One remaining question:

When I apply short reference lines to the edge of planks to use when I stagger the rows by 1/3 plank-length, the group is recognized as a group, but not a solid.

If I edit the group & erase the reference lines, it is recognized as a solid.

Where did I go wrong?

@kyyu said:

@gschwartz9 said:

...
I've tried: Subtract, Split, Trim, Zorro & Zorro2. All either don't do the job, or require significant "repair" work on the cut pieces.

This snippet of code can take care of the repair work, after using the solid tools (Trim?). Right click the group and select "Divide Group after Trim". Just be sure no loose geometry is touching it(groups & components are ok), otherwise they may be incorporated into the new groups.
[attachment=0:1q6mm088]<!-- ia0 -->divide group after trim.rb<!-- ia0 -->[/attachment:1q6mm088]

WOW!
This does the job. Thank you kyyu.

I'll give Zorro[2] another try. Also interested in your chop tool. You're right about only one level of nesting needed.

I think it would be great as a general tool. Examples: *Plumber working with sections of 2" copper pipe for a long run that has many changes in direction and varying lengths of pipe, *Landscaper laying tiles along a curved path, *Carpenter determining which length of lumber will be most efficient for a project that needs several pieces of varying lengths, *A craftsman determining how much of a very expensive wood he needs, *A retired Mechanical Engineer attempting to optimize usage of laminate flooring.

Of all the tools I've looked at, Section Plane seems to have the essence of what's needed. It lacks is the option for retaining both sides of the section cut. An enhancement would be user-selected distance between the sides. That distance would vary depending on the material being cut; e.g. copper pipe, construction wood, model-makers wood, concrete ...

Is the code for Section Plane available?

I tried both methods, but unable to make either work.

Someone please tell me if my expectations are unreasonable, or point me toward a solution.

I agree that I'm overcomplicating this issue. I'll simplify my need.

Assume that I have an 8' 2x4 that will be sawed into a 5' piece and a 16" piece. I want to use the remainder elsewhere in my project. Assume also that for good reasons, the PP solution won't work.

I've tried: Subtract, Split, Trim, Zorro & Zorro2. All either don't do the job, or require significant "repair" work on the cut pieces. For example: Subtract initially appears to do exactly what I need by removing a narrow section of the 2x4 at the desired location. But, the 8' 2x4 component (or group) continues to be a single entity that requires exploding, then making components or groups of all the pieces.

I must be doing something wrong, but I haven't identified it in the tutorials. Also, it's hard to believe that a program as sophisticated as SU lacks such a basic tool that has broad application.

What am I missing?

Speaking of AutoCAD, I could really use a routine equivalent to ACAD's "Slice" command.

Specifically, define a plane with any two intersecting straight lines. Any object intersected by this plane is sliced, with the user's ability to select the pieces retained ... either 'left', 'right', or both.

Applications = plumbing, carpentry, construction ...

Thanks TIG for the clever workaround. This will get me thru my current project.

Your procedure is easy to follow and gets the job done. I have a couple of issues with the routine that may be unreasonable expectations. One: I've applied textures to the sides and ends to discern between tongue & groove ends & sides. When I shorten via PP, the texture remains, telling me it's a tongue or a groove when it's actually neither. Second: Compared to AutoCad's Slice command, it's more time consuming. With the ACAD Slice command, a plane is defined by two intersecting lines. Any object intersected by this plane can be sliced, with the option of retaining either or both resulting pieces. This capability is what I'm looking for.

This has value in construction, carpentry & plumbing where materials are purchased in finite lengths that need to be cut to fit, and the remainder retained for use.

You indicated that I may be looking in the wrong place. Can you point me in the right direction?

Gary

Despite studying and testing essentially everything in this thread, I'm unable to accomplish what I need.

I'm laying out laminated flooring in my home. Each laminate plank measures ~ 4"x30"x3/8". I've made a group of the plank.

I need to "saw" the planks to varying lengths, and save the pieces sawed off, minus 1/8" saw kerf. The saved pieces will be used where short pieces are needed on the opposite end of the room.

I'm prepared to give myself a dope slap if I've failed to recognize the solution in this thread.

SU8 Pro, Win7

Gary