Previous Page 1 2 3 4

Mystery Solved!

Figure 2 - Mr. Harry E. Morgan, the originator of "eased edge" lumber

Last month I pondered the original reasons for rounding over the edges of construction lumber, and I certainly received a fair bit of mail from readers with their theories and ideas. But Peter, from California, provided what we might confidently consider iron-clad proof. He forwarded a biography of Mr. Harry E. Morgan, born 1889 in Lynden, Washington, died 1961. The biography is available on the website WorldForestry.org and the photo of Mr. Morgan (Figure 2) is also from their website.

Mr. Morgan was an enterprising and creative timber executive. He worked his way up the ladder from a time-keeping clerk to senior management positions with several companies including Weyerhauser Timber Company. He has a long list of innovations to his credit, and even a patent. This quote from the World Forestry biography answers our question about eased-edge lumber:

"Morgan also pioneered eased edges or the slight rounding on high-grade dimension lumber. The technique, which ensures safe lumber handling, has since become a universal practice in lumber manufacture."

So there it is… now we know. Thanks to Peter for sending the link to the biography, and thank you, Mr. Morgan, for making those easy-to-handle edges on lumber.

I'm still in the process of removing those eased edges from construction-grade cedar and milling parts to size for the Cedar Garden Potting Bench project . Parts 2A and 2B are up and available for viewing right now. Be sure to click here and watch. And thanks for reading!

(Page 4 of 4)
Previous Page 1 2 3 4

---

Steven Johnson is retired from an almost 30-year career selling medical equipment and supplies, and now enjoys improving his shop, his skills, and his designs on a full time basis (although he says home improvement projects and furniture building have been hobbies for most of his adult life). Steven can be reached directly via email at sjohnson@downtoearthwoodworking.com

Return to the Wood News Online front page