A method of cutting an uncured composite material is presented. The uncured composite material is positioned onto a surface of a tool and over a groove in the surface, the groove having a groove filler and magnetic material within the groove. A cutter having a guide is positioned relative to the uncured composite material, the guide configured to detect the magnetic material. The uncured composite material is cut above the groove using the cutter as the cutter moves along a path defined by the groove, the cutter guided by the guide detecting the magnetic material in the groove.