How to use resaw yield estimate
What this calculation does
A resaw estimate counts thickness slices that fit after reserving a planing allowance for every slice and kerf only between neighboring slices.
Measure the blank and blade kerf, decide the finished slice thickness, and enter the cleanup allowance you intend to plane away.
Enter the measurements
- Measured blank thickness: Measure the blank across the resaw direction.
- Target dressed slice thickness: Enter the target thickness after dressing.
- Extra thickness per slice for planing: Add cleanup thickness for each planned slice.
- Measured blade kerf: Use the measured blade kerf for this setup.
Formula and variables
Slice target = dressed thickness + planing allowance. Slice count = floor((blank thickness + kerf) ÷ (slice target + kerf)). Cuts = slice count − 1. Unallocated thickness = blank − slices × slice target − cuts × kerf.
The slice target is finished thickness plus per-slice allowance. The count uses floor division; cuts are one fewer than slices, so no trailing kerf is charged.
Read the result
Five complete slices fit in the entered thickness budget; four cuts separate them, leaving 0.1875 in unallocated.
Worked example
Inputs: 2 in blank, 0.25 in dressed slices, 0.0625 in allowance and 0.0625 in kerf
- Each slice needs 0.25 + 0.0625 = 0.3125 in; five slices and four kerfs use 5×0.3125 + 4×0.0625 = 1.8125 in.
- The remainder is 2 − 1.8125 = 0.1875 in.
Expected result: 5 slices, 4 cuts and 0.1875 in unallocated thickness
Frequently asked questions
Is the remainder a usable offcut?
Not necessarily. The remainder may be part of a thicker final slice and the estimate excludes blade drift and defects.
Does the estimate say a machine can make the cut?
No. Machine capacity, blade condition and safe workholding are outside the calculation.
Conditions, presets and technical notes
Counts kerf only between adjacent slices; there is no trailing cut after the last slice. The remaining thickness may be part of a thicker final slice and is not guaranteed to be a usable offcut. Enter measured stock thickness, kerf and cleanup allowance. Blade drift, defects, drying, safety and machine capacity are excluded.