Workshop worksheet

Plan cuts before the sheet reaches the saw

Enter your sheet, parts, blade kerf and grain direction. The planner draws a labelled layout, lists any pieces it cannot place, and exports the coordinates. Measure the actual sheet and check your cutting sequence before cutting.

1. Sheet and blade

All dimensions are in millimetres. The sample values illustrate the tool; replace them with your measured sheet and blade.

Sheet width mmSheet height mmBlade kerf mmSheet face grain runs

For a directional face grain, the planner rotates a part only when its chosen grain direction still matches the sheet. It does not inspect defects or internal layers.

2. Parts to cut

Width and height describe each part as entered. Choose which dimension the visible grain should run along.

Part 1

Name Width mmHeight mmQuantity Face grain along

Part 2

Name Width mmHeight mmQuantity Face grain along

Limit: 80 individual pieces and 20 sheets. A very large piece is reported as unplaced.

How does the planner place pieces?

It expands quantities into individual pieces, sorts them by area, and places each into the first shelf with room. A blade-width gap is reserved between neighbours and shelves. It starts another sheet when necessary, up to the stated limit. The CSV records the top-left coordinate of every placed part, measured from the sheet's top-left corner.

These coordinates are a layout guide. Check the actual panel size, grain, square edges, saw kerf and usable offcuts. The drawing does not tell you which cut to make first. For saw selection and setup, start with the beginner circular-saw guide.

What does grain direction mean here?

If grain matters, select its direction on the sheet and on each part. The planner allows a 90-degree rotation only when those directions still align. Choose “Not relevant” for parts where the face pattern does not matter. This setting does not assess structural strength, veneer orientation inside plywood, or the manufacturer's panel guidance.

Can the plan be used as a cutting order?

No. Arrange supports and clamps for each real cut, follow your saw's instructions, and confirm that every cut is reachable and safe. The printable drawing shows positions and dimensions, not the order of operations.

Are the sample dimensions a standard sheet?

No. They are editable example inputs. Measure the board you have, including any damaged or unusable edges. Enter the kerf stated for the blade you are actually using or measure a test cut.

Method, limits and reuse

Method version: 4 October 2026. Calculation runs in your browser. No cut list is sent to this site. The first-fit shelf method is deterministic but does not guarantee minimal waste or the fewest sheets. It does not reserve edge trim, account for cut order, or model irregular offcuts. CSV includes all placed and unplaced pieces so missing parts remain visible.

To cite or share this tool, link to Handy Tools Home: Workshop sheet-cut planner and state that it uses a first-fit shelf layout with user-entered dimensions, kerf and grain direction.