Building Hand Cut Rafters and Roof for our Off Grid House

In this episode of our couple building an off grid house series, we are making hand-cut rafters and sheathing the roof.
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[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

🔥 *WATCH OUR OFF GRID CABIN BUILD FROM THE BEGINNING* kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3jJppqcqt95gM0

[@justbelit]

love your background music choices 🤍 from the Caribbean

[@reallife2158]

We can’t get to thrive life 😟 tell me you broke the internet lol

[@ivang97997]

I believe you need to set the parameter to cut down all the trees and parameter to slim down the trees because of the possible fire hazard. :)

[@ModernMountainLiving]

5:28 Too cool Tool. Wow, a square I Don't have and have never seen before. Always learning.

[@CJ-tx8nu]

Love your videos, but I'm worried about how deep those seat cuts are in your rafters. Not much wood left to support those rafter tails, which could be a real problem in the snow. Might want to consider changing to 2x8 rafters.

[@plumberguy1689]

Great job! If the walls and ridge are all parallel with each other all you need to is make one rafter and trace it out and use it as a template for the rest.

[@davidbeachy8398]

Much faster and less chance of error, once you confirm one rafter that fits, mark that one and use it for a pattern for the rest of them.

[@ronkolacek9645]

The only way to do it

[@mattbauer979]

came here to say the same thing.

[@bobbaurhyte8281]

Yes, use a master..

[@thelostarchivesserialvault5353]

He did, but the first one was wrong. He does not know how to use a speed square to calculate rafters correctly.

[@adambell2068]

Cut one correct rafter first and just use it as a template for all the other ones, no need to measure, mark, and cut each individual board one at a time and chance making errors each time. The seat cut you got there is a little too deep. Also, definitely need to use a push block on the table saw, especially when laying the blade over on an angle. This is an overly critical post, but you’re doing a great job here and I enjoy the videos very much!

[@RamblinRoadies]

The seat cut is a little deep. It leaves a flimsy tail on the rafter for your overhang. You only need about 2" of bearing.

[@chrismoore9997]

I noticed that also. I worry that the tail will break off.

[@brendonesia2000]

I would think the OSB on top would fortify the structure and the 9-12 pitch is a quick drop. But I'm not a professional.

[@RamblinRoadies]

@@brendonesia2000 I've been framing since 1973 in California, Utah, and Colorado. The area above the birds mouth should be at least 3 1/2". You also need to consider snow load in Idaho. A 1/2" of OSB won't help that much.

[@brendonesia2000]

@@RamblinRoadies good call outs Frank. Thanks!

[@petesmith8362]

He'll figure it out when the snow snaps the over hang off!!

[@artfisher1615]

Please, please, please get a set of push blocks for the table saw! Keeps your fingers further from the blade. A couple of ~16” sticks will even work, but the ones with “sticky” rubber pads are even better. You’ll make Sally and me very happy. 😊

[@thelostarchivesserialvault5353]

Martin tends to be stubborn and learns the hard way. Martin "9 fingers" Johnson, how about that for a nickname?

[@taotracy4431]

If you can't use a saw with your hands safely then you shouldn't use it at all.

[@ljprep6250]

@@taotracy4431 I'll bet that you don't have homeowner, fire, life, or car insurance, either, do ya? ;)

[@ljprep6250]

=Make= a couple push sticks, Martin. I've just missed a couple times, slipping in sawdust. It comes out of nowhere, even when you're being careful. Your family will thank you.

[@taotracy4431]

@@ljprep6250 my words make so much sense rather than dispute what I’ve said you change the subject to discuss something completely unrelated. If your aren’t careful enough to use a saw without injury you do not belong anywhere near one.

[@hallenw]

FYI, the birds mouth should not be deeper than half the width of the board.

[@singularity844]

Your kids all have a refreshing self confidence which is a testament to the quality of their parenting. Congratulations on the propane tank!

[@beckyisabell4324]

Martin listen to the pros on safety be safe love your family

[@homernextdoor5950]

Where your cutting out your birdsmouth the thinnest part of material left has to be 3 inch minimum according to code for your area. It's called the effective depth. You should've been using 2×8. btw, I've been a carpenter for 28 yrs.😁🔨

[@bucsboy78]

Aren’t 2x8’s for 13 or more feet support ? Just curious, it’s what I did for my pole barn

[@bucsboy78]

Seems less than 13’ , what Marty did

[@homernextdoor5950]

@@bucsboy78 it's got nothing to do with length, it's the amount of wood left above the birdsmouth. By using a 2×8 he would be adding 1 3/4 inches to his effective depth therefore exceeding code which is highly recommended in areas that receive a lot of snowload especially with a roof above that has snow sliding off onto this roof.

[@petesmith8362]

homer nextdoor, I agree with you about 2x8! I've been a carpenter for 45 years

[@paulmonk7820]

@@bucsboy78 if I understand, the reason he's saying 2x8 is that the deep birdsmouths he is cutting would leave enough thickness in the rafter at the top plate for strength to support the rafter tails.

[@shaunalexanderjames.647]

Nice to see you all again, I noticed you were helping laid-back living with their fire. God bless you all and the house looks fantastic.

[@aloemanbows2455]

Please sir make yourself some push sticks for your sable saw. It is best practice and will boost your confidence using your table saw. Enjoy your channel very much. God bless you and your family.

[@mcgrath3]

Thank God you make mistakes! So many 'know it alls' will never admit that they do and then judges others harshly when they do admit it. I needed to see this. Thanks for honestly sharing. Don't stop that.

[@GMAN-nq5tz]

Yes Chickens Eat and Drink 1 time a Day when they are Broody and PLEASE Use a Push Stick for the table Saw !!

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

My wife bought a large freeze drier a few years back, and come harvest time she has it going almost nonstop for weeks on end. She has these bags that she seals everything in, They too have a 25yr. shelf life. She also freeze dries chicken, pork, and beef strips . That stuff make really nice EDC snacks along with a jug of water and you set for the day or so...

[@stevenrussell2218]

Doing awesome 👌 guys boy Marty can you remember when you started this venture how lil Seth was n now look at him working right along side of his ol man .....cherish these moments n gods speed 🙏

[@HaroldReece]

I agree the table saw can be your scariest tool. But it can be much safer if you build some push sticks to keep your fingers away from the blade, just search the tube and you will find many people wanting to teach you. The skyway looks wonderful, thanks for sharing.

[@paulmonk7820]

Might consider putting some kind of support under those rafter tails. I am worried that they will not bear weight with those deep cut birds mouths. Seriously, what's left in the width of the rafters is seriously weakened by those deep cuts. Remember the one that broke at the birds mouth when it fell?

[@michaelfrench5252]

Bird mouth cut are all wrong. There should be 1 third timber removed to 2 thirds timber left for strength. You are gong to have a very weak roof with very support for weight of roof timber and heavy snow.!

[@user-px9in3ct2y]

とても素晴らしい家族で一家揃って家を建てるのが、私から見てもとても羨ましい限りです。日本からお応援しております。完成が楽しみです。頑張ってください。　good luck

[@lloydfelter9349]

NICE JOB GUYS --- MARTIN AND JULES--- LOVE WATCHING Y ' ALL BUILD YOUR HOME -- AND THE TWO AWESOME CHILDREN == MESURE TWICE AND CUT ONCE LOL ''

[@johnwayman2256]

When you use the table saw. You should stand with your right shoulder in line with the blade. This allows you to see that your wood is tight against the fence. If it isn't, then you will likely have a kickback. Thus causing your hand to be drawn into the blade. I was a woodshop teacher for 32 years, please follow these instructions. Short pieces of wood are very dangerous to cut. When ripping, the wood needs to be supported on the back side by someone. Enjoy watching your work. With a fire near by , I would cut down those trees that are close to the house. Be safe and God Bless.

[@richardgreen5602]

I like the song you used....Praise God for His unending mercy and grace through Lord Jesus Christ.

[@paulthompson9013]

He does it right, because he does it twice!

[@dougwalk8034]

cut one board that fits good, don't put it up permanently yet, then use that board for a template for all the others !!

[@dncndan1]

Yes, exactly. If build is square they should all be the same length. If not, you got problems.

[@frankensmann]

I think it's good that your whole family is behind you.

[@riccojames1]

Loved the vid. Please can we have a 'little' bit more of Tux in there, my dog watches EVERY video with me and looks for him all the way through ;)

[@petert24turner71]

Really nice to see your kids able to use tooling & helping you. They will survive in life.

[@martinvarga5728]

You guys always do such a great job working together as family making some very fun to watch videos. Love the family harmony!

[@bob76451]

Make a push stick for your table saw

[@careyjohnson1784]

Your home is so beautiful love your videos GOD is good

[@taulli1]

You guys! Seth is getting buff! This was a great video, you all cheer me up, and I love it when you share your faith.

[@billyhinton9155]

Hay guys mom is so cool and sweet you are so lucky to have her help so wonderful your all moust done!! I love your videos keep them coming ok???

[@glenlevenhagen8967]

I agree with sky lights, was thinking it all along while you were building the roof. will have to check out the freeze dried food.

[@George32295]

I agree with the skylight idea. Natural light is great.

[@user-km7jb4dp7x]

Привет из России! Очень давно слежу за вами! Хорошая и дружная семья! Здоровья вам!...👍👍👍

[@patrickthewelder3598]

There are special handels for feeding small pieces on the table saw, both in plastic and metal, and most hardware stores will have it.

[@asproman66]

Hey Man, we miss you!! I wish you still remembering us I'm watching your old videos, mount Merapi erupted 2014. So epic. Sorry not properly speak english.

[@helllooooo9353]

love the subtle callback to the indonesian era of this channel

[@adardayzz5746]

I love when you said "enak"... "Enak banget" would be more serious...lol 👍

[@bobjoncas2814]

..lookin' good, you all have a great weekend...

[@derrick_builds]

It will be stronger than the wood, yep. You should be solid. Keep up the good work.

[@Fulltimer]

The walk-thru add-on is really good-looking. Perfect design. Great job!!

[@seanrodgers1839]

For safer sawing, you can make, from wood, notched work sticks that hold down and push the work piece through, without getting your fingers near the spinning blade.

[@freddien7]

Yeeaahhh its saturday another video from The Johnson family!! Loved the 1st song you played on the vid, my kind of toons,!! As everybody says, Cut 1 to see if fits, if it does use as pattern to cut rest you need. Good to see brother & sister working together. Another great job you guys coming along great and Good weather too. Thanks for the video from UK x x.

[@sarah_henley]

I like that song too!

[@veledahare8594]

We live in TwinFalls I just started watching you with my husband.

[@misterdog8346]

Build your House your Way...Truck on Brother!....Just Put a Sack over Safety Sally...She Wont Mind!...CHEERS!

[@ruralridez6165]

I would sister that broken one just for peace of mind. alot easier to do it now then later if it fails sometime down the road.

[@cameronweidert8784]

The smoke is coming from the green ridge fire. It is in the blue mountains outside of walla walla Washington. The wind just switched directions and now we are getting the smoke from it. I live in Pendleton Oregon.

[@texgem]

Oh my goodness your kids are growing up so fast .

[@davidscott8400]

Make yourself a push stick for that table saw

[@CreachterZ]

Yay for Cleopatra!!!

[@waynesheets319]

I’m not really complaining you seem to be doing a very good job on everything else

[@KoalityofLife]

Broody hens wont eat much if anything while sitting. The easiest way I have found to check on eggs they are sitting on is to lift them up a bit by their tail feathers, not all the way off the ground but enough to see how the eggs are doing. Once one hatches out the rest have about 24 hours to hatch before mom will give up on the rest and start walking the hatched chicks around the yard and teaching them what to eat. As for the eggs you find around the property you can float test them to see if they are still good. :)

[@g2macs]

You may want to sister up those birdmouths, a tadge bit thin especially with your snow loads.

[@roykirich]

Yay!! We gonna have some more chickins 😉😉😉

[@jrbpa5775]

Cut all rafters the same, no way to get it bowed.. unless your walls are not plumb. You’ll probably wish the tank was buried after a while. Thx for the video!!

[@SirAnthony25]

I have that same saw station table .

[@northernliving2387]

Martin you need a push stick for when your table saw.

[@bmurphy847]

As a woodworker, I cringe when I see you using the table saw. Please consider using a Push Block. You can make them from scrap wood and they could save your fingers. A table saw can grab the wood and pull your fingers into the blade in a fraction of a second. Thank you for the videos and God bless.

[@petesmith8362]

I cringe when I see him use any power tool!

[@irmasuryani5443]

OMG Seth gettin' bigger right now😲 im watching your video 5 years ago when in Indonesia

[@markkaes3144]

I’d sister that broken rafter with some scraps of osb and construction adhesive as well… but I like to over engineer. Love framing. Wish I could be there to help. Looks as good the second time as it did watching this morning.

[@engdarfatgalalyelectrical1076]

Your work is beautiful and useful, I hope to be health, safety and lasting happiness in your life

[@Offgridcabinhomestead]

Great job guys. Glad you got your propane tank 🙂

[@tombass3288]

And nail all of your rafters at the top through the opposite side of the ridge into each rafter then put on your metal brackets it will be much stronger that way

[@northvegassailrabbit3642]

Soon happy to see your precious Jewels wearing the proper PPE.

[@NickedBlade]

use the first rafter you cut as a template and use it lats on the roof ;) ..... and always cut the center of the pencil line as well :) love the build! the place is looking homie, congrats!

[@edrianchanel1980]

Tetap semangat Mr Martin sekeluarga 👍💪

[@roywaite5793]

Sorry to see you having so many issues with the new addition. You have been doing such a great job on the house, garage and apartment. Sorry to see the addition present so many issues for you. From a wall 3/4” out of square, rafters crossing in front of the apartment door opening, rafter bird mouths cut too deep making over hang weak, few rafters cut to short and finally, the rafter that got away from you and broke. On the bright side, you saved it with a great repair. Hopefully thing get better as you continue.

[@tucker476]

On the table saw, when you push as you near the you use a a piece of wood to push it on through The piece wood is like 2x6 by foot lonf and you notch one to meet the board you are cutting. Many people use the home made tool. I do and ! wish I had one sooner!! I lost a few fingers!!!!!

[@johnnelson8956]

You should sister that rafter with a 2x4 on either side

[@Zorlig]

Love the propane tank, that will make life easier!

[@sagalaya8151]

Sould be use 'nyaman' means comfortable instead of 'enak' which has lots meaning, for food we can also say 'lezat' means delicious

[@deborahsimmons2414]

Great information, especially regarding the freeze dried food!!! It’s nice to know that one can get freeze dried goodness without investing dollars on equipment!!! Thank you!!!

[@flatliner2713]

You can always drill a big hole in the rafters for the plumbing. lol

[@grandn8646]

I like the way Jules kicks her right foot forward when she makes the cut on the miter saw lol

[@elwoodkime9191]

A fantastic job from start till house and Garage/Apartment is finished. A professional job !!!! Impressive!!

[@hansjoubert1952]

I just love the Martin Johnson comedy show.

[@ProMansego]

5.5" that's not enough space for climate zone 5 and 6, you need R49 or R38, but you don't have the space, the only one that can give you an R38 is 5.5 "closed cell foam and it doesn't need ventilation

[@augustreil]

True, do they have to follow code for insulation. A poly vent and R-15 batt will work, but like you said, it doesn't have the R's.

[@ProMansego]

@@augustreil well maybe because this is an addition that connects the house with the garage it will not go completely with the codes, also the crawlspace does not have a proper drainage.

[@justinovitt6720]

Great video thanks for showing the mistakes as well as everything else. Things never go to plan.

[@jackholl57]

Yes, that titebond glue will hold.

[@Robert.Lavrik]

In hungary we say on something that needs to be done very slow and easy with care ''finomam'' , finom means delicious so if you do something with care you do it deliciously.

[@leilee203]

It is such an undertaking, but I’m SO envious.😅 thanks for the video, and nice job, you guys are doing great.👍😋

[@ramosel]

The Dixie fire in Northern California is affecting 10 western States... even when the wind shifts it just blows smoke in from somewhere else.

[@mathtime4578]

As stated below a patter would be alot easier and quicker. Also you can do the math to make your first without even putting them in place. Nice job.

[@pogingbagsikTV98]

Watching from the Philippines. God bless 🙏🙏🙏💕

[@keithdixon4057]

glad I found you all. I enjoy your channel, preach in Gray GA,

[@westie4ageturbo.749]

On your ryobi saw, put a new after market blade on it, Makes a world of difference! I have the same saw and was putting up with it for ages, just put a demo, crosscut blade on it and it cuts better than when i got it. Also nee 9 amp battery will make it like a powered saw! Keep it up

[@wm763]

Very Professional ☺

[@erwinaddison2030]

Looking good guys😀

[@p.a.d2167]

Por fin unidos garage y vivienda con cara de cansados saludos desde la sierra de madrid españa

[@stormmountain2521]

Looking good. I would also agree with Mister art Fisher please get some push sticks.

[@MJY58]

You should always be afraid of your table saw, otherwise you'll get hurt. Plus put a shield over the blade and that might make you feel a little bit more comfortable that you don't put your hand on top of the blade, but still watch out for your fingers.

[@roscoepatternworks3471]

You should never be afraid of any power tool you use. Confident and deliberate in your use at all times paying attention to your fingers location in relation to the cutting edge.

[@VaughanGuitars]

I know this was a year ago for you, New to me today, You said the table saw is not your favorite tool. I watched you making the birds mouth angle cuts on the table saw and buying or making a push stick ( very easy to make one in just a few minutes ) will make using a table saw not only safer to use but give the boards much needed stability and lesson the chance of kickbacks, A table saw is one of my favorite tools to use in my shop. Thanks for the great content. Be safe as always and be careful.

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

Must be nice to have your beautiful daughter as your assistant.... You are truly a blessed man!!!! I just happen by you channel to today. Yes I subscribed, I'm hoping that someday soon that I'll be physically able to do things like y'all are doing. I sure miss working with wood and building things. I've got a 12X20 barn out back that needs so TLC that's going to be one of the first things I do. For the past 9 year every time I hobble out back I see the roof sagging like and old lady's arm... LOL... Well maybe I should say like a swaybacked old mule... LOL!!! Be blessed my friend in Jesus name... BBE..

[@jamessimms2343]

I have been binge watching your channel (as often as I can) since July 24 and caught up to you today. Today is a sad day for me. I cannot binge vicariously through your channel. Thank you for sharing your journey. I have really enjoyed it!! KEEP SMILING 👍🏻

[@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving]

So glad you wound us.

[@algigirl]

Enak sekali, nyaman sekali, nice.. Very good of you showing the measurements using the triangle rulers etc. Cut thrice measure twice haha Anyway Jules is right. Perhaps put a window at the hallway. Perhaps double glaze Windows on both directions. So that you can see the beauty of the trees. Or use roof velux on both sides of the hall roof. Also perhaps might want to install solatube with lights which gives dark areas good lights. Night time it can provide lights. Or just normal solatube.especially in the middle of the house. Can be installed on the wall too. Also good for basement. Hope you have time to dig up deep ditch/parit surrounding the homestead. That is the best way to stop the fire from spreading. Also can push snows into it. So retain the water into the land and aquifer below. Swales and berm ... permaculture The gas tank... Please keep the trees away from the tank.🙏🙏🙏 Yes agreed by some comments, use stick or piece of wood to push the plank/woods whilst using the table saw. Hahah I like whilst wearing the safety harness.. grumbling under his breath.. ....Not today............ tomorrow.😹😹😹 🤭🤭🤭🤭 Whatever it is, Martin and Jules, you build the house according to your specifications. Tailor-made according to personal standard and requirements. Keep on going...👍👍 Anyway keep safe all you. Seen people on Vlog nearby you guys got infected with covid.hope they all get better soonest. Best wishes..

[@bubba007sss]

The main thing is it is what you are doing is working out for you. Rule of thumb is that you make a templet that fits both sides and you use the one pre cut rafter templet to cut the rest. That is how I do the rafters and they all come out the same length with no extra cutting It saves time and aggravation

[@hamadaarifi9041]

it is great to work with family ...thanks for video

[@chrismoore9997]

You need a sharp blade. Probably a dull blade causing the poor saw performance. When did you sharpen or replace the blade last?