Weyerhaeuser Announces New 4-Square Development

F. K. Weyerhaeuser President, lU eyerhaeuser Sales ComPony.

Another forward step in the merchandising of lumber has just been announced to the lumber lvorld, according to a statement to this publication by F. K. Weyerhaeuser, president of the Weyerhaeuser Sales Company, of Spokane, Wash. The announcement concerns 4-Square Guide-Line Framing which was promised by Weyerhaeuser last year. The first carloads of this lumber rvere delivered to 4-Square dealers shortly after the first of the year. This new product is a radical departure from the old forms of dimension lumber, and to the packaged line of 4-Square products has nolv been added a piece product, not packaged, although it is characterized by many of the outstanding features of the original 4-Square line, plus a rnember never before introduced in framing lumber.

4-Square Guide-Line Framing is characterized by many unique features, and is available inall standard lengths f.rom 2x4 to 2xL2, and all standard lengths from 8 to 20 feet. Upon actual examination, one is first impressed u'ith the eased corners of this framing. The so-called "easing of these corners," which is scarcely noticeable to the naked eye, has produced a smooth edge across r.vhich the bare hand can be readily moved without fear of splinters.

4-Square Guide-Line Framing is dressed on all four sides. This is done, according to Weyerhaeuser officials, after the stock is thoroughly dried in order to insure uniform size and avoid uneven shrinkage. Every piece of this new precision lumber is seasoned before cut lo its final size anh is ready for immediate use. Each piece, as delivered in the car, is rebutted square at both ends, eliminating hand squaring of the ends on the job. Another feature of this new framing lumber is its precision lengths: each piece of this stock is cut to exact standard lengths.

Where specifications call for a dimension piece not of standard length, the answer to this problem is found by the introduction of the so-called "guide-lines." These aicurate inch calibrations extend the entire .ividth of the face of each piece of lumber, and are lightly pressed into the face without rupturing the surface, at right angles. These guide lines are reliable measrlrements from eitfr-er end. and because this stock is trimmed to exact lengths, are a distinct aid in cutting short lengths, placing, fit1ing, and leveling._framing members. Footmarks are indexed *ittr trigttty visible numerals.

Marking, as to grade and species, .rvhich was introduced in the 4-Square packaged lumber has been followed in this new developmgnt_. C)n both ends, in blue ri'eather-proof ink, are printed the words, 4-Square Guide-Line Frairing, and on one edge, at both ends, printed in the same blue ink, are the riuords, "Weyerhaeuser Guaranteed. Made from Douglas_Fif Ng.! Common." Above these words is printed the National Lumber Manufacturers' tree svmbol-. and below them, the West Coast Lumbermen's Association mill mark. Spaced at intervals along one edge, pinked in without color, are the tvords, "Seasoned Stock Weyerhaeuser Guaranteed" and the name, "4-Square Guide-Line Lumber."

It is interesting to knorv that a specially-made machine designed by Weyerhaeuser engineers, was required for the manufacture of this product. This machine, norv in operation at the Weyerhaeuser Mill B, at Everett, Wash., has been successful in overcoming many hurdles in the manufacture of precision lumber. Noteworthy among these is its ability to print the stock while the latter is in motion. Patents both on the machine and the finished product have been applied for at the Federal Patent Office.

The items introduced in the packaged line, which was the first step by Weyerhaeuser to improve lumber and lumber rnerchandising, include square-edge finished lumber, bevel and Colonial siding, drop siding, softwood flooring, ceiling and partition, casing, base, stepping and a variety of moldings, the last mentioned in cartons.

In commenting on its effect on better construction, F. K. Weyerhaeuser, president of the Weyerhaeuser Sales Company, said in a recent statement to the Associated Press: "This new dimension lumber, known as 4-Square GuideLine Framing, has been developed with a number of unusual features that make it easier to build better homes. These features, it should be noted, make possible better construction without additional expense, and consequently, we believe, will have a decided influence on increasing home construction and improving employment conditions in the building trades duririg 193f."

As a further impetus, in extending the influence and ac-