Yeah, we actually cut our rafters like that all the time when we are square ruling; it was just a time saver on this particular job to cut them the way we did them here. One extra cut, when you have 52 jack rafters adds up to a bunch of time, you know? Also, especially with the tapered octagon bastard valleys, the plumb cut is no more difficult than the square cut, but only if you are using the Fein tool.

I actually discussed the wedging action with the engineer and he kind of laughed and said that was really nothing to worry about, especially since we are screwing 10" panels over the entire structure.

We were just discussing in the shop that, for the common jack's, we probably will square the nose since the valley square cut on a rectilinear timber is easier to cut than the pointed version.

Cheers, Chuck