Timber Cut List Optimizer
Plan one-dimensional timber cuts across repeated stock lengths while accounting for saw kerf and reusable offcuts. Suitable for studs, rails, battens and other straight stock.
Worked timber example
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Stock length | 4800 mm |
| Kerf | 3 mm |
| Cuts | 6 × 1200; 4 × 900; 6 × 650 mm |
| Reusable offcut threshold | 200 mm |
| Result | 4 stock lengths · 16 cuts |
| Useful material utilization | 76.56% |
| Status | PROVEN OPTIMAL |
Why kerf belongs in the cut list
Sixteen nominal cut lengths do not consume only their summed finished lengths. Every separation also consumes saw kerf according to the selected terminal-cut policy. PackMize keeps finished material, kerf loss and remaining offcut distinct so the material balance is auditable.
Reusable offcuts are an operational choice
A 150 mm leftover may be waste in one workshop and useful stock in another. Set a minimum reusable-offcut length that reflects your actual storage and future-use policy rather than treating every remnant as equally valuable.
Timber-specific limitations
The 1D optimizer does not infer knots, bow, end checks, moisture defects, grade zones, colour matching or grain selection. If defects are known, reduce usable stock length or split stock into appropriate custom lengths before optimization.
Assumptions
This worked example uses the dimensions entered in PackMize. Material properties, machine rules and operational constraints that are not explicit inputs are not inferred.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use feet and inches?
The calculator supports dimensional units; use the unit selector and enter the actual stock/cut values consistently.
Does the optimizer account for the saw blade width?
Yes. Enter kerf explicitly. Finished cut lengths are not reduced by kerf.
What does PROVEN OPTIMAL mean here?
It means the result reaches the applicable stock-count lower bound or the exact search establishes that a better stock count is not possible within the model.