Replies

1. 
   Scooter1 | Sep 30, 2003 07:52pm | #1

   I do historical restoration. I can tell you that there will no articles on Blue Herron rafter tails. In fact, I can't recall any article on decorative rafter tails.

   For homes, I usually attach mine under the roof, at about 6 feet inside the top plate, by sistering them to the basic garden variety rafters. They are generally a larger size than the standard rafter, and some I have done are as large as 3x8 Doug Fir stock, which I have specially milled.

   The roof rafter are cut plumb at the top plate and only the decorative rafters go past the top plate and comprise the overhang, which is about 2-3 feet. 3/4 inch T&G "V" Board covers the rafter tails and then 1/2" EGP for a substrate for the roofing, and only about 6-12 inches is exposed beyond that roof line. Galvinized or copper drip cap tacked onto EGP. Many designs have a circle or oval milled into them to support a copper or galvinized half round gutter system, which adds a nice finished look.

   I survey the neighborhood and try to pick out some very basic designs that can be replicated. Since most of my work is turn of the century California arts & crafts stuff, Green and Green is a favorite style for me.

   Draw a full size paper pattern over your stock. Transfer it to a quarter inch masonite template. Depending on the size of the job, I might use two master templates for the project, in case I nick one. Many homes had several styles within the home, the upper roof with bold grand and big rafter tails, overhanging bay windows and other secondary roof systems with slightly smaller and more intricate designs, and porch roof systems with yet a third design.

   I tack the masonite onto the stock and using a bandsaw with a template guide, cut the design onto the decorative tail. Using an oscillating sander, I smooth the cut. Hand sand with 100 grit where necessary. Then prime and paint and install.

   Hope this helps.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 30, 2003 08:07pm | #2

   Boris ---

      "bandsaw with a template guide"  Hunh?   That's a new one on me.   I understand the concept, but I've never seen one.   Is it like the template guide on a router?

     Where does the template guide fasten?  To the table?  To the upper blade guide?

     If the guide is circular, like a router's template guide, do you have to use a very narrow bandsaw blade so the work can pivot around the guide?

     Care to expound?

              Jamie

1. 
   Scooter1 | Sep 30, 2003 08:18pm | #3

   I just saw mine using the masonite as a guide. However, there are duplicators that fit bandsaws, with a finger on the fence that acts like a lathe duplicator. My hardwood miller has one on his giant 20 inch bandsaw, and I saw them use it when I placed an order for over 100 rafter tails. Don't own one, but have seen them in bandsaw acessory books.

   I've never used one, and just use the template as a guide for either direct sawing or for marking the tail. Thats why I make two master templates, 'cause I nick mine.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

2. 
   HeavyDuty | Oct 03, 2003 05:11am | #4

   If I remember right, way back when  there was an article in FHB titled Blue Heron House or something similar.  Yes, I remember the rafter tails are the shape of a Blue Heron. If you can confirm that you recall such an article in FHB (it could well be in another magazine), I'll try get it for you.

   Tom