> Rough-cut 2X4s are still 2"X4". Used to be a planed 2X4 was 1 5/8" by 3
> 5/8" which was arrived at by planing 3/16" off each surface of a
> rough-cut 2X4. For a long time now, planed 2X4s have been still
> smaller - 1.5 X 3.5 inches. So to be technically correct, I suppose
> the term for 2X4s as we know them should be "planed" 2X4s. As to the 10
> gallon hat, I believe it has to do with the number of braids, or the
> number of strands in the braid, around the crown of the hat and not to
> its liquid capacity. -Olin
2x4's are denominated "nominal" for those whose dimensions _were_ 2x4 and "dimensional" for those that _are_ 2x4 after drying, etc. (Drying shrinks lumber.)
No clue how 5 gallon buckets came to hold anything less than 5 gals.
Bill