27 August 2014

Perry and I erected the ridge rafter, the four king common rafters, the two special common rafters (special because they attach at the ends of the ridge vice at the sides), and the six jack rafters for the southwest corner of the sauna building.  Perry did the cutting; I did most of the screwing and nailing.  I also put on assorted hurricane ties and constructed the opening in the rafters through which the sauna stove chimney will pass.  Early indications are that making adjustments to the rafter bird’s mouth seat cuts is less work that shimming the wall top plate then cutting the bird’s mouths from a template, produces a roof that is acceptably in plane (so far ± ¹/₁₆″), and results in a much stronger rafter to wall plate attachment.  As the workday was winding down, Fran Viko came over to admire our progress and tour the house.  During the tour we found a large amphibious reptile (was either Mr. Frog or Mr. Toad… but no name tag was evident) residing in the Guest Bath.  How, one wonders, did said creature get to that location with the basement door closed for lo these many recent days?  We encouraged an exit, which was duly accomplished.  The lake temperature is 77°.