Hi Sam, That s@#ks...I've encountered that at times myself. If it is a reputable cutter, they should make good for it. But as Dion say's a lot does depend on the plans and the method of cutting. It would help if you let us in on who's plans and who the cutter was??? There are lot's of serious builders here, and I'm sure you would quickly find it if was a fluke or a common problem with the plans or cutter. Lately I've been doing lot's of pondering on this subject myself...I've never gone the "short kit" route but it's making lot's of sense to me ther more I think about it. Also, my next bird is going to be a "laser cut short kit"...this will allow me the opportunity to select my own wood for the sheeting, etc.

As for laser cut vs. hand cut...they both have their positive and negative points. The thing with laser cut, if there is an error, it usuall tends to be consistent, where with a hand cut...there could be an error on 1 or 2 pieces and the rest could be perfect. I guess I've been stubborn...I've always gone with hand cut up until last year...there are a few cutters that I won't deal with anymore though who I won't mention at this time. However, there is one hand cutter that is truly outstanding and I wouln't hesitate to buy their products or recommend them to others...they are "The Aeroplane Works". Mace Gill and Co. do truly outstanding work, and they stand behind their products 100%. As for laser cutting, I haven't used these guy's personally yet, I will very soon though, Laser Lizard...I have heard nothing but good things about this company.

So I reckon in short, what I'm trying to say is this...find one or two reputable cutters and stick with them whenever possible. Yeh sometimes you want to do a project that they don't cut...and you don't have the extra $$ handy to get a "special order" done. then you are forcd to either cut the wood yourself, or go with whoever cut's it.
I guess I'm done now...sorry, I tend to ramble on sometimes...
Rob / Pickupsticks