I think one of the great features added to the 2009 SolidWorks release is the ability to include a cut list in your top level assembly BOM. Let's say your assembly structure looks something like this.
The first component listed just so happens to be a weldment. Even though it does not really get welded-cause its wood. I like to use the weldments feature for lots of things that I want a cut list from (It groups like items together-yeah!!!). So expanded out it looks like so:
Now when you go to make your drawing, you'll need to check the "MAGIC BOX"
And the end result will look something like this.
Now of course I had all of my custom properties filled out and the real column I was after was the "STOCKSIZE" because this is what gives me the cut list for the pieces I need. The cool thing about this is I get a pretty good bang for the buck for a pick list and a cut list all in one BOM.
By the way - don't think that your parts need to be "Weldments" in order to use that feature. Try and think out of the box!
Todd Werginz
Technical Analyst
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