A-frame coop - How to cut the end pieces ?

[dianajo]

Last year when I bought my first chicks, I was talked into purchasing one of those pre-fab coops. I've been less than impressed and frankly it just doesn't have enough room for my 4 girls, let alone the 2 new girls that are joining the flock.

I've seen tons of great A-frame coops done with swingset frames.. and managed to get my hands on a free swing set from a friend.

While my construction skills are certainly lacking, I've managed alright most of the time. However, I'm running into a head scratcher... how do you cut a sheet of plywood to end up with the right size triangle for the ends of an A-frame coop?

I may be totally over thinking this, but since materials are not cheap, I want to make sure I get these cuts done correctly. I may have to do a smaller triangle and a trapezoid piece due to the size of the ends.

79"x79"x65"

Can anyone 'walk' me through this?

 

[Percheron chick]

The easiest way is to just hold the plywood up against the framework and draw the cut line. Flip it over and that should be the continuation of the cut line for the next higher piece. You can cover any raggy cut lines with some trim.

 

[dianajo]

The easiest way is to just hold the plywood up against the framework and draw the cut line. Flip it over and that should be the continuation of the cut line for the next higher piece. You can cover any raggy cut lines with some trim.

So what you're saying is... I am totally over thinking this.

 

[Percheron chick]

Plus it's an old used swing set that isn't going to match from one side to the other. All the math in the world wouldn't help.

 

[jcinadr]

cardboard makes good template material (and is lighter to hold up while you draw)