Ahhh ....it is all so simple
Thanks Joe, I retrieved my copy of TF 72 and I see what you were refering to. The location of the upper chord inboard of the eave posts transfers a load to the bottom chord that the kingpost is restraining in addition to the weight of the bottom chord. It would appear that you would want to use only moderatly curved timbers for the top chord as more cuvature would increase the distance from eave post to chord foot and load the kingpost that much more.
CB I did know that but got my head on sideways after reading Joes first post.
NH what are the spans on the trusses you refer to?
And a question to all...why a wedged dovetail?
J.E.B.
