What is the MAXIMUM depth when making a bird's mouth cut? the rafter's thickness the depth of the top plate ) one-third the rafter's width one-fourth the rafter's thickness

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking for the maximum depth when making a bird's mouth cut bird's mouth cut is a type of cut used in carpentry, where the cut is made to allow the rafter to fit into the top plate of a wall. The depth of this cut is crucial to ensure the rafter fits properly and securely.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided are:<br />- The rafter's thickness<br />- The depth of the top plate<br />- One-third the rafter's width<br />- One-fourth the rafter's thickness<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The correct answer is "one-third the rafter's width". This is because the bird's mouth cut should be deep enough to allow the rafter to fit into the top plate, but not so deep that it causes the rafter to protrude beyond the top plate. Therefore, the cut should be one-third the width of the rafter, which is a common rule of thumb in carpentry.