Here’s another approach to cutting multiple framing members without moving the pile of lumber. In his article Cutting Multiples, Larry Haun advises us to square up one end of the pile and then measure the ends of the material. I was taught that it is too time-consuming to align the ends of the sticks. Instead, we make a reference line perpendicular to the running edge of the pile and close to one end, as shown in the drawing.

Let’s assume we have a unit of 16-ft. 2x4s, from which we need to cut many at 14 ft., 10-1/2-in. Place a framing square as shown in the drawing at position #1. Make sure the line to be drawn is inside even the most deeply buried end of any given stick. If a couple of them are way out of alignment, knock them back in from the other end. Mark your line, and extend with the square from the opposite side at position #2.

Now set your saw to make a cut that is 1-5/8-in. deep, and cut along the line. You can cut on either side of the line, but make the cut straight. The blade extends through the first layer to mark the cut in the second layer.

Pull your tape from the ends of the pieces in the top layer to mark the 14-ft., 10-1/2-in. length at positions #3 and #4. Mark the line of the cut with your square, and this time cut to the outside of the line. Pull off the top layer of material, and you’re ready to cut the subsequent layers. All you have to do is take your time (you’ve already saved a lot of time), so work carefully and don’t let any of the lower courses move as you remove the top course.

Wm. “Will” H. Tracy, Portland, OR

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #100

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