Bevel Board (Pitch Board)

Definition

A bevel board, also known as a pitch board, is a board used in framing roofs or stairways to lay out bevels.

Purpose

The bevel board is a crucial tool in carpentry and construction, used to transfer and mark angles accurately on materials. It ensures that bevel cuts, which are essential for the proper assembly and fit of roof rafters, stair stringers, and other angled components, are precise. This tool aids in maintaining consistency and accuracy in constructing structures that require angled joints and surfaces.

Examples of Use

1. Roof Framing: Carpenters use bevel boards to lay out the angles on rafters, ensuring they fit correctly at the ridge and eaves.
2. Stair Construction: Bevel boards help mark the angles on stair stringers, ensuring uniform and accurate steps.
3. Furniture Making: In custom furniture projects, bevel boards are used to create precise angled joints for aesthetic and structural purposes.
4. Cabinet Making: Cabinet makers use bevel boards to ensure accurate angles when cutting and assembling parts.

Related Terms

1. Bevel: An angle or surface that is not perpendicular to the adjacent surfaces.
2. Angle Gauge: A tool used to measure and transfer angles.
3. Framing Square: A tool used to mark out right angles and straight edges, often used in conjunction with bevel boards.
4. Miter: A joint made by beveling each of two parts to be joined, usually at a 45-degree angle, to form a corner.
5. Template: A pattern or mold used as a guide for shaping something accurately.

Notes

• Bevel boards must be accurately marked and cut to ensure precise angles in the final construction.
• They are often used in conjunction with other measuring and marking tools to achieve the desired accuracy.
• Proper use of a bevel board can significantly reduce errors and material waste in construction projects.