Cutting scarf joint

[gav]

Hi,

I need to join two boards for the ridge beam for my new workshop. I think the joint I need is a scarf joint.

Has anyone got a good link on setting out and cutting one of these? only I can only find links for small sections or joining sheet material.

Thanks
Gav

 

[motownmartin]

Have a look at THIS it might help

 

[dunbarhamlin]

William Noyes has a bit under Common Joints http://www.gutenberg.org/files/20846/20846-h/20846-h.htm#page151

 

[dirtydeeds]

a ridge has no significant longitudinal compression or tension forces on it

a ridge works in shear and compression lateraly


so........... you dont need the complicated scarf joints being suggested

they are designed for longitudinal compression or tensile strength and you dont have any to deal with


so what do you need..................

strictly speaking a straight butt is all you need

in practice a scarf is used because it is easier to install, you can spike one to the other if you are concerned