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how to construct a birds mouth
Hi greg, I am going to assume that you know how to layout for a birds mouth and a rafter end? I am attaching a simple drawing to illustrate. Looking at the drawing you see that I show a three foot rafter span on a 4/12 pitched roof. Beginning at the rafter end you set your framing square so the outside corner measurement of the square go four inches up and 12 inches over. Notice that each consecutive step of the square covers one foot of span. When you reach the span width on the rafter then you use the square set at 4/12 to scribe a plumb line down in the location of the outside wall line. Invert your square and slide it up the plumb line so that the measurement along the top of the square is the width of the wall. That is your birdsmouth. To cut it I use a circular saw first without over cutting the corner and then clean it out with a sawzall or saber saw. I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com
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Answers by Expert:
Bruce E. Johnson
Expertise
I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.
Experience
Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.
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