Finge traming ge upilders

ITINGERJOINTED framing lumber is gaining wide I-' acceptance in building construction. Accepted for use under all model building codes, it is interchangeable with solid-sawn dimension of the same size, grade and species. According to manufacturer Stimson Lumber, the material makes efficient use of available wood resources and can be produced in long lengths. Because it is fabricated from dry material, it is dimensionally stable so it stays straight. Explains Tim Hiscocks, foreman for framing sub-contractor Bold Framing, which recently completed a large job using fingerjointed: "The fingerjointed studs were much straighter than the kiln dried studs we normally use. We typically have to cut up 3OVo to 4OVo of the regular studs into blocking because of bowing or twisting. There was no waste with the fingerjointed lumber. Since we did not have to sort through the material, it took less time to frame the building. Working with the fingerjointed framing turned out to be much easier."

Stimson produces fingerjointed framing 2x4 through 2x10. Vertical members are typically Standard & Better or Stud grade. Framing material is usually #2 & Better although other grades are available. Species classifications include Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir and Spruce-Pine-Fir.

Because fingerjointed material is graded using the same rules applied to solid sawn dimension, design values for fingerjointed are identical to those of conventional lumber. There are two grades of fingerjointed lumber, with material identified as CERT EXT JNTS on the gradestamp suitable for all structural applications. This product is assembled with waterproof, exterior phenol-resorcinol adhesives cured with radio frequency heat.