A possible need for a computer programme.

[Andy Kev.]

I don't think that this belongs in the CAD section but if the Mods feel otherwise, please move.

I've just signed up for The English Woodworker's (Richard Maguire) latest project, a nest of tables. The first instalment comes with a cutting list.

I reckon that I've got enough offcuts of cherry to get all but the tops done. The tricky bit is that the offcuts are all of different sizes and deciding which one offers which pieces is a bit like doing a simplified version of Rubick's Cube.

Then it occurred to me that this is probably the perfect thing for somebody who is a whizz with computers. The programme would have to simply match two things: the size and number of the pieces to be produced and the size and number of the pieces of wood available. The result would be a plan showing the former marked on the latter.

Then it occurred to me that it would be no surprise if such a programme already exists. Does it?

All that said, it was quite good fun poring over the bits of wood, doing the puzzle. I think I've got it cracked but obviously a computer would do it in about 10 seconds.

Any thoughts or knowledge?

 

[9fingers]

Such programmes exist for 2d sheet optimisation but I often use them for non sheet applications setting the kerf higher that just the saw blade to allow for planing.
I use maxcut2 but there are others
Bob

 

[Mike G]

I just draw stuff like that. Draw your pieces of wood, and draw your requirements. Put the latter over the former, and shuffle things around. It's not quite what you want, but with any of the freebie drawing programmes it would probably be just as quick as entering the info into a specialist programme.

 

[Andy Kev.]

Thanks, Bob and Mike.

The fact that this sort of software already exists shows just how far behind the digital curve I am. And it doesn't bother me one little bit! I may have a go with one though, just for the fun of it.

In the short term I think I'll probably end up following Mike's suggestion as my little assembly of offcuts is vanishing under the pencil markings (repeatedly crossed out) which I have put on each of them.

I imagine that for pros such software is a godsend. I think it would be of serious use to me if I decided to fit out a kitchen or something similar but that is definitely not on the horizon.

 

[Cabinetman]

I normally start by looking at the different thicknesses and with the largest components and some chalk then work downwards from there. But then using chalk shows I’m a stone age type of person lol.

 

[John Brown]

Not wanting to be critical here... but the word is "program". Not American Vs British English or anything, just convention that the computer thing is spelt that way.

 

[Andy Kev.]

Not wanting to be critical here... but the word is "program". Not American Vs British English or anything, just convention that the computer thing is spelt that way.

I'm quite sure you're not being critical. It just happens to be a convention which I choose to reject for aesthetic reasons: the word clearly derives from "programme" and there was actually no need to trim it to something which in my subjective view just looks a bit ugly and utilitarian. There is a tendency in the IT world to mangle the English language and that really gets my goat, but each to his own.

 

[Pete Maddex]

Grain matching is very important to the looks of a piece so you would need to to have some way of inputing that as well.

Chalk and some messing about is best.

Pete

 

[Lurker]

And…….. keep your long bits longest