Greener,

Rule of thunb is 1/3 max, so it is 2" for 6" deep purlin. If you run the engineering math you might get more than that in some cases, depending on load conditions (snow, wind) and purlin support/overhang.

Michal Zajic
TFDesign


Mr. Michal Zajic Timber Frame Design http://www.tfdesign.cz