized , then not that he didnt tell you there was no way they would ever do it because it would be next to impossible in the process . Sounds like he was acting as a rep. But he was very nice about it.
For the question at hand though , it would just be easier to learn to finish a butt joint and where to place them.
Tim Mooney