Cut planning
What is Kerf?
Kerf is the width of material removed by a saw blade during a cut. A cut plan must reserve this space between parts, otherwise the final piece in a row can come out short.
Why Kerf matters
It affects whether parts fit on real stock after kerf, orientation, order of operations, and usable leftovers are considered. For builders using WoodCutTool, the practical point is simple: define the term before the material is cut so the plan, calculator result, and shop work all describe the same thing.
How to use it in a project
Check this term before finalizing a plywood layout or board cut sequence. It often changes the way parts are grouped, rotated, or spaced in a calculator. When the project has many parts or expensive material, move from a rough note to a real cut list calculator, plywood cut calculator, or saved CutList layout before buying or cutting stock.
Use the glossary to clarify the language, then use WoodCutTool calculators to test the actual numbers.