Chat with an old framer out in Phoenix last month changed how I think about layout

I ran into this guy who's been framing since the 70s at a job site out in Mesa. He told me he never uses a speed square for hip rafters, he just marks everything by eye and checks with a level. Said he learned that way because his first boss couldn't afford a square. Honestly, it hit different because I've been relying on my tools so much I forgot you can figure stuff out with just experience. Has anyone else tried going back to the basics like that just to see if it works?

3 comments

3 Comments

grant_hart14d ago

Heard a buddy tried this on his own house, said he messed up the pitch on the first try but learned more than using a square.

nora_dixon28d ago

Tried this on a small shed roof once, honestly felt more connected to the cut.

ross.kevin27d agoMost Upvoted

@nora_dixon nailed it. Getting hands-on with the roofing felt always feels more honest than just reading about it. That connection to the cut is real like the smell of the tar and the way the blade drags through. Makes you pay attention to every little angle.