Offcut Planner · Field guide
Measure and Label a Reusable Offcut
A leftover sheet is useful only when the next builder can identify its real cutting envelope. Measure the largest clean rectangle, not the outer silhouette, and put the label where it remains visible in storage.
By WoodCutTool editorial team · Updated 2026-09-27Start with a clean rectangle
Lay the piece flat and identify damaged corners, splintered edges, screw holes, stains, warp, and areas where the veneer or core is unsuitable. Draw or imagine one rectangle fully inside the usable region. Measure its length and width to the precision your shop normally cuts. If the offcut is L shaped, record two separate rectangles only if they can genuinely be separated without counting the same area twice. The planner accepts one rectangle per inventory entry.
Record what a later cut needs
Mark the material type and measured thickness. Nominal plywood thickness may differ from actual thickness, so measure a representative clean edge with calipers where fit matters. Identify face quality, finish, species or grade in the notes. If visible grain or face direction constrains a future part, mark grain along the recorded length. Write a label on tape or a tag rather than obscuring a show face.
Keep the record attached to the stock
A useful label includes a short piece ID, usable length × width, thickness, material, grain arrow, and known defect boundary. Put the same ID in the browser inventory. Search by label or rack location when the inventory grows. Correct a measured record with Edit; after cutting, remove the consumed piece and add the new usable rectangle as a separate piece. Export a JSON backup before clearing browser data or moving to another device.
Release check
Before reuse, inspect the physical piece again. A dimension record cannot certify flatness, internal voids, moisture condition, structural capacity, or suitability for a finish. If the clean rectangle is smaller than recorded, correct the inventory before using a fit result.