On Sun, 21 Jul 2019 20:35:10 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

Hi,
I'm having some trouble cutting 2x4 rafters for my shed. Shed overall size is 9'x16', with a roof pitch of 5/12. I have a 2x8 ridge beam along the center. I cut a birdmouth into one 2x4 and it's an almost perfect fit on one side, but looks to be 1/2" short when I place on the other side of the ridge beam.
How do people usually cut and install rafters?
Do you cut them all to size beforehand (and hope for the best)?
Do you cut the birdmouth and then see where the top should fall and cut in stages?
Never did this before and it looks great on paper, but difficult when you're standing 12ft up and disappointing that all your design on paper doesn't work.
Advice appreciated.
Thanks
Theodore

It is all about measuring and using the rafter square and no I can't
do it. I tried it once and I ended up cutting the bird mouth with the
rafter too long and then cut it to fit, a little bite at a time.
The next time I just made trusses.
You can set those truss connectors with a piece of steel 1/2" plate
and a sledge hammer.