Building a roof

[Howard P Reynolds]

I am interested in getting a Kreg jig kit; currently looking at the K4MS, and the first project I have in mind is putting a "roof" on my wood rack.

I built a sturdy wood rack from pressure treated 2 x 4s that easily holds a cord of wood.  There are cross "beams" (2 x 4) across the top for structural strength that are bolted to the uprights ("studs").  The cross members form a sort of trellis look on top, which is the "roof" for the tarp that covers the wood rack.  Because the roof/tarp is flat I have been thinking of adding a roof structure (rafters and ridge board) - using the same treated 2 x 4 construction so that rain and snow would run off better.  I could screw the rafters to the ridge board by screwing through the ridge board into the 45 degree angle of the rafters, but I wondered if the Kreg jig system would allow me to drill holes through the rafters (again, 2 x 4) - not on the 4" face (3.5"), but on the 2" edge (1.5"), and with the 45 degree angle already cut? 

Failing that, after I cut my 45 degree angle for the rafters, will a Kreg jig permit me to drill toe-in holes on the face of a 2 x 4 (one on either side) to toe-in the rafters to the ridge board?  The pictures I have seen show the drill jig with squared-off boards, not angle-cut boards.

[Ken Darga]

Howard,

Yes, the Kreg jig can be used to drill pocket holes in 2x4 members, in the areas and at the joints you mentioned.

[Howard P Reynolds]

Thanks, Ken.