How To Use Swanson Square For Roof

Common rafter layout.

How to use swanson square for roof.

Rafters made by 2 x 4 s lay a carpenter square body flush with top edge of the rafter and marking the bottom edge of the square body. For rafters made in 2 x 6 s or larger lay the square body flush with the bottom edge of the rafter and mark along top edge of the square body. This simple device is crammed with tables data and tricks that allow a carpenter to lay out roof rafters stairs or other building features. Just flip the speed square and use the back side of the tool.

More information on how to use the swanson speed square. Place the pivot point against the shingles. Originally invented by albert j swanson in 1925. Swanson was a carpenter in a small town outside of chicago.

Got pole barn plans. Then divide the span by two to get the rafter run the length each rafter must cover. A framing square is a lot more than a simple square cut saw guide. The swanson speed square has a diamond cutout along the ruler that allows you to square lines and make sure they re perfect.

See tool speed square made simple part two. That diamond cutout can be used to make a notch or a birdsmouth for rafter work. First determine the width of the building the rafter span and the length for the number of rafters that will be needed. Choose or determine a pitch the angle at which the rafters rise.

This video shows how to assemble a swanson big 12 speed sq. The swanson speed square is five tools in one. Learn how to build a gabled dormer in your home. Spacing roof rafters for plywood.

These triangular devices have been used by makers for decades. Then place a torpedo level on the fat base of the rafter square and adjust the square until the level is level. The speed square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson. As a miter square for accurately marking 45 angles and.

Read the pitch on the side of the rafter square. If you ve ever spent much time on a construction site or watching youtube videos on making things chances are you ve seen a speed square. As a protractor for easily finding and marking various common angles especially roof rafter pitches and angles for stair stringers the vertical supports on a stairway. How to use a framing square.

Invest in a larger speed square and you could even use it for longer cuts. A try square a miter square a laser guide a saw guide and a protractor. How to use a speed square the basics.