I think Judith is correct. Finger jointed stock uses all the wood after cutting out the knots. Also, short sections do not warp as much as long ones so there is less deformation. This material is typically from very fast growing trees and is highly susceptible to rot though. Eric Hammarberg Director of Preservation Senior Associate Thornton-Tomasetti Group LZA Technology Division 641 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10011 Telephone: 917.661.8160 Fax: 917.661.8161 Mobile: 917.439.3537 email: <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] _____ From: Judith E. Selwyn [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 3:33 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [BP] built-up wood trim question... Do the pieces joint together like two hand clasped together? If they do sounds as though you are describing so call "finger jointed" stock. Small pieces of wood that are pieced together to provide longer lengths. In other words - junk with loads of exposed end joints. Dr. Judith E. Selwyn Preservation Technology Associates, Inc. 2 Center Plaza, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108 617 598-2255 fax 617 227-5535 [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> ----- Original Message ----- From: Met History <mailto:[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 3:04 PM Subject: [BP] built-up wood trim question... A homeowner at 114 East 101st Street, an 1882 rowhouse, has embarked on a "restoration" campaign of some innocence - this is a modest, working class block, completely ferae naturae as pertains to preservation. Among other improvements, the owner has stripped the wooden door surround of globs of paint, and polyurethaned it. The door surround is of modest profile, and must be of the 1960's-1970's. The stripping has revealed that the trim was made up of entirely separate parts - there are irregular joints in the wood every 12-36 inches or so. It appears the owner is completely unaware of anything beyond the fact that he or she has exposed "the natural wood" - even though the wood was meant to be painted. The joints I interpret to indicate that the stock was "cheap", and this was an economy move. 1. Am I right? 2. Why would stock be made up like this? Like, how is it saving money? 3. Is there a term for this? Christopher Gray <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The information in this email and any attachments may contain confidential information that is intended solely for the attention and use of the named addressee(s). This message or any part thereof must not be disclosed, copied, distributed or retained by any person without authorization from the addressee. If you are not the intended addressee, please notify the sender immediately, and delete this message. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>