Linear Cut Requirement Calculator
Calculate total material length needed for identical parts.
When you need to produce a large number of identical parts, it's crucial to know exactly how much raw material to purchase. This calculator simplifies that process by determining the total linear length of stock required, accounting for the material lost to each saw cut.
By inputting your desired finished part length, the quantity you need, and the width of your saw blade (kerf), this tool provides an accurate total material requirement. It's a quick way to generate a bill of materials, preventing you from buying too little stock or having excessive waste.
The calculation is a simple multiplication and addition problem:
- Calculate Total Part Length: Multiply the length of a single part by the total quantity needed.
- Calculate Total Kerf Waste: For 'Q' number of parts, you will make 'Q - 1' cuts between them (assuming you are cutting them from a continuous length of stock). Multiply the number of cuts by the kerf width to find the total material lost.
- Combine for Total: Add the total part length and the total kerf waste to get the absolute minimum material length required.
Total Length = (Part Length × Quantity) + (Kerf × (Quantity - 1))
- Linear: Relating to or consisting of a straight line; one-dimensional.
- Kerf: The width of material removed by a saw blade during a cut.
- Bill of Materials (BOM): A comprehensive list of all the raw materials, sub-assemblies, and parts needed to manufacture a product.
"This calculation gives you the theoretical minimum. In the real world, you always need a waste factor. I add at least 10% to this number to account for initial trim cuts to square up the stock, any defects in the material that need to be cut out, and the occasional measurement mistake. Never buy the exact calculated amount." - Production Shop Foreman
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Always double-check your measurements before cutting.
Account for the kerf (the width of the saw blade) in your calculations.
Consider wood movement (expansion and contraction) in your final dimensions.
Buy 10-15% extra material to account for mistakes and waste.