Given a picture of a log profile, its scale, and dimensional lumber prices, this webpage calculates the optimal way to cut it. For informational purposes only.
Input explanations:
- Log image - A photo of the cross-sectional end of the log that you wish to cut. It should be roughly circular and centered.
- DPI - Dots per inch, that is, how many pixels on the image correspond to one inch of log.
- Kerf - The thickness of the cut left by the blade. The generated cutting plan will allow for the length of the kerf between the proposed boards.
- Margin - The amount of spare room to leave from the edge of the log to help ensure that all boards may be cut. If left blank, it's assumed to be no margin.
- Value matrix - A matrix specifying the values of each dimension of dimensional lumber. The optimizer will create a plan to maximize the total value of all boards as assigned by this matrix. Therefore, this value ought to be the net value of a single board to you. This should capture not just the expected revenue of the board, but the future expected costs of production of the board. If you don't want the optimizer to use a board type in its output, simply set its value to zero.
Caveats:
- Optimizer does not detect or distinguish bark. If an image with bark is given, then it will assume that the bark is part of the log. To compensate for this, either image the log after debarking, or set the margin high enough to exclude the bark portion of the log.
- This optimizer does not yet detect checks in wood and try to work around them. Nor does it predict warping. You can cut timbers from heart wood if you think it's a good idea, but be aware that the optimizer does not consider warping risk in making cut plans.
- This optimizer solves geometric problems only. It cannot detect metal in wood, determine any saw behavior, or turn wood into lumber. Theoretically optimal cutting may not necessarily be optimal in practice. How you use this information is your responsibility.