Woodworkers and carpenters will learn to solve virtually every geometry and layout problem with this handy guide to the steel square. Loaded with diagrams, practical advice and exercises. Learn how valuable the steel square can be. Loaded with diagrams, practical advice, and skill-building exercises.

This manual includes framing square terminology, brace layout, and complete procedures for common rafter (with and without a tail), hip and valley rafter, and jack rafter layout. Roof types, board foot measure, stair layout, and other framing square applications are presented. Exercises are provided throughout the manual plus an appendix containing popular rafter tables.

This book contains a comprehensive guide to using a steel square, being a detailed handbook on its various uses, common problems, correct handling, application to roof framing, and more. A profusely illustrated and detailed volume, “Steel Square” is highly recommended for anyone occupied in roof construction. Contents include: “The Steel Square”, “Steel Square in Use”, “General Description”, “Parts of a Steel Square”, “Testing a New Steel Square”, “Scales”, “Octagon Scale”, “Essex Board Measure”, “How to Use the Square—Braces”, “Use of the Steel Square in Making a Brace”, “Brace Measure”, “Roof Framing”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing “Steel Square” now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on woodworking.

Starts out with detailed coverage of standard building materials and up-to-date how-to information about modern power tools and safety requirements...explores all the standard framing methods...demystifies some of the more obscure tasks, such as building gable dormers...and structural foundations. "Popular Mechanics." "