Hi John and Hewer
I don't have the Sobon book, so I will outline my approach to the problem presented. I will be brief since this is my break between tasks.
I personally have gravitated away from chalk line dominated layout, if you prefer to use them white chalk and red ink are less bold on the finish product.
Lets say you have a 8 x 10 x 32' wall plate, four bents, housed braces and stepped rafters. I would place plate stock top up on sturdy level horses. Balance the wind, shim securely and clamp. Assuming slight crown and sweep, ignore crown and sweep. Mark bent centers on top of plate, over all four centers plane out a cross grain level station from edge to edge with jack or scrub plane. Mark the outline of the level and place tick mark for reference side. You have now established top plate level reference cut into wood. Turn plate on side, register square to level station mark 9.5" for post top reduction at all four level stations. Place 12 foot straight edge over 9.5 marks and score reductions at post and brace locations. Also score along top edge from level station to station, I order to level rafter seats. Turn plate to opposite side and repeat. You can mark the staight edge with approximate post and brace dimensions to keep marks in the right place.
You should now have control marks scored into the wood. I have found that scoring has quickened and solidified my work process. Anyhow, proceed with joint layout along the length. Got to go for now
Roger
