Abstract: Apparatus for cutting elongate members of arbitrary length, for example, cants or boards, into shorter sections of predetermined like or unlike lengths, so that each material length is utilized to the maximum with the least possible waste, is provided with a plurality of abutments which may be guided in and out of the direction of travel of the material to determine the length of the different shorter sections. The material to be cut is measured longitudinally while it is advanced towards the cutting element by means of an automatic measuring device which transmits pulses via a programming device which determines the lengths into which various material lengths are to be cut in order to give the least possible waste. The programming device controls the abutments which determine the length of feed of the material in the direction towards the cutting element.