Do Structural Component Suppliers Meet Their Specs?

George,

I have purchased Plastruct, Evergreen and K&S Metals stock with no dimensional or material specification issues. I have found that these three companies have accurate and updated product literature. The other companies you mentioned I have never dealth with for purchases.

John

Is this another "2 by 4" dimensional issue?...IOW, nominal vs. reality?

I tend to think each mfr has set a reasonable tolerance for the nominal dimension.  Sometimes variations in the manufacturing process (draw, extrude, cut, mold, etc.) can account for a few thousandths within nominal.  Some plastics will have varying degrees of shrinkage through high-heat processes.  Metal extrusion processes will have die wear over time to contend with. 

Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera....

If I were making something requiring precise fit/match, I suppose I'd find myself turning, cutting, filing, etc., the part to a precise dimension, checking frequently with verniers/micrometer, to assure dimensional accuracy.

Have you been frustrated/stymied recently in a particular project by this issue?  Tell us more.

KD

Kappler Lumber has dimensional parts.  Good quality bass wood, sized as listed.

Click on the link.

dkdkrd posted:

Is this another "2 by 4" dimensional issue?...IOW, nominal vs. reality?

I tend to think each mfr has set a reasonable tolerance for the nominal dimension.  Sometimes variations in the manufacturing process (draw, extrude, cut, mold, etc.) can account for a few thousandths within nominal.  Some plastics will have varying degrees of shrinkage through high-heat processes.  Metal extrusion processes will have die wear over time to contend with. 

Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera....

If I were making something requiring precise fit/match, I suppose I'd find myself turning, cutting, filing, etc., the part to a precise dimension, checking frequently with verniers/micrometer, to assure dimensional accuracy.

Have you been frustrated/stymied recently in a particular project by this issue?  Tell us more.

KD

To answer your questions:

• No, this isn't a dimensional issue.  This is an adherence to specification issue.  Lumber isn't involved.
• If you have any manufacturer's published tolerances, by all means let's see them.
• I accuse no one.  My request was for information i.e. people's experiences, not their pontifications.
• If people would rather respond to me off-line, my e-mail is in my profile.  All responses will be treated confidentially.

George