I don't think that this belongs in the CAD section but if the Mods feel otherwise, please move.
I've just signed up for The English Woodworker's (Richard Maguire) latest project, a nest of tables. The first instalment comes with a cutting list.
I reckon that I've got enough offcuts of cherry to get all but the tops done. The tricky bit is that the offcuts are all of different sizes and deciding which one offers which pieces is a bit like doing a simplified version of Rubick's Cube.
Then it occurred to me that this is probably the perfect thing for somebody who is a whizz with computers. The programme would have to simply match two things: the size and number of the pieces to be produced and the size and number of the pieces of wood available. The result would be a plan showing the former marked on the latter.
Then it occurred to me that it would be no surprise if such a programme already exists. Does it?
All that said, it was quite good fun poring over the bits of wood, doing the puzzle. I think I've got it cracked but obviously a computer would do it in about 10 seconds.
Any thoughts or knowledge?