Some years ago, I purchased some Doug fir 2x that was grade stamped for structural applications and the edges were perfectly square. And I haven’t seen lumber since that has squared edges.
So why is it all 2x material has the edges rounded – spf, Doug fir, treated – it all has eased edges. Why?
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Splinters
I think you're on to it; combine the incident of splinters with handling damage and in the long run it's probably cheaper to include the rounding as part of the planing process.
Cany you still purchase 2x material without rounded edges that is structural?
Why in the world would you want square edge framing lumber?I haven't seen any square edged lumber from a lumber yard or truss plant all my life.
Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them [Dennis Waitley]
As I stated in my post, I have purchased structural grade 2x with an ASTM stamp that was squared off - can't remember the spec number - it was Doug Fir and was being used in a commercial application. I bought the left over material at a good price.
There are times when framing can be exposed to serve as decorative as well as structural applications. Rounded edges don't work well in these applications - a squared off appearance is what is desired. Additionally, there are times when the use of 2x - particularly Doug fir - is used as part of a cabinet, case good or even a shop bench. Again, a squared off piece is desirable. The alternative is cabinet grade/hardwood which is considerably more expensive.
...there are times when the use of 2x - particularly Doug fir - is used as part of a cabinet, case good or even a shop bench. Again, a squared off piece is desirable.
If you only have a few pieces, a few passes with a planer/ jointer will do the trick.
When installing stain-grade flat casings, my standard procedure is to joint, rip, and finish plane the long edges so I get rid of the roundover.
I deny being a perfectionist. ;)
Yup - I've done the same thing - I've run several through my thickness planer at one time - but it is a waste of time, wood and money.
ETG, you can buy rough lumber, meaning that it hasn't been milled yet.
blue
Buy it all the time - use two different sawmills - can get oak cheaper than spf, but it is wet. Yes I could go through the drying process, but there is squared-off 2x commercially available - haven't shopped it but suspect the minimum order is a killer.
only seen sq'd corners in demensional and 4s nice stuff..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
The stuff I used was spec'd by an engineer to meet structural requirements - not your run of the mill 2x.
ahhhh...
special order...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Not necessarily - could be in industrial supply houses that deal with large contractors.
not your run of the mill 2x.
never saw a "finished" product like that on the shelf ready to go...
the closest has been X/4's and I'm sure nobody is gonna run right out and buy that high dollar stuff to just frame with.....
or demensional RS...
it may be out there .. just never saw it..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
special order
The cynic in me just has to wonder if it's a knife-check for the s4s knives. Put that lil' radius in the carbides, then when the product starts showing a square edge, it's time for new knives in the moulder/planer/surfacer.
The skeptic in me wonders if "they" get a bit more "strand waste" that can be made into sheet goods . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
think so too..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Where do you think toothpicks come from?
Certainly not from spf!
Most toothpicks come from birch trees,Lee
Maybe it's because drywall installs a little better over the rounded corners in cases where the studs twist a little and push a corner out slightly. I think in these instances a sharp corner might cause more problems.
Edited 5/22/2006 1:44 pm ET by xosder11
Good point!