CutList Plus fx: Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Woodworking Cuts

CutList Plus fx: Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Woodworking CutsCutList Plus fx is a dedicated panel-optimization and cutting-diagram software widely used by woodworkers, cabinetmakers, furniture builders, and hobbyists. It helps transform project parts lists into efficient cutting layouts for sheet goods (plywood, MDF, melamine), solid lumber, and other materials — saving time, reducing waste, and improving cost estimates. This guide covers everything from core features and workflow to advanced tips, common pitfalls, and alternatives so you can get the most out of the software.

What CutList Plus fx does and why it matters

At its core, CutList Plus fx creates optimized cutting diagrams from lists of parts, arranging rectangles (parts) on larger rectangles (sheets) to minimize material waste. It also tracks material costs, grain direction, edge banding, and yields reports like cut lists, shopping lists, and labor/material cost summaries. For professionals working with expensive sheet goods or producing repetitive runs, improved material utilization can significantly reduce overhead.

Key benefits:

Reduces material waste by producing efficient nesting layouts.
Saves time by automating layout and report generation.
Improves estimating through integrated cost calculations.
Supports production with cut sequences and saw-operator instructions.

Editions and licensing (overview)

CutList Plus fx comes in different editions tailored to user needs:

A basic or “Standard” edition for hobbyists and small shops.
A “Professional” edition with advanced layout options, batch processing, and more reporting features.
Network or multi-user options for larger shops (if offered).

Licensing is typically perpetual with optional upgrades — check the vendor for the current model and pricing.

System requirements and installation

CutList Plus fx runs on Windows; check the current version’s system requirements before purchasing. Typical requirements include:

Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit recommended)
4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB+ recommended)
500 MB–2 GB free disk space depending on installation and data
Optional: printer for hardcopy cutting diagrams and reports

Installation usually involves downloading the installer from the vendor site and activating with a license key. Back up your license key and company data regularly.

Getting started: basic workflow

Create a new project.
Define materials (sheet sizes, thicknesses, grain direction, cost per unit).
Enter parts: dimensions, quantity, material choice, grain preference, and edge banding if needed.
Run the optimizer to generate cutting diagrams.
Review and adjust layout manually if desired.
Print or export cut diagrams, cut lists, and material/shopping lists.
Update inventory and costs as you use materials.

Important features explained

Material definitions

Define standard sheet sizes and supplier-specific materials. Include thickness variants and note grain orientation (cross/with-grain) so the optimizer respects grain-sensitive parts.

Optimization settings

Set kerf (saw blade thickness), rotation allowances, and whether parts may be rotated or flipped. For veneered or laminated sheets, you may restrict rotation to preserve grain direction.

Nesting and layout

The nesting algorithm arranges parts to minimize scrap. You can accept the automatic layout or manually drag parts to preferred positions. Some versions support multi-sheet optimization and grouping by parts family (e.g., all cabinet door panels together).

Reports

Common reports:

Cutting diagrams (to-scale printable layouts)
Cut lists (part name, dimensions, quantity)
Material usage summaries (sheets used, waste)
Cost estimates (material + labor)
Shopping lists (items and quantities to order)

Edge banding and machining

Track edge materials (edgeband strips) and machining operations so estimates include those costs and the layout accounts for finished dimensions.

Import/export

Import parts lists from spreadsheets or CAD outputs; export reports to CSV, PDF, or image formats for shop use.

Practical tips for better results

Accurately define kerf and usable sheet dimensions (subtract factory edges or defects).
Group similar material parts and run optimization per material to avoid mixing incompatible sheets.
Lock critical parts in place before optimizing if you need a specific arrangement (e.g., matched grain sets).
Use rotation rules wisely: allowing rotation improves yield but may ruin grain pattern—set per-material.
Save and reuse material templates for common suppliers to speed future projects.
For small shops, print diagrams on A3 or tile PDFs so operators can read full-scale layouts.

Advanced workflows

Batch processing: Prepare a production run by importing multiple project files or part lists and optimize across all to reduce total waste.
Offcut/inventory tracking: Record leftover pieces to reuse in later projects; specify minimum usable sizes for offcuts.
Multi-criteria optimization: Some versions let you prefer fewer sheets over less waste, or prioritize certain sheet types.
Integration with CAD/CNC: Export part geometry or cut sequences to feed CNC routers or saw controllers (check format compatibility).

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Ignoring kerf: Underestimating saw kerf leads to parts that are too large; set kerf precisely for each machine and blade.
Over-rotating veneered parts: Allowing rotation on veneered panels can produce mismatched grains—lock orientation where necessary.
Not tracking offcuts: Wasting usable offcuts increases material spend; establish an inventory workflow.
Using incorrect sheet sizes: Measure actual sheet usable areas (some suppliers pre-trim or have defects) and enter those dimensions.

Example workflow case — cabinet door run (concise)

Define plywood sheet 4’ x 8’ with grain along the 8’ edge; kerf 0.125”.
Enter door panel parts with grain preference set to “along length.”
Allow rotation = No for these parts; optimizer will place panels with matching grain.
Run optimizer; review and lock matched panels to preserve grain flow.
Export cutting diagram and shopping list.

Exporting and communicating with the shop floor

Export to PDF for layout printing, CSV for procurement, and images for quick reference. Label parts on diagrams with unique IDs and include a cut sequence or blade settings where helpful. Attach cost and quantity info to each layout so purchasing and production are aligned.

Alternatives comparison

Feature / Use case	CutList Plus fx	Alternatives (e.g., MaxCut, OptiNest, SketchCut)
Ease of use	Good for beginners and pros	Varies; some simpler, some complex
Advanced nesting	Strong	Some competitors offer better 2D/irregular nesting
Cost estimating	Integrated	Often separate modules
Batch processing	Yes (pro)	Varies
CAD/CNC integration	Basic exports	Some offer tighter CAM links

When CutList Plus fx might NOT be the best fit

If you need complex free-form or irregular shape nesting (advanced nesting/CAM systems may be better).
If you require direct, real-time CNC machine integration with proprietary formats.
If you prefer a fully cloud-based collaborative tool and CutList Plus fx is desktop-only for your edition.

Resources and learning

Start with manufacturer tutorials and sample projects.
Create templates for common materials and project types.
Keep a cheat-sheet of kerf and machine settings at the saw for reference.

Final checklist before production

Verify material definitions (thickness, grain).
Confirm kerf and rotation rules.
Lock any grain-matched or critical parts.
Review offcuts and update inventory.
Export diagrams and labels for the shop.

CutList Plus fx is a practical, time-saving tool for anyone working regularly with sheet goods. Proper setup (material templates, kerf, rotation rules, and inventory tracking) and a few advanced workflows (batch processing, offcut reuse) will multiply savings in material and shop time.