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Jack 12 Lite cut sheet?
Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 8:41 am
by argon
Hi, I will be starting a Jack 12 lite build soon. How much 1/4” and 1/8” plywood do I need to buy? I’ve read the directions, but didn’t see it in there. I found a local source for Baltic birch in 5x5 sheets in both thicknesses, but will this be too much (or not enough) to build one Jack? I think I can get them in smaller sizes too. Plywood has gotten expensive since I built a Jack 12 a few years ago, so I’d rather not get larger sheets if I don’t need it all.
Thanks!
Re: Jack 12 Lite cut sheet?
Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 8:46 am
by argon
Hmm, I guess it DOES help to read the directions twice before starting. I see now that the only parts made of 1/8” plywood are the horn sheaths, so I would assume a 5x5 sheet would be way too much.
Re: Jack 12 Lite cut sheet?
Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 1:07 pm
by Bruce Weldy
Try this....
http://delphiforfun.org/Programs/CutList.htm
A lot of us have been using it for years. It's free and it works. Doesn't hurt to throw 'em a couple of bucks though.
Re: Jack 12 Lite cut sheet?
Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2021 12:46 pm
by tallevan
I like
https://www.cutlistoptimizer.com/
Free, and allows you to account for saw kerfs and grain orientation.
Re: Jack 12 Lite cut sheet?
Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2021 9:44 pm
by Tom Smit
The same can be said for Cutlist, as posted by Bruce. One can add all the needed panels in one list, and all the supply part(s) in another list, and it will calculate the best pattern to take to make the best use of the supply part(s). It is free, but a donation is a way of saying "Thank you".
I had a quick look at Cutlistoptimizer, and was wondering how to save a project without signing in. With Cutlist, one installs it on their machine, and can save projects for future use.
Re: Jack 12 Lite cut sheet?
Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2021 9:45 pm
by Tom Smit
Tom Smit wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 9:44 pm
The same can be said for Cutlist, as posted by Bruce.

One can add all the needed panels in one list, and all the supply part(s) in another list, and it will calculate the best pattern to take to make the best use of the supply part(s). It is free, but a donation is a way of saying "Thank you".
I had a quick look at Cutlistoptimizer, and was wondering how to save a project without signing in. With Cutlist, one installs it on their machine, and can save projects for future use.
Re: Jack 12 Lite cut sheet?
Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2021 4:34 am
by tallevan
Sure there are other and probably better solutions out there depending on your pocket or your requirements.
I'm inclined to stop looking when I find an acceptable solution. I seem to remember looking at cutlist, but moved on for some reason. Can't recall why.
You do need to sign in to cutlistoptimizer to save and retrieve your work.
It works within a browser rather than a client install on your machine. You may view that as either an advantage or a disadvantage.
I think all these tools do a good job at the heavy lifting, but your brain is required for fine tuning. I usually have a pile of scraps and 2" wide battens lying around that I use for the smaller pieces. They never make it into the cut list.
I'll give cutlist anothe squiz.
Tom Smit wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 9:44 pm
The same can be said for Cutlist, as posted by Bruce. One can add all the needed panels in one list, and all the supply part(s) in another list, and it will calculate the best pattern to take to make the best use of the supply part(s). It is free, but a donation is a way of saying "Thank you".
I had a quick look at Cutlistoptimizer, and was wondering how to save a project without signing in. With Cutlist, one installs it on their machine, and can save projects for future use.