- 1). Lay the 2-inch by 4-inch (2x4) pieces of lumber out and mark where the cuts will need to be based on the blueprints of the house. The size of the trusses will depend on the pitch and slope of the roof. Measure and mark the cut locations on the 2x4 lumber with a pencil.
- 2). Slide the first 2x4 into the miter saw and turn the blade of the saw 45 degrees to the right. Line up the blade with the mark on the lumber and pull the lever to bring the blade straight through the lumber.
- 3). Slide the second 2x4 in and turn the blade 45 degrees to the left. Cut the second piece just like the first was cut and butt the two pieces together to verify they fit properly. Set a triangular gusset bracket where the two pieces meet and hammer 1-inch roofing nails through each of the holes in the bracket to secure the two together.
- 4). Measure the distance at bottom of the two boards you have just connected and cut each end of a new 2x4 at a 45 degree angle so it can fit at the bottom between the two pieces to strengthen the truss. Attach the 2x4 at the bottom horizontally to the vertical 2x4s with gusset brackets just like in the previous step.
- 5). Attach 2x4s vertically at an angle throughout the triangular truss you have created to strengthen the truss. Cut the 2x4s to size with the miter saw. Hammer them together with roofing nails. The amount of vertical 2x4s you add will vary depending on the size of the truss.
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