CUT PLANNING
Cut Lists and Saw Kerf
Saw kerf removes material at every cut, so a cut list that only adds finished lengths can overstate what fits on a board or sheet.
SHORT ANSWER
Start with the inputs you can verify
Saw kerf removes material at every cut, so a cut list that only adds finished lengths can overstate what fits on a board or sheet.
What the estimate means
Use the kerf of the actual blade and process, not a generic assumption.
Some cuts can share an edge while others need trimming or squaring first.
Where estimates go wrong
Grain direction, defects, and matching can be more restrictive than theoretical yield.
Keep the source measurements and assumptions with the result so another person can review or update the estimate later.
A practical workflow
- Confirm stock size and required finished dimensions.
- Sequence cuts and include each kerf and trim cut.
- Mark grain, defects, and part orientation before optimising the layout.