How To Cut Perfect Rafters

This video is dedicated to learn how you can cut perfect rafters everytime without needing to measure or guess. Cutting rafters doesn't have to be difficult with the use of simple math, and while I am sure there is an easier way out there, this method of cutting my rafters has worked well. Let me know what you guys think in the comments below. I realize post frame style rafters are a little different than a stick frame rafter, but this video will help anyone looking to cut a rafter if they just learn the simple math.

Martinez Tools

RR Building Plans
Post Frame/Poll Barn building plans with complete structural design if you want to build like RR Buildings

Metabo HPT Rear Handle
Most Light Weight Cordless Rear Handle on the Market

Construction Master Pro Calculator

[garrettscott]

I need you to know, that I am just a DIY guy who builds for himself and his wife. The tips and practices that you share make my own projects go better, and faster. I really enjoy all of you videos. Thanks!

[JerryPonds]

Great video, one thing I want to point out: all roof pitches in the US are measured out of 12in. A 4/12 pitch is a 4in rise every 12 inches. This also is useful because you can use the pitch as a quick way to find the rise with the run. In this case, the run is 9ft, and since 4/12 is actually 1/3 if you reduce the fraction, you multiply the run by 1/3 and that gets you the rise. If you have a run of 9ft you have a rise of 3ft because 3 is 4/12 of nine. If you have a 6/12 pitch, and a run of 9ft, the rise becomes 4.5ft, because 6/12 reduced is 1/2. 1/2 multiplied by 9 is 4.5ft.

[yugenyama-]

This breakdown synopsis changed a gear in my mind. I’m sort of a hands on learner. Having a consistent method to approach roof framing takes some of the intimidation out of it.
If you have time for further explanation and demonstration, I bet a whole bunch of folks could make the leap into trusting themselves to pull this off.
Learning how to use the two tools: speed square and framing square, in multiple scenarios, would help us learn a confident approach.
Thanks for the time you take explaining, the drawings, math, the practical cuts.

[robertruff-hdyw]

This video is well done. When I was young in the trades an older Master Carpenter told me that carpentry was just common sense. That is what you explained in this video. I was also told, "the mark of a good carpenter is no mark at all, make it look like it grew there." You showed the rafter grow from the side of that building.

[Eric-_-]

I just want to say that this might be one of the first video's I've ever commented on, but I've watched darn near all of yours. I'm just clearing the ground to build my own post frame house next door to you in Indiana and your videos have given me so much more confidence to do so! Thanks for all your tips and tricks! Keep them coming!

[johnhunter]

Dude! The way you explain math is spot on. I love using the math to verify dimensions. Drives my wife and kids crazy😂.

Great video!

[clayton]

You made the carpenters calculator so easy!!! I build metal buildings!! I've been doing it almost a decade and owned my own business for 3 years, and you just made my life so much easier!! Thank you!!!

[bryk]

I vote yes for the epic 3 1/2 hour super in-depth every single little detail video. I've learned a lot from you and I really enjoy it when you go into the details.

[chrisarksey]

I've never built a house, def not post frame, def not with rafters... More a DIY weekend warrior with an engineering background.
Just letting you know your audience! Love your work and videos like this... Maybe I'll put it to use one day, maybe not.
Shout out from Canada!

[kevinorr]

I cannot understand why concepts a not taught in school in this manner! It makes the knowledge real world and immediately applicable. I am not even a builder and I find these videos fascinating and entertaining. When I was young and was shown the numbers in the side of a framing square, my life changed. Thank you very much for your videos and for your talent of instruction.

[chillywilly]

I can’t get enough of your math content… keep it up!

[cuttheknot]

Excellent job, Kyle, as always. Thank you for those who this helped.

[Huskyresqr]

This was FREAKIN' THANK YOU for "wasting" your time to teach us...

[Tyontwelve]

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent. Kyle you keep nailing it big time on the content you produce and share with all of us. I'm a fan. Here is one suggestion, maybe you can add a rafter with an overhang so a bird mouth would have to be cut into the rafter. It would be nice to illustrate the math behind and the actual cut of a bird mouth. Plus I enjoy the tutorial on the use of the Construction Master 5 software.

[lycanthrope]

I want to thank you for taking the time to show, in this example, what you usually speed through in your videos, and I get dizzy trying to follow what you're trying to relate. I'm not a builder, per se, though the things I have done, I've done like you said you did early on...and that is place what I want where I want and measure it. I never got into trigonometry, after doing almost 8 years of Algebra, it got boring and I lost any interest in math, so thanks for re-inspiring and explaining in a way that makes sense and is a "field application" as you said in your last video, for those of us that watch if only for entertainment value. If I was 30 years younger, I'd like to take a crack at this post framing, but alas, I'll just enjoy watching you and learning what I can. 🙂

[mistyrichardson]

Not Confusing...you're great at teaching....have came a long way from you're first videos.

[comingtofull-ageinchrist]

When you use the speed square, that 4/12 pitch transferred from the square to the rafter is going to depend on a common, hip etc; you might point that difference out on the tool for everyone in another video.
I think it’s great that you’re taking the time to show people how to actually do the math instead of just guessing with measurements until you get it.
I was fortunate to have a dad who was a subcontractor for residential homes since before I was a teen. Not many people had that luxury, so I think it’s great that you’re taking the time to show people!

[wannagomoab]

I learned so much in this video and that says a lot. Usually this stuff doesn’t “click” with me and I’ll spend hours on my calculator punching numbers in and magically finding my way back to where I started. I downloaded the CM Pro app and played around with it while I watched the video. That’s a game changer! Also dig the Toroe glasses. I love mine. Can’t believe how good they’ve held up for me.

[Z-Bart]

I may never use this. Then again maybe I will. Knowledge is power. Thank you Kyle. And Greg. Somewhere in the background.

[jasonwalker]

Yes! Please ask Mark to make more of those framing squares with the slot inside for his stair gauges!