Removing section of loft beam

[ScottishGasMan]

Hey folks. Is it possible to DIY removing a portion of one of these cross beams? ie if I wanted to locate a couple of water cylinders in the loft and needed the height could I put some more supports inbetween these beams to tie them together and cut out say 5 foot or so out one of them?

My thoughts had been to fit similar sized joints in-between the beams, then cut the required section out of the one needing removed, and tie in another full length supports over them as show here (viewed from above)

 

[cdbe]

You'd be better putting your trimmers flat, use something deep like 8x2, the force will be pulling the cut tie apart.

 

[tony1851]

It would be a better job structurally if you could screw lengths of 1/2" ply or 11 OSB either side of the opening, if you have the space?