plywood graphing

[E J Miller]

I'm trying to create multiple graphs like graph paper to calculate plywood usage for a given project. Each graph would be a 4x8 sheet of plywood and by entering cut dimensions into a cell it would color in the size of the part and when used up go to the next graph,etc.,etc. I then want to add the number of full sheets automatically.

 

[PaddyD]

Hi welcome to the board!

"I'm trying to create multiple graphs like graph paper to calculate plywood usage for a given project. "

Given that excel's core strenght is calculation, and calculation is what you want to do, I'm confused re why you want to use graphs to calculate the areas ?!?!

Care to give a few more details...an example would help!

paddy

 

[white6174]

I think he wants display the calculated results on a graph

 

[PaddyD]

perhaps, although if by

<quote>
"Each graph would be a 4x8 sheet of plywood and by entering cut dimensions into a cell it would color in the size of the part...
</quote>

...the OP is intending a way of shading the graph area in a way that reflects the actual dimensions / shape of the finished piece of wood (which I assume could be fairly complex), then he'll at least need to specify the minimum lenght of any particular side...there's going to be a lot of data entry here...

and if by:

<quote>
"and when used up go to the next graph,etc.,etc. I then want to add the number of full sheets automatically."
</quote>

...the OP means that he'd like to have excel work out the optimim distribution of required shapes, given the 4x8 spec's, such that the minimum amount of wood is wasted, then the request is a long way from trivial!

paddy

 

[E J Miller]

On 2002-11-10 20:30, PaddyD wrote:
Hi welcome to the board!

"I'm trying to create multiple graphs like graph paper to calculate plywood usage for a given project. "

Given that excel's core strenght is calculation, and calculation is what you want to do, I'm confused re why you want to use graphs to calculate the areas ?!?!

Care to give a few more details...an example would help!

paddy

The only reason for the graph is a visual take on the waste to each sheet. My goal is to take plywood cuts, add these pieces together to generate a total number of sheets and apply pricing to the total. I reasoned if you apply a standard amount of waste to the 32 square feet(4'x8'),your running subtotals should provide a reasonably accurate count without using optimizing features found in a more sophisticated CAD program.

 

[PaddyD]

"...add these pieces together to generate a total number of sheets and apply pricing to the total..."

But as you know, the total sheets required is not a simple function of the volume of the components by depends also on the relative dimensions of the components. Solving this is not straightforward.

Always happy to be proved wrong by members of the board, but I'd suggest that this is not a problem that will be solved in a few iterations on the board. Rather, it is a project that requires scoping, defining, setting parameters, tollerances etc. If your business is likely to save money as a result, I'd suggest approaching the consulting wing of MrExcel for a quote:

http://www.mrexcel.com/consult.shtml

paddy

(P.S. I am not employed by MrExcel, so that suggestion is intended as a genuine solution to your problem, not touting for business).

 

[Legacy 98055]

This sound like a fun project. Irregardless of what you want to do with the consulting end I'll post back with my best shot. I would have use for this as well. I do have one question. What is the smallest measurement you are wanting to plus into your worksheet? 1/32,1/16,1/8,1/4...
tom

 

[PaddyD]

Tom

Re: "Always happy to be proved wrong by members of the board"

= smilie of me being happy

 

[Legacy 98055]

Hi Paddy.
I wasn't trying to prove anybody wrong???
It just sounds like an interesting project which is different than what I am accustomed to working with.


I have one more question for the OP. The width of the saw blade would need to be taken into account. How wide is a typical sawblade? I have about 0 experience with carpentry.

tom

PS
Disregard the sawblade question, I'll incorporate it into the algorithm.
If I can come up with an algorithm.
Is that how you spell alorithm?
This message was edited by TsTom on 2002-11-10 23:20

 

[stevebausch]

This sort of software is already out there. If it's easy to do, there should be shareware available. If it's really tricky, save your time, spend your money; perhaps a demo version would help you, if this is a short-term project.