# Tab and Slot Tester

[![cuttle](https://cuttle-uploads.imgix.net/56/c342d0fa290e787762339822921ed4bb73fadf5a355f2611c10f6c5bdeea28f6.jpg?auto=compress,format&q=80&fit=crop&width=32&height=32&dpr=1)Cuttle Official](https://cuttle.xyz/@cuttle)

Feb 14, 2024 (updated May 2, 2024)

Public

![](https://cuttle-uploads.imgix.net/56/6d6ceba5643fcf94770688af40933c5c30f808454cbfdff4356e323e7583a46e.jpg?auto=compress,format&q=80&fit=max&width=700&height=1280&dpr=1)

Find the the perfect kerf compensation for projects that use tab and slot joints.

Some projects like our [Polygon Boxes](https://cuttle.xyz/@cuttle/Polygon-Box-O2jNAfl4MMgx) require you to find a **kerf compensation value** that works with your specific combination of materials and machine settings. With this template you can test multiple values by cutting these two matching parts and checking the fit.

## How to use

The [kerf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saw#Kerf) is the width of the cut, that is, how much is vaporized away by the laser cutter. And it will be affected by several factors:

-   The **material** that you are using.
    
-   Your **specific machine**.
    
-   The **cut settings** (focus, power and speed).
    

One important thing to remember: **bigger kerf value = tighter fit**

1.  Set the `materialThickness` based on the material you're cutting. Be sure to measure this with calipers so that the tabs fits into the slots. Use a section of material without masking tape.
    
    ![](https://cuttle-uploads.imgix.net/56/0714dfca92cd12b311659ae6a1e1916ca247e860647afe91b18d041fcdc3f1a0.jpg?auto=compress,format&q=80&fit=max&width=700&height=1280&dpr=1)
    
      
    
2.  The `startingKerf` lets you set the smallest kerf value you want to test.
    
3.  When cutting use the same settings you'll be using for your final project. And make sure to **score** the numbers as a reference.
    
4.  After you cut the pieces test each tab with its matching slot, and note the value that is easy to insert but remains tightly in place.
    
    ![](https://cuttleusercontent.com/56/781af1e9f4f96658d9f6e667aa1c17816d00c6e409ac0f0f6e1a5d49c4edaf9c.gif)
    

## Notes for Designers and Deep Divers

When compensating for the kerf on these kind of projects we **add** or **subtract** the **kerf** value on the sections that are likely to be consistent because they are cut by the laser.

On the sections determined by the `materialThickness` we don't use the kerf value because there will always be some variation on the actual thickness of any given piece of material, so `materialThickness` is mostly useful for determining the height of the joints **but not for affecting the fit**. This might be more clear with a few diagrams.

## On the tabs

Half the kerf gets **added** on each side of the tab, and the tab height is `materialThickness`. Effectively the size of the tab itself would be: `(tabWidth+kerf, materialThickness)`

![](https://cuttle-uploads.imgix.net/56/97f2f9a03352efa2900eecab7ab2a94b869dd732c217eefc75256474b7aa532e.png?auto=compress,format&q=80&fit=max&width=700&height=1280&dpr=1)

![](https://cuttleusercontent.com/56/eb68d8b4ed8414eddfa4c40a7773cf80b5bcd8f3e3b3040402818646dcda9fd9.gif)

## On the slots

Half the kerf gets **subtracted** on each side of the slot, and the slot height is `materialThickness`. Effectively the size of the slot itself would be: `(tabWidth-kerf, materialThickness)`

![](https://cuttle-uploads.imgix.net/56/068ed4c3b21640bec4a7e090d9ce43069e56ebf510a979b76eab8ebff524b033.png?auto=compress,format&q=80&fit=max&width=700&height=1280&dpr=1)

![](https://cuttleusercontent.com/56/60e7d305df9746e35da65c9ffc4cde5f585f4d9f2d30354dc778696834eebd02.gif)

Makes & Comments

You must be a member of Cuttle Pro to post in this area.

LICENSE

Free for personal use. To sell physical items [upgrade to Cuttle Pro](https://cuttle.xyz/pricing).

You may create physical items for personal use.

PRO

Upgrade to Cuttle Pro to sell physical items derived from this template.

You may not sell or give away digital items (like SVGs) derived from this template. [Learn more](https://cuttle.xyz/learn/licensing).