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Making a cutlist
O
n the list of fun things a new FWW #161, pp. 68-74) for the greatest precision,
woodworker might want to try, but a smaller-scale drawing also can work for
making a cutlist is probably near the generating a list.
bottom. Most of us, beginner or not, Take extra care when using purchased drawings
would rather be in the shop. or project plans from a magazine. Such drawings
But an accurate cutlist helps prevent often leave out thicknesses, measurements for
the inconvenience of not buying enough material joinery, or other details, and missing them can lead
and the expense of buying too much. Close to mistakes in buying and cutting stock.
attention to a cutlist also can help avoid mishaps I begin a list by filling in the names of the parts,
like forgetting to allow extra length for tenons, the finished dimensions for each, and the number
which can turn valuable wood into miscut scraps. of parts needed (four table legs, for example).
Building a good list takes some work, but you’ll When filling in the length, be careful to include
thank yourself later. The chart-style cutlist described the ends of any joinery—such as tenons—that are
here contains all the information needed to estimate hidden in the finished piece. Overlooking joinery
lumber costs and to guide selection of stock at details is an easy mistake to make.
the lumberyard. When you organize your list, I also include special notes on my list for any
make sure that it contains the finished and rough curved parts that can be cut from the same board
dimensions for each part in your project, and that it in a nested pattern. Typically, I make a separate
lays out the numbers logically for easy addition. drawing that shows how those parts can be laid out
for cutting, and how large a board will be needed
Work backward from finished dimensions for this phase of the project.
Start with a carefully made drawing of your project. Next, calculate the dimensions of the rough-cut
I like to work with full-size layout drawings (see pieces. Add 1 in. to all the lengths of the parts and
List the parts by name. List the quantity Note the wood species List any special instructions. The
of each part. or material for each part. notes here can refer to detailed cutting
patterns, joinery, carving, or other issues.
92 FINE WOODWORKING