Building the MakerKerf Cutlist Workflow

A look at the planning problem MakerKerf is being built to solve: turning project parts, material stock, and cut decisions into a clearer workflow.

Eye-level view of a neatly organized cutlist on a workbench

MakerKerf is being built around a simple but important shop problem: cut planning should be easier, clearer, and more useful than juggling notes, spreadsheets, and guesswork.

For makers, woodworkers, cabinet builders, CNC users, and laser users, the planning stage can create just as much waste as the cutting stage. A project may start with a simple list of parts, but that list quickly turns into questions:

What material do I already have?

Which sheet or board should I use first?

Can I fit these parts more efficiently?

What offcuts are still usable?

Am I wasting material because I planned too quickly?

MakerKerf’s cutlist workflow is focused on helping organize those decisions before the first cut is made. The goal is to help users move from a project parts list to a smarter material plan, with better visibility into stock usage, layout options, and waste.

The first version of MakerKerf is being developed with practical shop use in mind. That means the workflow needs to be clear, useful, and grounded in how makers actually work.

Planned focus areas include:

- Project-based cutlists

- Material and stock setup

- Sheet goods and board planning

- Layout comparison

- Waste and offcut awareness

- Simple reporting or export options for shop use

MakerKerf is still in development, but the direction is clear: help makers cut smarter, waste less, and build more.