How much do you use expensive baltic birch plywood? - Page 2 - Woodworking Talk

Tony B · 11-15-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKYDarrell

.....the voids in the CG birch plywood at the big box stores don't really seem that big, do they cause any problems other than aesthetics? I would think that If you were using ply for a piece of furniture that you wouldn't be leaving the edges exposed anyway. Do those voids cause any issues with joinery or something else that I may be missing?

Aesthetics are important. Say for instance you have your board that will be a top of a coffee table, You cut to width, square up on end and aare making your last and final cut to length and whammo - the edge face shatters because there was a ply missing underneath it. Or during assembly you press down on one spot and it breaks through. Depending on design part of the edge of the ply might be exposed. And joinery could be affected by missing veneers.
Aesthetics aside, the face veneers are inferior, the boards are rough handled and the face veneers are fairly thin compared to other lumber companies which means you can accidentally sand through them easier.

mwhafner · 11-15-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

.....the voids in the CG birch plywood at the big box stores don't really seem that big, do they cause any problems other than aesthetics? I would think that If you were using ply for a piece of furniture that you wouldn't be leaving the edges exposed anyway. Do those voids cause any issues with joinery or something else that I may be missing?

There are applications where voids can be a serious issue, like building speaker cabinets.

Along the line of Tony Bs comments, the veneer thickness and rough handling are two of the biggest issues I have with the big box stores. Also, make sure you check the edges for square. The last sheet I bought at Lowes was about 1/2" out in 4'.

At least here, HD has started carrying a little better product. It is only 5 ply, but the veneer is considerably thicker.

rrich · 11-15-2009, 11:36 PM

My local Rockler carries BB cut outs (about 22"x22") for $5 or 3 for $12.

Long Beach Plywood (expensive) sells BB 3/4" sheets for around $45. (5'x5')

Reel Lumber has BB for slightly less but is a longer drive.

Austin Hardwoods has BB but I can't remember the prices.

The point being is that there are a lot of sources out here in an area that is not exactly woodworking central. In your area, there are probably several more suppliers. I can't believe that your supplier will stay in business at $100 per sheet. That is about $4 a sq. foot!

Talk to a few cabinet shops. Explain that you're a home woodworker and looking for a supplier. Most will offer the names of a few suppliers. Some, if you're lucky, will offer to add a sheet or two to their normal order for you. (If this is the case, be sure to pay in cash. The owner will really appreciate it.)