How to Saddle Timber Rafters With Dimensional Lumber

Layout the location of the saddle joint based on the blueprints. The dimensional lumber butts into the side of the timber rafters, either directly on (at 90-degree angle) or on a bevel (at an angle)

Measure the width of the dimensional lumber, and trace the width of the dimensional lumber on the side of the timber.

Carefully measure the depth of the joint. Since the timber has a round profile, measure the maximum depth of the saddle at the point on the timber that has the greatest depth.

Hold the blade of the reciprocating saw along the line on the right side of your saddle. Cut downward into the log until the blade reaches the depth for the saddle. Repeat the process on the left side of the saddle so that your cuts outline the saddle joint.

Make multiple cuts between the saw lines on the right and left edge of the saddle. Make sure that each cut is down to the measured depth of the saddle. When you're done, the area of the timber that makes the saddle is cut many times, and the remaining wood is cut into ribbons three-eighths to one-half inch thick.

Chisel out all the wood between your two cuts using your hammer and chisel. The bottom of the saddle must be smooth and properly oriented toward the piece of dimension lumber.

Cut off a short piece of dimension lumber that will fit into the slot. For example, if the saddle is made for a 2-by-8, cut off a 12-inch piece of 2-by-8 at the correct mitered angle and bevel. Test fit the short piece of dimensional lumber into the joint. Make sure that the joint is the proper depth, the bottom of the saddle is flat, and the joint is properly oriented toward the piece of incoming dimensional lumber.