Fingerjointed Studs - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Milhaus · 04-10-2007, 12:08 AM

Anyone know about fingerjointed studs? Or better yet, use them?

They are 2x4 and 2x6 studs, approved in the IRC for use in vertical application only I believe. I think you can use scraps down to 1 foot, pop a fingerjoint and some adhesive on each end, and make new dimensional studs. There are some variables with the adhesive sitting exposed in the weather, but I think it worth the cause. Supposedly stronger and straighter than a standard new growth 2x4 off the shelf.

Hell of an idea. I want to make them. And sell them.

Mark

Boogga · 04-14-2007, 07:01 PM

Yeah! We use them all the time. Nearly every day. I think it's a good product because:

1. Uses up all the scrap short pieces of timber. Then they finger joint them on ends to form a longer piece of timber such as a stud.

2. Generally straighter than solid timber. Theory is - each short piece of timber will twist and warp etc just like timber does and hence you don't see such a large warping or twisting affect in the timber stud.

But they cannot be used in tension or in horizontal forced applications. Only vertically (studs) or in compression.

In Australia it is common to see it used in wall framing.

If you got the machinery to do it, go for it. Sounds like builders don't know of or use it in the States. Or do you?

**framerman** · 04-14-2007, 08:49 PM

We used them alot in Seattle when I was there. Fingerjointed has been around for decades. Most we got were pretty decent. Obviously can only use them for studs, not CJ's or anything similar.

I remember one batch we got there must've been 50 pieces per stud.

Sometimes the glue wouldn't hold and pieces fell apart. I hope the glue they use now is better. I don't see them on the east coast at all so far.

**Teetorbilt** · 04-14-2007, 08:54 PM

I haven't seen them offered anywhere. If the joints are having problems, they're useless.

mdshunk · 04-14-2007, 08:56 PM

I see them here in the East from time to time. Not real often. They are mostly coming out of Canada; at least the one's I see around here. A builder explained to me that since they are an "engineered wood product", the high lumber import tariff doesn't apply. It's one way for Canada to sell us more wood. They seem like they're a heck of a lot straighter, to my eye.

**Teetorbilt** · 04-14-2007, 09:03 PM

I notice that much of the framing wood here is coming from central Europe. Not bad stuff either, only 50% toss-outs.

Milhaus · 04-14-2007, 11:17 PM

From what I read, it sounded like the quality control measures are pretty tight now. I can only imagine joints not holding with 50 pcs to a stud. The quality standard can't be that leniant.

Boogga · 04-17-2007, 05:01 AM

I used them just today and their fine with us. But I have never ever seen a finger jointed stud with 50 pieces in it. That would be called fire wood. But hey, you can't burn it, due to the glue.

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm · 04-19-2007, 10:40 PM

I sometimes use them for casing around doors and windows. They seem to be just fine for those things. I was sitting on the pot at my future in-laws

looking at the trim and saw there was finger-jointed on the trim and the house is 25 years old. It has been around for a while.

Boogga · 04-21-2007, 08:32 PM

That's right norm,,,, It's also used in skirtings/architraves (usually pine), and look at all the plywood and laminated beams etc, just a different form of jointing. Do you fellas use Hyspan/Hybeam much?? Ie engineered materials.

**Cole** · 04-22-2007, 12:10 PM

I have used them as well and I want to say they are pretty decent.

You still have some that fall apart because of the glue not holding etc...

skyhook · 04-22-2007, 01:10 PM

I rank them right in there with FJ closet rods.

Boogga · 04-23-2007, 05:06 AM

Cole, they would only full apart if weathered alot or totally manufactured badly. I would send the rubbish back to the supplier.

vwovw · 04-23-2007, 07:10 AM

built 22 houses in 05 with them. I like them. rarely found any that weren't straight. Ran into a few that fell apart. But i think the machine ran out of glue. I've takin them and hit them on objects. they usually break some where besides the finger joint. down side is they cost more

Milhaus · 04-24-2007, 06:24 AM

vwovw - is there a distributor/lumber yard in DM that sells them? I live north of you in the Waterloo area. I have been searching the web trying to find a contact. None of the yards sell them up here.

Joe Carola · 04-24-2007, 09:32 AM

I've never used fingerjoint studs before. Are you guys using them on the entire houses and additions or in just certain rooms like kitchens and baths?

vwovw · 04-24-2007, 04:47 PM

complete house. Beisser lumber, Gilcrest Jewitt lumber

Boogga · 05-05-2007, 09:18 PM

Over here, when I ring up my suppliers and ask for 8 foots studs for example, then a extremely good chance that they will be finger jointed. We use them for the entire house, extension whatever. I think their great.

Milhaus · 05-07-2007, 11:01 PM

Is it a battle to get crews to make the change to the particulars, i.e. studs cannot get wet, can only use them in vertical applications? It sounds like pretty standard practice for some of you?

Boogga · 05-09-2007, 03:07 AM

Milhaus: There is nothing wrong of having the finger jointed studs wet. With them getting wet does not cause the joint to separate.