: Would joining 2 2 x 4 x 10' boards for a night heron strongback (13' 11"
: I believe) be realistic or effective? If so how should one go about this,
: I'd appreciate your comments.

Hey Bubbles !

Yeh, there are some who have used the 2 x 4 for a strongback. And if you are going to use it, I would either scharf joint it, or, probably a little easier, I might half/lap it for about a foot. That is: cut the 2 x 4 down the middle for about a foot and remove one side with a good square cut. Then, do the other 2 x the same way and joing the two cuts to make it one solid piece of 2 x 4. However, there is too much chance of warpage with a plain 2 x 4, depending on the grain of the wood, the moisture in and around the wood, and the amount of support you provide for it. My best suggestion for a strongback would be: use the box beam that Nick shows in his book made up of either 1/2" or 3/4" plywood. I would go for 3/4" myself. When you build up the beam with plywood, it isn't likely you will get any warpage like is possible with solid wood. Hope that helps!

Rehd