Structural beam layout by hand on out of square beam.

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How do you layout in the middle of a beam by hand? I've always cut a beam square at one end first but recently failed a layout test. The test beam was an out of square old lumpy beam longer than the dimensions. Needed to layout cope at one end, holes in web, various angles and cleats at angles, and the other end was to be cut on an angle and holes aligned with the cut. Did ok except for the angled cut and holes on the end. Forgot how to get the line angled across the web from a position on the centreline of the flange. anyone here know?
Reply:Are allowed to use a quick tool rather than the traditional method of string lines, framing squares, and a tape measure? Traditional is nice, but working smarter/quicker is also also nice.Option: Beam Square"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:no only traditional method no places to attach laser to either in middle of busy workshop actually i just solved my own question I think I should have drawn out the end of the beam on the top flange, then drawn the angle cut then take a dimension at a height from the drawing and marked that on the web. Heights were tricky with neither end square. beam square would have been handy
Reply:Depending on how big the iron is, I just use a combination square, sometimes a 2' framing square also. Transfer marks from one flange to the other, then lay the web out from there. Those beam squares look like they would be great in a shop environment.
Reply:bungleuShow the print - and I'll share how to do it . . .Opus