Hey all,
I need to cut rafter tails plumb, once I remove the built-up gutter system so homeowner can replace gutters with seamless K style. I’ve done this for my roofing contractor 5 or 6 times, always using a worm drive from the top then either a sawzall, jig saw or wormdrive from below. Very time consuming cutting each tail twice. Anyone ever use a “prazi” beam saw for this? I’m thinking of buying one, but wouldn’t want to unless I know it’ll do a proper job and make a clean cut.
Any thoughts would be welcome.
cheers,
Brad
Replies
just a bump to get it back near the top.
Most of the time I use an electric chain saw (sharp) to cut plumb. This is usually done from a ladder or walk board to walk along and cut after marking all the rafters plumb and in a straight line. The electric chain saws have a smaller chain and leaves "a fairly nice cut " for fascia and gutter. The electric saw is a lot easier on the ears also. They cost about $50.00/70.00 or cheaper at the pawn shop. Just make sure it's sharp. At times if I take my time and be careful I can cut "up" and not damage the roof sheathing.
I also just bought a prazi attachment for my makita, but have not tried it on re-cut of rafter tails. Mostly bought it for cutting thicker beams and such. Hmmmm I'll have to give it a try next time. Other than that I like the prazi cutter.
Hope this helps.
Bill D. Quality Wood Chips
You're cutting existing rafters with sheathing on top in place. Don't even think of using a Prazi chainsaw for this. It's way to dangerous. Run the saw up from the bottom and finish with a sawzall with a new demo blade. Finishing the cut with the sawzall takes about 30 seconds to do and it's safe.
I am definitely a bit leary about having that long blade hanging down. I'm sure I'll just stick with the worm drive from above and finish with sawzall.
Thanks all.
How can you cut with the wormdrive above without hitting the roof sheathig?Joe Carola
I think I figured out what he's talking about. I think he's talking about cutting the roof sheathing with the worm saw parallel to the fascia board, follow me? From on top. Of course this will only make about a two inch cut which is still not enough to cut the rafter tails all the way. So then he finishes the cut from below with a different saw (now cutting upward)
I wouldn't know of a faster / different way to do this either, don't really think there is one.
You got it Mike. The overhang shrinks by an inch or 2, but it's now plumb and then I install fascia and gutters. Just an aesthetic thing for the homeowners mostly. But with the amount of rain we get in Seattle area a 4" K gutter handles the rain better.
Thanks for the discussion.
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