PLATE LAYOUT IN 1/2 THE TIME!! - ULTRA SQUARE |
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Common: We align the Ultra Square at the top (ridge)
end of our board with the squares common rafter scale aligned to a pitch
of 6. Place a small mark at the upper edge of the board using
the first edge A of the Ultra Square - this is our start point
mark. Then mark a full line on the face of the board using the second edge
of the Ultra Square, this edge automatically deducts half the ridge
board along the run line at any pitch. From the first mark at A
measure down the board 12 feet 10 and 5/16 inches and again mark the
upper edge of our board. Next rotate the square at this mark to the proper
common pitch, then draw a complete plumb line on the face of the board.
To mark a seat cut, flip the square around, measure in our desired distance
and using the small framers square mark a perpendicular seat cut.
Next we could measure and mark our eave plumb cut at our required length.
| Edge B to edge C: The distance from the measure point to the cut line for Jack, Hip or Valley cuts. The center board deduction, edge B to C or C to B is subtracted for these cuts !" |
Hip: We align the Ultra Square at the top (ridge) end of our board
with the squares hip/val rafter scale aligned to a pitch of 6.
Place a small mark at the upper edge of the board using the second edge
B of the Ultra Square - this is our hip/val measuring mark (the
ULTRA SQUARE automatically locates the center of the side angle when
marking the rafter's top at edge B for hip, valley, and jack rafters).
Then mark a full line on the face of the board using the third edge C
of the Ultra Square, this edge automatically deducts half the ridge
board along the run line at any pitch for a compound 45º cut angle.
From the first mark at B measure down the board 17 feet 3 inches
and again mark the upper edge of our board. Next rotate the square at this
mark to the proper hip/val pitch, then draw a complete plumb line on the
face of the board. To mark a seat cut, flip the square around, measure
in our desired distance and using the small framers square mark a perpendicular
seat cut. Then we add our eave.
Valley: The top (ridge) end of a valley rafter is marked the same as for a hip rafter. From the first mark B measure down the board the proper length and again mark the upper edge of our board. Next rotate the square at this mark to the proper hip/val pitch, then draw two complete plumb lines on the face of the board using the squares edges A & B. To mark a seat cut, flip the square around, measure in our desired distance along edge A and using the small framers square mark a perpendicular seat cut to edge B. This automatically adjusts our valley heel cut to clear the corner of the two connecting walls and eliminates having to miter the valley rafter. Then we add our eave by measuring from the last mark at the A line.
Jack rafters: All jack rafters are marked using
the squares common rafter scales!! Note: Hip jacks compound
cuts are from the side facing the roof peak. Valley jacks compound cuts
are from the side facing the plates. Make sure the proper sides are marked!
Hip jacks are marked just like a hip rafter
once we look up its length. As with a hip rafter
half the ridge board (in this case half the hip board) deduction is
automatically made by the square. This allows us to simply measure, mark,
cut and accurately place jack rafters very quickly. Valley jacks
- we always start at the valley end and mark our compound cut first.
Just like before we mark on the upper side of the board by putting a measure
point at edge B and plumb cut line at edge C. Then we
measure up the board and mark the board length at the proper distance.
For a valley jack we must also subtract half the ridge board out for the
plumb cut. The square is aligned using the common rafter scale at the measured
point and is marked plumb at the second edge B. Thus, once
again, deducting half the ridge board.
Other Links: To Ultra Square and Building Sights
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This RAFTER SQUARE is for the Handyman, Homeowner, or Professional and once you get the Ultra Square you will wonder how you did without it! Professionals can save $1000 with extended use!
If you have comments or suggestions, Email me at Ultra Square
This page created By R.B.