Carpentry and Woodworking - pattern layout software

I was wondering if anyone is aware of software that when given the dimensions and
number of the pieces that you are cutting out of a piece of wood (example: 4' X 8' plywood), will give
you the most efficient layout for cutting out the pieces, as well as the number of sheets
of plywood that you would need?

Thanks

Larry

You might try some of the software on Woodweb. I believe there is a program called "sheet layout". I don't know if it suits your need. If not, you could post to one of their forums. URL: http://www.woodweb.com/~woodweb/demos/demopage.html

Larry,
If the site that 2000 suggests doesn't get it, or if the software gives you fits, you could try doing your layout on scale sheets. Unless you are doing something very complex with intricate dimensioning, this way should be pretty workable. Just layout the pieces on paper using the 12th scale on a good framing square. At 1" to the foot, this should be a simple task, and by extrapolating, you should be able to get 1/4" accuracy for the layout. Generally, the number of pieces you will be able to get out of a sheet will be determined by larger amounts than that. Personally, I like to work this type of detail out manually since it gets my thinking "into" the project and helps me to visualize potential problems that might come up in the fabrication phase. And I think you will find that the absolute optimum layout for pieces will be very difficult to cut out and would rarely yield the best grain orientation from the larger pieces you are cutting from. But I kinda come from the "old school" so don't let my archaic opinions have too great an influence on your approach. Do what works best for you and enjoy woodworking! :D

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2000:
You might try some of the software on Woodweb. I believe there is a program called "sheet layout". I don't know if it suits your need. If not, you could post to one of their forums. URL: http://www.woodweb.com/~woodweb/demos/demopage.html <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, After sending in my question, I stumbled on "Sheet Layout". I'll give it a try.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by The Timber Tailor:
Personally, I like to work this type of detail out manually since it gets my thinking "into" the project and helps me to visualize potential problems that might come up in the fabrication phase. And I think you will find that the absolute optimum layout for pieces will be very difficult to cut out and would rarely yield the best grain orientation from the larger pieces you are cutting from. :D<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I used some scrap lauan\1/4" plywood to do this a couple of years ago. I had to fabricate 24 bookcases for the new Middle School library. Used A-2 Birch plywood with A-3 1/4" Birch on the backs. #1 prime white pine 1x12 shelving, and white oak 1x for face frames and toe kick/base. It was a lot of fun and a great way to break in my new Delta 10" Contractor's table saw. The saw paid for itself in about two long days of ripping, crosscutting, and dadoeing.


More than a Carpenter
http://www.carpenter.cjb.net


[This message has been edited by More than a Carpenter (edited June 11, 2000).]