It happened in the 60s as sparky posted. When they sent out the memo around here the Amish never got it. All the Amish saw mills make 2x4s that are 2x4. Mostly hemlock. My 1880s house is all dimensional and it is a pain ripping down 2x6 to frame in with old 2x4. So you just drive over to the Amish and get the real deal for half the price.
I have just used 1/2 plywood or osb to make a 2x4 bigger for the old houses.
I have too. The trouble I have with the 1800s milling is one is 4.0 the next one is 4.12. All they did was space them the length of their hammer and nail wood lath to them and slather on a ½ of plaster to level it all out. sometimes I use a modern 2x4 sometimes I have shimmed and other times I ripped. I save a lot of the lath I rip off it makes great shims.
If you consider the tools they had, they did a wonderful job. No tape measures,and fold out measuring sticks were just 6 ft.
But yes working on very old building is a pain in the ***.
I think there is something to do with the moisture too. If it isn't 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 when you by it. it will be when it is dry.
With the exception of pressure treated wood, most lumber is kiln dried and is about as dry as it is going to get at the lumber yard.
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