Class Notes – 9/12

Stick Lumber

• Grades
  • Select – lumber that may be used for its appearance
    • Select A: free from defects
    • Select B: a small number of defects
    • Select C: limited number of minor defects which can be covered with paint
    • Select D: any amount of defects which do not interfere with the appearance of the finish
  • Common – suitable only for structural use
    • No. 1 through No. 5
    • No. 1 is the best quality and No. 5 is the worst
• Raoul recommends Select C for flats

1″x _ Lumber

• 1″x_ is graded visually
• When stocking a shop consult with your lumber yard about which size 1″x _ to stock
• if you choose to stock separate sizes it will require more space and be a more complex order

2″x _ Lumber

• Graded structurally
• CityTech typically uses SPF (Spruce, Pine, Fir)
• 2″x 6″ and 2″x 8″ are used for platform construction

5/4″ x _ Lumber

• Typically No. 2 at CityTech
• Graded on appearance
• slightly thicker than 1″x _

Poplar

• Straight-grained hardwood
• Slightly stronger than pine
• Good for prop furniture
• Too expensive for flats

Ordering Lumber

Specify:

• Grade
• Species
• Size
• Quantity

*Ex. 1″x 6″ No. 2 Pine – 10pcs @ 16′-0″

Board Feet

• Measure of volume
• 1 board foot is 12″ x 12″ x 1″
• Taken from nominal size of lumber
• W x L x T/144 = board feet
• used mainly for hardwoods and at old yards

Sheet Lumber

Plywood

• Plywood is built by layering
• More layers = flatter
• Plywood has grain cross-layered for strength
• 3/4″ A/C plywood is 0.75″ thick and has one good face and one poor face
• 1/4″ B/C ply is typically used for straps and corner blocks

Lauan

• Lauan has no structural value
  • 1/4″ lauan is only 3/16″ thick

MDF

• Medium density fiberboard
• used in cheap furniture and cabinet

Masonite

• High density fiberboard
• Tempered for H2O resistance
• Must use pilot holes and countersink (every 1′-0″)
• Takes time to prep and use

Others

• MDO
  • Marine rated for use in which situations
• Homasote
  • Good for sound insulation and pegboard construction

Screws

3 measures

• Shaft length
• Gauge (diameter)
• Threads per inch
  • Drywall screws
  • Coarse or fine

Drywall

• Cheapest
• Easy to break
• Not durable

Decking screws

• Stronger for wood

Screws:

• Slower and more brittle than nails
• Easier for straight install
• Good for tension
• Heads: Philips, flat-head, square drive
  • Philips for drills
  • Use one kind of screw for shop construction and one type for load in
• Common sizes:
  • No. 1
  • No. 2 – most common in theater
  • No. 3 – larger wood screws
• Harder materials need pilot holes
• Oak, maple, poplar, etc.