Here we benchmark WorkshopBuddy against another popular tool and run through a real-world case study.
| Feature | CLO | WB |
|---|---|---|
| Lock part orientation | ||
| Import from spreadsheet | ||
| Edge banding | ||
| Save projects | ||
| Auto add stock | ||
| Sheet materials | ||
| Linear material settings | ||
| Share project via link | ||
| Trim parts & stock | ||
| Blade width per stock | ||
| Export to DXF, SVG & PTX | ||
| Settings for CNC, table and beam saws | ||
| Ability to move parts | ||
| Visualise all offcuts |
All tests were performed with a paid subscription to CutListOptimizer.com and WorkshopBuddy using the appropriate settings.
Mix of large, medium & small parts
⬆ CutListOptimizer.com produces the pattern above using the Least wasted area settings, note the uneven clustering of green parts in the bottom right.
⬆ Using the Maximum efficiency setting, WorkshopBuddy produces a pattern with similar parts oriented & clustered together meaning fewer fence changes and more accurate cuts.
A real-world project
For this benchmark, we're using a project supplied by a user - a bookcase, a cabinet and some shelves. Three different plywood types are used - parts are allocated to each depending on the materials needed. The identical parts list was imported into both tools, which were both set to the appropriate length cut settings. There are a total of 91 parts in the project.
| CLO | WB | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculation time | 7.42 seconds | 0.17 seconds | WB - 7.25 seconds quicker |
| Number of offcuts | 71 | 55 | WB - 16 fewer offcuts |
| Total cut length | 5,994.5 | 5,634.5 | WB - 360 inches less cutting |
| Total stock required | 18 | 16 | WB - 2 stock saved |
Overall winner - WorkshopBuddy
For this real example, a WorkshopBuddy user was able to order two fewer sheets of plywood in a single project, saving well over $100. There was significantly less cutting to do and larger, more useful offcuts for future usage. The patterns are shown below for reference.
