I've been using free online cutlist optimizers such as cutlistoptimizer.com and opticutter.com for my projects, and both suggested that I could fit everything into 3 sheets of plywood. I made sure to factor in the thickness of the blade and even included some trim to be taken off before cutting. However, when I requested a quote from a plywood supplier, they came back saying I would need 4 sheets for the same projects.
Could anyone shed some light on how reliable these online tools are? Why would there be a discrepancy between their recommendations and the supplier's quote? I understand that the additional sheet might cover one specific piece, which means the rest could potentially sit unused (although I might find a future use for it). I just want to know if I'm missing something with these cutlist programs.
4 Answers
It really depends on how well the cutlist optimizer was designed. If it's a solid program, it should give you accurate results, but keep in mind that different companies may have varying efficiencies. Perhaps the woodshop you contacted had their own criteria or they assumed you'd want matching grain direction for appearance. They might have also split up your parts across more sheets to make the cuts easier or protect against mistakes. Plus, if your designs are straightforward rectangles, it seems odd that they suggested an extra sheet. Maybe they just play it safe to avoid cutting errors that might cost them more.
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I've had great luck with CutListOptimizer and find it to be spot on! I've used it for all my plywood projects, and it's saved me both time and cash. Yours might just be a case where the suppliers are overly cautious or have their own methods that differ from the tools you are using. Definitely try smaller cuts when getting a quote next time—you might end up needing less material!