Using finished dimensions as rough dimensions
Flattening, trimming, kerf, and profiling remove material. Record rough and finished dimensions separately for the first panel, slices, second assembly, and final board.
Scaling the pattern to make it fit
Automatic scaling changes physical strip widths and slice dimensions. Keep the repeat at real size, then adjust the recipe or define how edge modules are trimmed.
Combining every loss into one percentage
Kerf, end trim, flattening, profiling, defects, and reusable offcuts have different causes. Calculate known losses from the cut sequence and label uncertain allowances explicitly.
Checking only the final board
The first panel and second glue-up may be larger than the finished board. Check saw, clamping, flattening, handling, and workholding capacity for every intermediate assembly before approving the design.
- Unverified stock dimensions.
- Groove too close to a corner or edge profile.
- Thickness selected without a weight estimate.
- Species selected from colour alone.
- No fallback flattening plan.
- Pattern image without a strip and slice recipe.
A render is not a cut list. Every visible element should trace back to a source strip, slice, or module.
Review before cutting
- Confirm finished size and weight.
- Trace the pattern to stock.
- Balance the material ledger.
- Check every intermediate assembly.
- Verify edge and groove clearances.
- Have the machining sequence reviewed for the actual workshop.