New OK for End - iointed Lumber | dt"',#.h"'t;g,n",l'*iiit*l

Recent approval by the Federal Housing Administration of end-jointed lumber for structural uses has opened more of the housing market to this relatively new produc: of wood technology. Previously, FHA limited the use of end-jointed lumber to wall studs.

Manufacturers hold high expectations that end, or finger-jointed framing lumber will fill a large part of the country's needs, espe:ially when home building picks up again. The product marks an upgrading of lumber on a thoroughly-engineered basis, and permits fuller use of the forest resource.

Stock can be provided to any exact leng h. One manufacturer is furnishing lengths tp to 26', in 2' multiples or to exact lengths in t/8" increments, precision-endtrimmed plus or minus l/16". Prices have been the same as for solid non-glued lumber of the same size and grade.

In addition to FHA acceptance, endjointed dimension lumber has been approved by the International Conference of Building Officials, and is under study by the Building Officials Conference of ooln fact, a considerable safety factor is built into the test requirements. The average ultimate load value shall be at least 3.15 times the highest of the allowable bending or tension stress values assigned to the lumber grade.

America. The standard under which endjoints are made is recogaized by the Southern Building Code.

End-jointed lumber is fully equivalent in strength and appearance to the nonglued product, the largest quality control agency in the lumber industry gives assurance.

Vice President H. A. Roberts o{ the Western,W'ood Products Association stated : 'olumber bearing WW?A's Certified EndJoint CS-253 stamp is equivalent to, and is continuously graded and tested to be interchangeable with, non-glued lumber of the same grade.

"'End-jointed lumber," Roberts added, "has a fully waterproof glue-line, and it tends to be a straighter product. The same waterproof adhesives and strength factors are required as for structural laminated glued members produced under Commer. cial Standard 253 for wet use."

J. H. Baxter & Co. has been licensed buildin g applications.

The Baxter firm will install facilities in Eugene, Oregon by mid-1970 for the Koppers-developed treating process.

Koppers ai,d Baxter said both firms will offer fire-protected rvood for exterior and interior use.

MAIIAGER of the Sacramento office and ryarehouse of Higgins Lumber Co., Harry S. Anthony has held post for six years, previously was with company nine years in San Francisco office. President of Sacramento Hoo-Hoo Club, he is the father of a Sacramento High School daughter and a son in Junior High. He skis with his family when business permits and weather invites.