Replies

1. 
   fengelman | Mar 14, 2006 12:34am | #1

   I think that you should use whatever method works FOR YOU

2. 
   dieselpig | Mar 14, 2006 12:52am | #2

   Neither method is any more or less accurate than the other.  Whatever you're comfortable with.

   View Image
1. 
   Timuhler | Mar 14, 2006 05:59am | #3

   Chainsaw baby YEAH!!!

    

   View Image

3. 
   JDRHI | Mar 14, 2006 06:06am | #4

   I'm a "conventional" guy.

   blue likes to use his speed square though.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

4. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Mar 15, 2006 04:15am | #5

   It all depends on which side you want more accurate.

   If you want the ceiling flat, layout from the bottom.

   If you want the roof flat and the bottom of the rafters are buried in the attic, layout from the top.

   Don't use a speed square either way, unless you just want marks that are "suggestions".

   blue

    

5. 
   hammer1 | Mar 15, 2006 05:02pm | #6

   Common rafters go from the outside of the wall to the ridge. The plumb cut lines are parallel so there isn't any difference in length between top and bottom. The seat cut is marked from the bottom, the length of the overhang cuts, plumb and level, are determined by the fascia and soffit details. We always sight the rafter stock and place any crowns up. I still mark out a pair of rafters and try them for a fit. If I didn't goof, I use the first one as a template to mark out all the others. Keep the tops flush at both ends, any variance in the width of the rafter stock is compensated for, although lumber doesn't vary all that much anymore. One more reason New Englanders use strapping. If there is variation in width of the materials, the strapping can be shimmed for a nice straight ceiling.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match