Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Nov 18, 2006 01:44am | #1

   In general you lay out and cut one piece at a time, since the amount of wood removed by the blade is hard to judge.  You may also have to clean up a cut edge with a hand plane or a jointer before you measure and cut the next piece off of a board or a sheet.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine

2. 
   joinerswork | Nov 18, 2006 04:13am | #2

   Stan,

   At the risk of thoroughly confusing you, there are actually three (3) measurements for each piece: 1) the dimension as drawn, 2) the same dimension, written on the cut list (or carried in your mind from the drawing, to the saw), 3) the actual dimension after the lumber is cut.  Depending on your accuracy, (or perception of reality), #3 above may or may not end up to be the same as #1, or even # 2.

   Even in the case of cutting up a piece of plywood, I seldom, if ever, draw out the perimeter of the component onto the stock, and try to cut to the line. Rather, I set the saw's fence, or a stop block, to the dimension needed, square one edge (or end) and cut.  The exception is curved lines.  Even then, I generate a pattern from the (full-size) drawing, and transfer that to the pre- dimensioned stock.

   Finally, there are instances where the drawing (and cut list) are wrong-- when the cut-out components are assembled. The opening for a drawer, for instance, may be slightly different from the ideal, requiring a deviation from the drawing so that the drawer will go into (or not fall through) the opening.  This is called the "fudge factor" and will vary as your skills and abilities improve. 

   I nearly always make up a cut list from the drawing.  But I don't final size all the components ahead of time.  Some are roughed out, oversize, and left til actual measurements can be taken.

   Good question.

   Regards,

   Ray Pine