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How To Cut Common Rafters---Pt. 3
Stepping Off The Length Of The Rafter
Once you have the rafter tail cut for the overhang and the birds mouth now you have to calculate the length of the rafter.
The method that is used for calculating the length of a rafter using a 2' framing square is called the "Step Method".
Our example roof specs are:
30'-0" building width
15'-0" span (1/2 the measurement of the building)
If you have a 15'-0" Run then you have 15 steps that are layed out
on your rafter.
RAFTER STEP 1
The diagram below shows you the beginning of the 1st step. Notice the location of the 2' Framing square and how the 6" and 12" are set as the guides. Your first mark for the 15 steps is at the 6" area of the square. This is RAFTER STEP 1
RAFTER STEP 2
The diagram below shows you the the 2nd Rafter Step. Notice how you slide your 2' Framing square up the rafter to RAFTER STEP 2.
The stepping pattern above is continued until you reach the 15th Rafter Step.
RAFTER STEP 15
After stepping and marking the Rafter all 15 steps then you can cut the Ridge Board Cut. The diagram below shows you the framing square at 14th and 15th step. This area that is being cut off is the Ridge Cut.
REMOVE HALF THE WIDTH OF THE RIDGE BOARD MATERIAL
The following diagram shows the last cut at the Ridge to allow the Ridge Board material. In this example we are using a 2x10 Ridge Board. Half of the Ridge Board would be 3/4" , so we cut that extra amount off the Rafter.
This is a quick and simple way to layout common rafters using a framing square.
Roof framing is one of the most technical aspects of carpentry. It does take some time to learn all the "Tricks Of The Trade" but with time and effort, you can cut your own roof in no time using the methods shown here.
Good Luck On Your Roof Framing Jobs.
To download a full tutorial on HOW TO CUT COMMON RAFTERS in .PDF format -----click here.
