Is there a reference post I’m missing that explains some best practices to be used when setting up a SU for use with CutList?
I have a rather large deck plan I’ve done with SU and now need a cutlist. Everything is done with components, but no materials (textures), etc. I also think I need to be more consistent with my naming from what I read.
If anyone can direct me to a tutorial of sorts, I’d appreciate it.
Replies
Have you looked at this? https://www.finewoodworking.com/item/31860/cutlist-411-a-more-in-depth-look
Being consistent with component Definition Names is certainly a good idea but the cut list plugin will work anyway. Material assignments aren't really that important but if you've actually inserted components for the hardware, you might want to add a "part word" from the list of those in the first dialog box of the plugin to the defintion names of those components. Or you can add your own. Assuming the footings are not to be made of wood, you might want to add a part word to their definition name as well. Or, perhaps you are interested in how many board feet of concrete it will take. :)
I can't tell from your drawing but you'll want to make sure the component axes for the stringers and angled stair rail parts are aligned correctly so that the cutlist reports their dimensions correctly. If you drew them in place and made them components but didn't adjust the axis orientation to suit, the bounding boxes will be much larger than the "boards" and the cut list will report that large size.
One other thing to consider, make sure the definition names do not contain commas if you intend to utilize the CSV export. If you do use commas, your word processor or spread sheet application will confuse things.
You should be fine but if you have any problems, drop me a note.
Dave
Dave wrote:
I can't tell from your drawing but you'll want to make sure the component axes for the stringers and angled stair rail parts are aligned correctly so that the cutlist reports their dimensions correctly. If you drew them in place and made them components but didn't adjust the axis orientation to suit, the bounding boxes will be much larger than the "boards" and the cut list will report that large size.
Response:
Hmmm... I'll have to check this out as I'm not sure. The stair rails are drawn in place so to speak. They are cut from a 2x12 so they're one piece, then rotated to the proper angle/orientation. Same thing applies for the stringers...
How do I deal with some of the boards that are 16 feet?
As for the different sizes of boards, 2x4,2x6,2x8,2x12, and 5/4x6, do i need to use CutList in stages?
Off to bed, have a 3a wake up call ahead... will check out your post in greater detail tomorrow when I get home.
So if you drew the stringers and stair rails as if they were laying down and then made them components before rotating them into position, the bounding boxes should be oriented to fit the geometry. See https://www.finewoodworking.com/item/11569/axes-in-sketchup for info about component axes and note the drawings of the rafters.
As to the 16' board lengthsm, the only place that comes into play in the cutlist is in the layout section but you really don't need to do cutting layouts for a deck. You should be just fine with the cut list alone.
I hope I'm still asleep at 3 am. ;)
Cheers,
Dave
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