To lay out a valley rafter, one must follow the following steps:
1. Begin by determining the pitch of the roof, which is the ratio of the rise to the run. Typically presented as a fraction like 6/12 or 8/12.
2. Place the steel square on a flat surface, ensuring that the long edge is facing up and the shorter edge is pointing towards you.
3. Locate the line on the blade that corresponds to the roof pitch, often labeled with the pitch ratio. For instance, if the pitch is 6/12, locate the line labeled "6" on the blade.
4. Position the steel square onto the valley rafter stock, aligning the tongue with the rafter's edge.
5. Trace along the edge of the tongue to mark the plumb cut, representing the cut that will fit against the ridge board at the top of the rafter.
6. Proceed to trace along the edge of the blade to mark the bird's mouth cut, signifying the cut that will fit against the wall or supporting structure at the bottom of the rafter.
7. Measure and mark the length of the rafter from the plumb cut to the bird's mouth cut.
8. Repeat these steps for the opposite side of the valley rafter if necessary.
9. Finally, use a saw to accurately and precisely cut along the marked lines.
By employing a steel square for laying out a valley rafter, one can ensure that the cuts are appropriately aligned, resulting in a secure fit and contributing to a structurally sound and visually appealing roof.
To use a steel square to lay out a valley rafter, follow these steps:
1. Start by determining the pitch of the roof. The pitch is the ratio of the rise to the run of the roof. It is usually given as a fraction, such as 6/12 or 8/12.
2. Lay the steel square on a flat surface with the long edge (blade) facing up and the shorter edge (tongue) pointing towards you.
3. Find the line on the blade that corresponds to the roof pitch. This line is usually labeled with the pitch ratio. For example, if the pitch is 6/12, find the line that reads "6" on the blade.
4. Place the steel square on the valley rafter stock, aligning the tongue with the edge of the rafter.
5. Mark the plumb cut by tracing along the edge of the tongue. This represents the cut that will be made at the top of the rafter to fit against the ridge board.
6. Next, mark the bird's mouth cut by tracing along the edge of the blade. This represents the cut that will be made at the bottom of the rafter to fit against the wall or other supporting structure.
7. Measure and mark the length of the rafter from the plumb cut to the bird's mouth cut.
8. Repeat this process for the opposite side of the valley rafter if needed.
9. Finally, cut along the marked lines using a saw, ensuring accuracy and precision.
By using a steel square to lay out a valley rafter, you can ensure that the cuts are properly aligned and the rafter will fit securely in place, contributing to a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing roof.
To use a steel square to lay out a valley rafter, follow these steps:
1. Determine the pitch or slope of the roof and the length of the valley rafter.
2. Begin by placing the steel square on the edge of the rafter stock, aligning the tongue of the square with the top edge.
3. Measure and mark the length of the valley rafter on the stock using the square's body.
4. Next, rotate the square so that the tongue is aligned with the mark you made for the length of the rafter.
5. Align the body of the square with the edge of the stock and mark the angle of the pitch on the stock using the square's heel.
6. Use a saw or other cutting tool to cut along the marked lines, ensuring the valley rafter is accurately formed.
7. Double-check the measurements and angles before installing the valley rafter in the appropriate location on the roof.
