On Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:28:44 -0800, "pradeep gupta"
wrote:

Hi. I am a woodworker helping out an amature theatre group in making stock
scenery for their upcoming plays. They basically require a number of 1/4"
plywood covered 12'X4' frames made of 1"X3" pine. These have to be rigid
enough to stand on the stage just using a brace at about 6' height.
Two questions for the experienced woodworkers in this NG:
1. Best source for cheap but good and straight pine boards in the bay area.
2. The type of joints you would suggest for rails and styles, given the
dimensions.
Thanks in advance.

Cheap good 1x3 is found at the table saw ripping sheets of 3/4"
plywood. I was not paying attention last time I was in a shop that
does set design and construction for trade shows. They have a ripping
saw that does a number of sheets of plywood at one time. The other
flats I have touched all seemed to be 8 foot sections as that was how
big the plywood was. Since you have seems anyway we just bolted
together flats if we needed taller sections.