How To Use Swanson Square For Roof
With a torpedo level and a speed square you can pretty accurately gauge the pitch of any roof with a gable end photo 1.
How to use swanson square for roof. This simple device is crammed with tables data and tricks that allow a carpenter to lay out roof rafters stairs or other building features. A framing square is a lot more than a simple square cut saw guide. Place the pivot point against the shingles. Spacing roof rafters for plywood.
This video shows how to assemble a swanson big 12 speed sq. Learn how to build a gabled dormer in your home. For a 24 foot wide building the run would be 12. Invest in a larger speed square and you could even use it for longer cuts.
Swanson was a carpenter in a small town outside of chicago. First determine the width of the building the rafter span and the length for the number of rafters that will be needed. Got pole barn plans. 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.
Common rafter layout. These triangular devices have been used by makers for decades. Originally invented by albert j swanson in 1925. Just flip the speed square and use the back side of the tool.
The swanson speed square is five tools in one. As a miter square for accurately marking 45 angles and. The speed square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson. Then place a torpedo level on the fat base of the rafter square and adjust the square until the level is level.
That diamond cutout can be used to make a notch or a birdsmouth for rafter work. How to use a speed square the basics. More information on how to use the swanson speed square. The swanson speed square has a diamond cutout along the ruler that allows you to square lines and make sure they re perfect.
Read the pitch on the side of the rafter square. Using a speed square as a try 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. Choose or determine a pitch the angle at which the rafters rise.
A try square a miter square a laser guide a saw guide and a protractor. See tool speed square made simple part two. How to use a framing square.