The vertical framing studs need to hold up the double beam as well as hold it together. So in each stud I'm cutting out 'shoulders' that allow the beam to rest. The 'head' of the stud will be between the two beams, screwed into place. My Japanese saw works well for cross-cuts (against the grain), but it is very tiring to make rip cuts (with the grain). So I think I'm going to build a jig for the circular saw. Cutting the 'shoulders' with a Japanese saw Finishing the surface with a rasp