Down here in Louisiana we build a lot of roofs with several different pitches on them. One issue that is always apparent is how to cut the bevel on the rafter that goes on the shallow pitched roof. For ex. if the roof is a 9/12 on the front and back sides, and a 18/12 on the right and left sides, then the saw bevel for the 9/12 rafters is 63 degrees (27 on the 18/12). I have used several different methods for cutting these, but wanted to see if anyone had any new ideas. I will point out that for the case in point that there is a 60 degree saw on the market, but I have run into angles as steep as 70+ degrees.
Most hackers around just cut the rafters on 50 degrees and leave a gap, however I am much to anal to be satisfied with that. Also cutting with a reciprocating saw is slow, plus you have to lay out the cut.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
one the last job i did i made up a ply jig to run the saw against.
it took two minutes and i got a straight line every time.
aleks
We make the plumb cut with the saw set to square. We then turn the rafter on end and cut the end with the complementary angle, in your case 27 degrees. At this angle the cut won't go all the way through the wood and we finish with a hand saw. You will need a helper or a clamping jig to hold the rafter steady. This will give a good enough cut for exposed framing but only with a little practice.
Kyle,
I use a saw from a company called Big Foot. They make a 10" wormdrive saw that you attach a swingtable to it and it cuts up to 75°. I've used it many times for these "Bastrard Hips", Bays and Octagon Roofs.
It's perfect for cutting these roofs and any other roof.
Here's a couple pictures of a Bay Roof I did. From what I remember the bevel was 71°. I used the Big Foot and it makes a perfect cut.
I forgot to mention to click on Swing Table when you get to the sight.
http://bigfoottools.com/
Joe Carola
Edited 10/18/2003 8:56:45 AM ET by Framer
I have one of those 60 degree wormdrives. If I need more bevel, I set the bevel to 60 and tape a shim to the saw shoe to get the desired angle. Then you have to flip the rafter over and cut it again.
I have the Bigfoot 10" w/ swingtable too and it works really well. I cut a 7&4 combo the other day and the angle on the 4-12 side was~60°. I cut some 73° for a bastard bay roof (not a true octagon, thanks again Joe for your help on that one).
Here are a couple of pics of the cuts.
Edited 10/18/2003 11:00:10 AM ET by TIMUHLER
Here is the pic. I had to resize.
I have more than one circ saw so I can devote one to an angle. I do a bit of trial and error for five mintues and end up with a shim taped to an edge of my saw foot to go beyond the 45°
Excellence is its own reward!