Replies

1. 
   Phill_Giles | Feb 06, 2001 08:37am | #1

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   Do you have the book ? (bottom of the page at this URL) http://www.allstartools.com/layout2.html

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Feb 07, 2001 06:49am | #2

   *Jim, the side cuts are the number you would use if you were using a hand saw. Those numbers are not needed if you simply set the bevel on a power saw. If you ever have to precut some wide glulams as rafters, these numbers will help in your layout.The numbers are also the same ratio as the unit length of the hip and something. Ithink it's the unit run of the common or hip but I can't remember right now. i don't have a square in here in my computer room.If you do some reverse engineering it would become rather obvious.The side cuts are also the same cut as the ply cut on hips and valleys. Knowing the ply cuts can be a big time saver in some situations. On those ever popular hip roof returns (we call them queen anne returns around here), the side cuts would be useful for accurately marking a cut line on the plywood sheathing. For instance, if the hips are both 12/12, then the ply cuts (side cuts) are 12 and 16.97. I think they simply slide the square to give you different side cuts, but I don't remember for sure.Please correct me square meisters.blue

1. 
   Phat_Bastard | Feb 08, 2001 02:14am | #3

   *Hey,There's a great book called... "The Steel Square Book" or something real close to that.Will tell you everything you ever wanted to know,... and much else also.BeWell, ...and SquarePB

1. 
   jim_at_great_white | Feb 08, 2001 06:48am | #4

   *Blue thanks for an answer that didn't say "go buy this book." I'll have to look at the square again and see if I can figure it out now.Phil and Phatty thanks for the heads up on where to look when all else fail.jimp.s. On my crew we call those hip retrurns flippy doos

2. 
   jim_at_great_white | Feb 08, 2001 06:48am | #5

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   I've got the rafter tables all figured out except for the bottom two lines. What do the side cuts refer to and how or when would you use them? Also what are the numbers on the opposite side (turn the square over)of the rafter tables used for? Just trying to learn some more about one of my favorite tools.

   Thanks

   jim