CutSimply guide
Cut allowance for sawing metal oversize.
Use extra allowance when the listed length is the final required size, but the saw needs to cut pieces slightly longer for facing, machining, cleanup, deburring or final finishing.
Leave allowance at zero when the entered length is already the actual cut-to length.
How it works
Finished length vs cut-to length
If you enter a 500mm finished piece and add 2mm extra allowance, CutSimply plans that piece as 502mm before kerf. The cutting layout, stock usage, cut sheet and weight checks use the cut-to length. The cut list summary still shows the original finished/requested length so the difference is clear.
When to use it
Use an allowance when saw-cut blanks need to be faced, machined, cleaned up or trimmed later. It is also useful when a customer gives a finished drawing size but the saw operator normally cuts slightly over length.
Example: 20 pieces at 500mm with 2mm allowance and 3mm kerf are planned as 20 pieces at 502mm, plus 20 kerf losses.
When not to use it
Leave it at zero when the cut list already contains the true saw length. Do not use it as a replacement for kerf. Kerf is blade loss; allowance is extra material deliberately left on the part.
Planning note: Keep shop-floor judgement. If different lines need different allowances, split the job into separate runs for now.