CutListPlus Users

[ejs1097]

I saw a thread yesterday about this product and was thinking about getting it. What's the basic function adn how does it work.

You enter your parts and it produces a cutting diagram. Is that about it? I noticed it will recalcuate dimisions if you edge band a part but what about joints.

Say you making a cabinet with rabits, or dadoes. Can you give it your outside dimisions and it figures your part sizes taking into account the depths of dadoes, etc? Any other woodworking software that does something like this?

[Ken Weaver]

You've pretty much got it, as far as I've used it. Its especially handy for sheet goods but I've done board stock with it as well. Never dealt with dadoes with it. Don't think it takes that into consideration but its never been a problem. You get cutting diagrams, not assembly diagrams.

[sacherjj]

It is only for cutting the parts, not for further work on the parts. You can define various types of stock and what type of kerf and error to allow for parts. For example, to cutup parts out of a 4'x8'x3/4 plywood, I'll have the kerf of my circular saw plus 1/2" of error. This allows a little bit to trim on the table saw, once cut to rough shape.

I like the ability to give various priorities to the layout. First rip cut vs. first cross cut. Layout to maximize cutoffs in different formats. Very nice program. When you manage inventory with it, it can be told to use cutoffs first and then tell you what pieces of wood you need to order to complete a project.

With my new plywood chair project, I wish I could draw odd shaped polygons and have it generate a cut list. But, I'll have to do it with my 1/4 scale prototype.

[onedash]

I have only used the free version and it was for cutting up a lot of MDF. Without it I probably would have used an extra sheet.

[Black wallnut]

It does have a few drawbacks. It will only deal with square or rectangluar sizes. Glue-ups have to be treated as individual parts. i.e. a glue up made of five 3"x21"x3/4" needs to be entered as 3/4"x 3"x21" 5 copies; instead of one glue up assembly 3/4"x15"x21".

When you plan to resaw to create book matched parts it will not let you unless you specify double the amount of lumber; very critical when using odd sized rough lumber.

Even with its few drawbacks I have found it to be a great program well worth the license level that I bought (silver; or 2nd most expensive level). Support has been excellent. One license is good for one pc forever; meaning if you upgrade your pc you can transfer your license to the new pc.

IMHO the learning curve was rather short and not very steep for what it will save you.

[dpb]

It has saved me from buying too much material, you can set it up so that you can change the material on any project and it will give you a total amount dollar wise and materials wise, even with other items such as casters, door knobs, hinges e.t.c, whatever you want to add to the database.
Well worth the investment I think.