In article ,
Rob wrote:
I am building an 8'x10' storage shed from mostly scrap materials for $$ reasons.
I need to construct side walls 7' high using 2'x4's that are 3'- 4' in length.
Is it safe? If so, how should I do it? Mending plates, kerf cuts?

Rob

If you've got _lots_ of scrap available, and can add a 'splice piece' on
*both* sides of each point where the butt joints are, I'd say "go for it".

i.e.:


1
1
1
1
A1B
A1B
A1B
A1B
A1B
A2B
A2B
A2B
A2B
A2B
2
2
2
2


I'd run the 'splice' pieces (A and B, above) _at_least_ a foot beyond the
1-2 joint, in each direction.

I would *not* trust nails, or screws, to hold things together.

I tend to "over-engineer" for reliability (*PARTICULARLY* when I'm "not
sure" what I'm doing , so, in addition to gluing, I'd run *bolts* through
the whole mess, above and below the joint point. With big 'fender' washers.
A total of 4 bolts, one pair about 3-4" away from the joint, and the second
pair about 9" away.