RobA
Platinum Member
I want to build a woodshed that looks pretty much like a run-in shed. Some plans I've seen call for a salt box style roof using bird's mouth cuts on the rafters. Can I eliminate those cuts and use rafter ties instead?
Bird's mouth cuts - necessary?
- Thread starter RobA
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BigE_
Platinum Member
You are going to need the rafter ties either way...
It really depends on how much weight you are going to see on the roof.
Here's a quick and easy method if you don't want to cut them:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=33707
It really depends on how much weight you are going to see on the roof.
Here's a quick and easy method if you don't want to cut them:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=33707
I'm unsure what you are talking about. Is this a free standing shed or will it be attached to an existing building? If it is a free standing and only a shed type roof you could bevel your front and rear support beam on whatever pitch you are planning and would not need birdsmouth or ties. If tied to existing building you would only have to bevel your outer support beam. I must say tho it isn't difficult to cut a birdsmouth. I may not be understanding your questions so I may be way of base. Good luck!
carpenter383
Platinum Member
If you don't have to worry about permits or inspections, than you can build it however you want.
I would say it depends on the pitch of the roof, the strength of the ridge pole, and the strength of the rafters . The less pitch you have the more the rafters will want to push out.
Rafter ties would be a good idea, and will definately help alot.
I have built shed roofs (lean to's, porch roof, etc.) without doing a birds mouth cut on the rafters. Instead I ripped the header that the rafter sits on to the angle of the roof.
A birds mouth cut isn't that hard to do really, but it would be simpler for you to watch a youtube vid on it than for me or someone else to try to explain it on here. You need to know how to use a framing square.
I would say it depends on the pitch of the roof, the strength of the ridge pole, and the strength of the rafters . The less pitch you have the more the rafters will want to push out.
Rafter ties would be a good idea, and will definately help alot.
I have built shed roofs (lean to's, porch roof, etc.) without doing a birds mouth cut on the rafters. Instead I ripped the header that the rafter sits on to the angle of the roof.
A birds mouth cut isn't that hard to do really, but it would be simpler for you to watch a youtube vid on it than for me or someone else to try to explain it on here. You need to know how to use a framing square.
carpenter383
Platinum Member
WOW! three replies while I was typing mine! I am a sloooow typer LOL I use my index fingers
2manyrocks
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2007
- Messages
- 8,239
There are some metal framing pieces you could use to avoid having to make the birds mouth cut. You could buy the kit, but I think you can just pick up what you need in your local home center.
However, if you just cut one rafter properly, then you can use it as a template to mark the rest of your rafters. The birds mouth can be easily cut on the rest of the rafters with a jigsaw if you don't have many of them to do. Then they shouldn't be overcut like a lot of guys do with a circular saw.
However, if you just cut one rafter properly, then you can use it as a template to mark the rest of your rafters. The birds mouth can be easily cut on the rest of the rafters with a jigsaw if you don't have many of them to do. Then they shouldn't be overcut like a lot of guys do with a circular saw.
