Using a Rafter Square

I learned to use a framing square when I was in high school to cut rafters. It is a facinating tool if you learn all the scales on it.

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

I love my framing square. Knowing how to use the step off scales is critical if you build a hip roof. It’s getting harder and harder to get a good one though. The newer ones have useless things like screw sizes stamped on them instead of useful info like difference in length of split pitch rafters and such.

I teach people how to use a square, then show them how to use a construction calculator to figure out rafter length and how to figure common placement for split pitch roofs. It’s much more accurate than stepping off with a framing square due to the chance for human error.

-- Julian, Park Forest, IL

My grandfather taught me how to use one, works almost like a slide rule, the old ones not the electronic ones, still a great layout tool and you should learn to use one. Lee Valley has a classic reprint book for the steel square that teaches more than just hips, valleys, rafters and stairs. Also, look to a Barnes and Noble, they have pretty good woodworking book selection too.

-- Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy-May all your dovetails fit tight and right the first time

I have an old public domain book from 1883 on the uses of the Steel Square. It’s 23mb but it’s a great book.

It has every use possible.

You can find it here.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Great book Gary, thanks. When I was an apprentice, I used to show the carpenters on the jobs things about the square. Then I’d ask if they knew how I knew that?? They’d ask how? I’d say you have to be a journeyman carpenter to become an apperntice electrician!! :-)) :-))

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

Salamat Gary!

Rico

-- "Real jocks do it on a bench"