How To Use Swanson Square For Roof

These triangular devices have been used by makers for decades.

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. See tool speed square made simple part two. 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. Place the pivot point against the shingles.

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. How to use a speed square the basics. A try square a miter square a laser guide a saw guide and a protractor. 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 speed square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson. Spacing roof rafters for plywood. The swanson speed square is five tools in one.

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. As a miter square for accurately marking 45 angles and. This video shows how to assemble a swanson big 12 speed sq. Choose or determine a pitch the angle at which the rafters rise.

Got pole barn plans. Common rafter layout. First determine the width of the building the rafter span and the length for the number of rafters that will be needed. Read the pitch on the side of the rafter square.

Invest in a larger speed square and you could even use it for longer cuts. With a torpedo level and a speed square you can pretty accurately gauge the pitch of any roof with a gable end photo 1. Learn how to build a gabled dormer in your home. Then place a torpedo level on the fat base of the rafter square and adjust the square until the level is level.

Originally invented by albert j swanson in 1925. More information on how to use the swanson speed square. That diamond cutout can be used to make a notch or a birdsmouth for rafter work. Swanson was a carpenter in a small town outside of chicago.

Using a speed square as a try square. This simple device is crammed with tables data and tricks that allow a carpenter to lay out roof rafters stairs or other building features. The swanson speed square has a diamond cutout along the ruler that allows you to square lines and make sure they re perfect.