Thanks Mo and Derick for the advice. The thing about my wood is that it has seasoned for about a year and there is no piece that is perfectly square or straight. The stock I use for the braces is a 4X6 oak set 36 inches from the connection exactly like the drawing you sent. I had calculated 51.91 inches in length plus half the depth of the post/ or bent girt.
I like mass production. It saves time. But I can mass produce mistakes as well. Ordered a router bit from Grizzly a week ago. Havnt seen it yet. AGGGG!!
Laid out a rafter on Saturday that was about + 1 inch over what I needed. I laid out the birds mouth on the 7X6 timber. I have all the timbers on identical horses in their respective locations. The timber has twist so what I did was from the center of the top (crown ) (now vertical) I plumbed the timber with wedges. I then laid out the tenon on the Birds mouth level, and 2 inches on center. I cut the joint and then re-checked my available length. I had about 1/4 inch extra so I remarked the birds mouth and then cut it again with a bit more exactness.
I then laid out the top of the post 148 inches from the bottom, and 30 inches above the top of the bent girt. Al bent girt tops should be level when completed.
I cut the post connection and it came out quite good. I could cut it again and loose a bit, and then all the other posts would be finished at say 147-1/2" but I'll leave it alone for now. I
Pulled out a second 6X7 tonight after dark. It is 12"10" so I have more to play with. It looks straight and matches the first timber nicely. Seems to weigh about as much as well. I'll be marking it tommorow.
It is sort of like sculpture. After drawing on it, and checking the twists and curves out, and turning it around and over a few dozen times, you start to relate to the wood. It starts to talk to you.It can tell you what it wants to be.
I cut what I thought would be rafters about 4X6 x 12 ft, but they now tell me they want to be braces. Who am I to argue with a piece of wood? Believe me the 7 inch depth and 6 inch width of the rafters on 4 ft centers should be ultra heavy, especially on a 12 inch pitch.
I think the 4X6's may serve as collar ties as well and am looking at possible connection options.
I have Benson's first two books and I understand there is a third, as well as a book by another fellow frequently mentioned.
Have to jump over to Amazon or Ebay and do some early Xmas shopping..Can you believe it a week and no router bit?
Thanks to all the 148 viewers.
Dave
