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Selecting objects to cutlist
Martin Mueller
Posted on June 24, 2022
Hi James,
OpenCutList only works with Components not Groups. Once a part is an instance of a component, you can apply the material to the instance of the component by NOT entering the component or you can use the General Tab of the Properties of the Part to assign material. That way only the instance will bear the material, but not the definition of the component.
When you apply the material to all the faces of the component by entering into the component, you are effectively changing the definition of the component. Therefore all instances of this component will have the same material.
Once the part has material applied to it (either way), it will show up in the Parts List under the section for that material (unless the thickness does not match, in which case the local axis may be wrong). OpenCutList interprets the length of a part by looking at the dimension along the local red axis of the part, the width being on the green axis and the thickness on the blue axis. To change it, you may use the SketchUp axis tool or edit them using the second tab of the Properties of Part window.
At the bottom of the OpenCutList window, follow More -> Tutorials. You may find a couple of tutorials explaining how to use it.
OpenCutList only works with Components not Groups. Once a part is an instance of a component, you can apply the material to the instance of the component by NOT entering the component or you can use the General Tab of the Properties of the Part to assign material. That way only the instance will bear the material, but not the definition of the component.
When you apply the material to all the faces of the component by entering into the component, you are effectively changing the definition of the component. Therefore all instances of this component will have the same material.
Once the part has material applied to it (either way), it will show up in the Parts List under the section for that material (unless the thickness does not match, in which case the local axis may be wrong). OpenCutList interprets the length of a part by looking at the dimension along the local red axis of the part, the width being on the green axis and the thickness on the blue axis. To change it, you may use the SketchUp axis tool or edit them using the second tab of the Properties of Part window.
At the bottom of the OpenCutList window, follow More -> Tutorials. You may find a couple of tutorials explaining how to use it.
james
Posted on June 26, 2022
hi
And thanks for the very detailed answer that I have taken two days to reply too. OK so I need to ensure my objects are components and have tested this and it works. However If I make my sheet material a component then make a copy of that sheet material and make that a component, when I go to my cut list I have two separate cutlists even though the two pieces of my box fit on a sheet. Do I have to completely finish my box and make that a component before I can get it on one cultists?
And on a side note how do I use the keyboard for lengths using metric?
Thanks for your very detailed answer, I am still trying to absorb it :)
And thanks for the very detailed answer that I have taken two days to reply too. OK so I need to ensure my objects are components and have tested this and it works. However If I make my sheet material a component then make a copy of that sheet material and make that a component, when I go to my cut list I have two separate cutlists even though the two pieces of my box fit on a sheet. Do I have to completely finish my box and make that a component before I can get it on one cultists?
And on a side note how do I use the keyboard for lengths using metric?
Thanks for your very detailed answer, I am still trying to absorb it :)
Martin Mueller
Posted on June 26, 2022
Let me try to explain the building process of a box with the same material (even same thickness) in words:
- draw all the parts of your box, making sure each is a component. If two parts are equal, you can just copy one to make the other. If they are different, you also copy one, make the component unique (right mouse click) and modify it. Now you should have all the parts under the section "No material defined". Make you that length/width/thickness are correct for all the parts.
- assign sheet good material to all the parts. When configuring the material, make sure you understand all the parameters of the tab Cutting Parameters. After this step, the parts should be listed in a section specific to the material you applied.
- click the cutting diagram button at the top of the section containing all parts. In the first tab, you will have to select a standard sheet size, and/or add some leftovers in the Offcut Boards. In the Configuration tab, adjust the saw blade thickness (yes, that will take away some material) and the trimming size (a margin that is virtually removed around the panel to account for damaged edges, irregularities).
This should give you the cutting diagram you need.
Do I have to completely finish my box... => no
To use metric for the entire project, select the appropriate Unit of Length (bottom of the OpenCutList Window -> Preferences). To enter a single dimension in metric, but project is in fractional => enter the dimension with units "21 mm" or "2.1 m".
Do I have to completely finish my box... => no
To use metric for the entire project, select the appropriate Unit of Length (bottom of the OpenCutList Window -> Preferences). To enter a single dimension in metric, but project is in fractional => enter the dimension with units "21 mm" or "2.1 m".
james
Posted on June 26, 2022
OK thanks
I will start another box, its actually a bench seat for a campervan with some storage.
So I start to draw a rectangle and type 600 mm and press entre. Strange I though I had done that as I learnt this bit from the tutorials but in imperial.
I will try again :)
I will start another box, its actually a bench seat for a campervan with some storage.
So I start to draw a rectangle and type 600 mm and press entre. Strange I though I had done that as I learnt this bit from the tutorials but in imperial.
I will try again :)
james
Posted on June 26, 2022
Space between 30mm! So pushpull 30 mm :)
Thanks
PS 55 year old Brit so was brought up using imperial and converted to metric because I realised its genius :)
Thanks
PS 55 year old Brit so was brought up using imperial and converted to metric because I realised its genius :)
😀 1
james
Posted on June 24, 2022
The only thing I can think off is the fact that I have filled each edge of my sheet material with the material created in the plugin
Would this be the issue?
Thanks