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Building Homes or Extensions/ridge beam scarf joint
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Question
Hi Daniel, I have (2) 8x12x14 Eastern White Pine Ridge Beams, butted end to end. They will be supported by (1) 8x10 post at 14ft . You had mentioned you had a scarf joint you favored and is there a tenon I can put on the top of the post to let the ridge beam rest on it. I have some scrap pieces I would like to try this on if you have some instructions., also (2) of my 6x8 roof rafters sit right on top of the ridge beam were the 8x10 post is located. Thank You, Dick
Dick,
The kind of scarf joint I prefer is the Halved and Bridled Scarf.
Jack Sobon has a drawing of it here:
http://www.tfguild.org/joinery/part6.pdf
For the rafters, it is an easy thing to notch in the top edges of the ridge beam to match the roof pitch. This will locate the rafters exactly and stabilize them somewhat, depending on the depth of the notches.
For the post tenon, I recommend a tenon at least 5 inches long, 2 inches thick, and 7 inches wide. You can use one or two pegs in a tenon this size.
Daniel
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Answers by Expert:
Daniel Humphrey
Expertise
I can answer questions about designing and building homes and outbuildings, especially for colder climates. I am expert in timber framing, but of course I also know about other kinds of residential construction techniques and materials. Because of my emphasis on using local materials and organic alternatives, I know quite about about Green Building and am willing to do the research to find out more.
Experience
I've been a timber framer for 20 years, working as a general contractor who designs and builds custom timberframe homes, working as much as possible with local organic materials, from foundation to finish.
I also have expertise in designing, building, and setting up pre-fab remote camp facilities on terra firma or temperate glaciers for research and expeditions, using helicopters for support.
Education/Credentials
B.A., M.F.A.
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