This will take a while to create decent graphics.

Here is a set of transparent (alpha channel) png files of a speed square. I'll use these for when I need to show rafter angles or other things. They should download as transparent pngs hopefully.


The cut out areas should show through whatever is on the background.

 

Generic Roof Terms

 

First here are some tables I used to have in the truck in case the calculator died, or something was needed on-site.

 

More diagrams for reference terminology

 

Here's where we're going.....I have a favorite builder who knows stick-framed roofs. This saves him time on-site.

I'll try to get an organized process together showing how I do this. Maybe it helps someone....maybe not.

 

You never used the little blue roof framing book? Swanson speed squares use to come with a mini version.

 

That's a nice book to get someone started with the stacking& speed square terms. I'm sure I have looked it over but I have never used it. I have used both rafter books, also CM 111 to the CM pro. That software stuff is beyond me tho.

 

A good framing sq. has rafter tables on them, really all you need. If they get worn off you can get your lengths by measuring with a tape. Example, 5/12 common rafter, measure across from the 5 to the 12 and it will be 13 1/8" then multiply as needed for the run.

I had to do it the old school way cause we didn't have those calculators then. I can certainly see the advantages of having them & how to use them.

 

5x5=25
12x12=144
sum of these is 169
sq root of 169 is 13 not 13 1/8 :whistling

 

I'm working out a format in PPTX to keep things uniform.

The BuildCalc screen shots should also work with Construction Master up to a point where BuildCalc surpasses CM.


I'm using Fair Use law to copy the BuildCalc screenshots....nothing I submit here will ever be for sale or monetized. Sometimes it's not about $$$.

I like hearing about the old ways. I hope to merge the best of all ways into what we all might someday agree is a set of best practices - the Best Way, to be a technically precise craftsman.

 

Construction calculators have been around a long time now and the Rafter Book even longer.

 

Here are some different views of the same thing. Sometimes I don't get something in one format but then I do in another.

 

When I have this all done, I'll create a list of the most common equations that I've used, and we can build that out with what y'all have used, into something really useful.

Let me know if the screenshots of the calculator help, or just the equations like in the format below:

[1] [2] [INCH] [PITCH]

 

The sequence of some of this will seem scatter-brained as I find old CAD files to use for graphics. Once we reach a consensus I'll be more deliberate in the order that the final PDF displays.

 

More diagrams for unified terminology when we start discussing things.

 

some rafter code related stuff

 

I’m enjoying this Wallmaxx, years ago, in an attempt to be a more efficient framer, I made these little charts and laminated them.
Along with a $4.00 calculator I got pretty good at generating cut lists, ridge props, ridge lengths, etc.
It took many nights of studying trig- which I hated- but it made me a better roof man
I would mark on the subfloor before the walls went up where each ridge started and stopped, ridge prop lengths and locations, ridge to ridge hips and valleys, etc
The guys could see in 2 dimensions what my cut pile would end up being in 3 dimensions
Now a construction master has replaced my cheat sheets- but that’s okay-time marches on

 

I’m enjoying this Wallmaxx, years ago, in an attempt to be a more efficient framer, I made these little charts and laminated them.
Along with a $4.00 calculator I got pretty good at generating cut lists, ridge props, ridge lengths, etc.
It took many nights of studying trig- which I hated- but it made me a better roof man
I would mark on the subfloor before the walls went up where each ridge started and stopped, ridge prop lengths and locations, ridge to ridge hips and valleys, etc
The guys could see in 2 dimensions what my cut pile would end up being in 3 dimensions
Now a construction master has replaced my cheat sheets- but that’s okay-time marches on View attachment 488951

View attachment 488953

That's awesome. Thanks for sharing!!

I love hearing stories like yours. It's always great to meet people who have drive and initiative to go above and beyond. There is something rewarding about pushing for excellence.

I just bought Sim Ayers book, the Holy Grail of Roof Framing Geometry & Trigonometry exactly because, before I complete life on this planet, I want to expand my understanding of complex roof framing. It's fun.

 

Here are some roof types I have framed. I only focused on the ones I actually needed to build so I know there are many more other types out there. Let me know and I'll add them to the list.

 

Forgot the parapet roof for an apartment I did in Oak Harbor WA. I met the most organized PM ever on that project. The guy was a genius at scheduling and staging.


Now....we can start with calculating all of these roof types.


This is fun because I created equations in RPN for my HP50G calculator originally, so I'm having to "learn" the steps in BuildCalc or my Construction Master to get the answers.


Then again, if you use a good CAD application and draw everything with exact, real-world sizes, you can get most of these calculations from the CAD app and they will be correct.

 

some 3D roof labels

 

Main common rafter:

 

more:


Something I noticed way back in the 90s was that CM doesn't figure out jack lengths correctly with regard to the sloped angle of half of the hip.


I wrote them back then....nothing. This is where using a programmable calculator can be more accurate.

 

So now here is a list of all the things I've run across where I took the time to write an RPN equation to solve.

Programming the equations is nice because the app can be written to "ask" for information, rather than me having to remember all those steps, and writing things down half way.....:blink:

I'll start by saying I don't know how to do all these things using BuildCalc or Construction Master, so it will take a bit to figure some of the more complex things out.

The HP calculator has variable storage buttons with 5 character labels so that's why I used the "odd" naming labels.

 

P1PL2

COMMON PITCH / 2 DIFFERENT PLATE HEIGHTS
Solved using a construction master calculator or BuildCalc App

 

P2pl1

As always...check for errors. If I messed up something let me know and I'll correct it.

The Two Pitched roof on a common plate (P2PL1)

 

So I'm trying to get an Excel equation to do this RPN action:



DO N D N - 'D' STO
UNTIL D 0 ≤
END


It's a DO - UNTIL - END string.


It takes an increment length (N) and subtracts it from (D) then re-saves it over the original (D) and continues subtracting (N) from the ever reduced (D) until it reaches zero.


It does this:


Say you have a 2' increment (N) and your longest jack is 12' (D)


12' - 2' = 10' (export to the stack and re-save as D)
10' - 2' = 8' (export to the stack and re-save as D)
8' - 2' = 6' (export to the stack and re-save as D)
6' - 2' = 4' (export to the stack and re-save as D)
4' - 2' = 2' (export to the stack and re-save as D)
2' - 2' = 0' (export to the stack and re-save as D)
END


The list generated is:
10'
8'
6'
4'
2'
0'


This is how I can calculate jack rafters in RPN and if I can get this into excel, I'll post a spreadsheet that should help calculate most hand cut roof systems. This is the only headache I have been unable to figure out.

 

Might try a if then function. If previous two cells subtracted is than 12(") return ' ' (blank cell). If not perform function for next jack. Run 5 cells with just the jack function, then run 10-15 with the If then formula. Should get blank cells after the last jack is less than 12", in theory.

Did not try this exactly. But have used it in complex spread sheets for calculating cabinetry material and not have calculated results were there were no number of unit entries, kind of gig. If that makes sense.