Speed Square Roof Angles

For example for a 7 12 roof pitch.

Speed square roof angles.

Lay the lipped fence flat on the shoe and take note if it s not even with the speed square. Because of its compact size it is frequently used as a saw guide when cutting framing members as well as a layout tool for quick 45 and 90 degree cuts. Locate the desired angle on the hypotenuse side of the square. The rafter square or speed square does more than mark perpendicular lines.

The speed square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson. What is a speed square. The speed square also called a rafter angle or triangle square is an extremely versatile tool originally intended to help carpenters quickly and accurately mark roof rafters it is a triangle shaped measuring tool that s invaluable for the diyer s tool box. Photo 2 shows how to use the speed square to mark a 33 1 2 degree angle the same as you would need on a rafter tail for a roof with an 8 12 pitch.

Finding angles with a speed square whether you want to make a nice pitched roof on your kids treehouse or you need a utility ramp for your shed entrance getting the right angle on every side. Check out some tips on working with a circular saw. In this video i show how to find angles using a speed square. The angle of a saw blade will get out of whack slightly over time and through use.

Swanson was a carpenter in a small town outside of chicago. As a protractor for easily finding and marking various common angles especially roof rafter pitches and angles for stair stringers the vertical supports on a stairway. The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. Before miter saws and even since professional carpenters used speed squares as a quick saw guide for cutting 45 and 90 degree angles.

Made from plastic aluminum or steel this multi measuring tool combines a protractor a try square a ruler a. Set the level on the edge of the speed square as shown below then place the heel of the speed square on a rafter or gable edge of the roof. Holding the level and speed square level locate the measurement on the speed square where it meets the bottom edge of the rafter to. This video is very basic and for beginners.