That's right Von.Originally Posted by Von Bickley
Oh while you're there, ask for their cut-offs.
I got walnut, bass and others 2 weeks ago.
That's right Von.Originally Posted by Von Bickley
Oh while you're there, ask for their cut-offs.
I got walnut, bass and others 2 weeks ago.
Larry,Originally Posted by Larry Rasmussen
For what it is worth, I've had good luck with Midway Plywood in Lynwood - but I'll admit I use them mostly because they are more convenient to where I live (near Woodinville) than some of the other local suppliers.
Mitchell
Not sure how much you need, but in my area (NJ), I just call a couple of the local cabinet shops and they either sell it out of their shop stock or order some with their next delivery from the whosaler. They tack on 20% but since they buy in volume, I end up getting it for less than the local hardwood dealer.
About a year ago I went to my local big orange. There, right on the end of the first lumber row, was a pallet load of birch plywood, only this was not the usual cabinet grade stuff they usually carry. There before me was top-shelf 13-ply shop grade baltic! And for some odd reason they had it at 29 bucks a sheet. (The assistant manager said it was because it wasn't the right grade they normall carry and they wanted to get rid of it quickly. I bought two sheets and took it home where I promptly cut it a couple of times toi make sure the quality was there. When I saw it was pretty much perfect I went back with the intention of buying the entire pallet. When I got there apparently someone had come in who knew exacxtly what it was and bought the entire lot! Grr! Missed it by about 3 minutes I was told. Oh well. I dod make some very nice jigs with the two sheets I had and can't complaint too much.
I know it is not 'real' BB ply but my SoCal hardwood store sells american made 'BB like' product in 4x8 sheets. It is a high ply count zero void product that I have used a ton of in both 3/4" for cabinet cases and 1/2" for drawer bottoms. I must have used 40-50 sheets in the last 2 years and never had a problem with quality. They also sell real 5x5 BB, but it does not fit in my truck bed that has a camper shell, so I gave the 4x8 stuff a try - it has worked well for me and is slightly less expensive to boot. Depending on your application you might find it an acceptable substitute if it is more easily acquired locally.
Joe,
It may be true but it sure conflicts with what I've been told.
I've been told that the 5'x5' pieces traditionally and generally still come from the baltic regions while the 4'x8' sheets generally come from third-world countries (specifically China) that make 4x8 sheets because they already have the presses for making this wood. Continuing what I've been told, true Baltic Birch harvesting is highly regulated to avoid damage to the environment (harvesting period dependant upon frozen ground, etc.) so its availability is seasonally affected. Other countries have capitalized on periods of shortage by entering the market except using their existing equipment and manufacturing the products to their local standards of quality.
Doesn't seem to align however you may well be correct; my info is second-hand from my lumber supplier [who specializes in serving the local custom cabinet shops so has a vested interest in 5'x5' BB plywood].
One can never have too many planes and chisels... or so I'm learning!!
+1 on talking to a local cabinet maker. Personally, I would be more than happy to play middle man for a couple of extra bucks. Hell, I would sell it at cost for a lunch or two. Your local shop is also going to have easy access to dozens of different "professional" grade sheet goods. 1" ultra light mdf? No problem. 1/2" veneer core sycamore? Be here in three days. Smiley face printed laminate? What size you need? 12x5 sheets? Just be sure to bring a friend, I'm not moving it.
I haven't bought any for a while but I have used and liked Apple Ply http://www.appleply.com/ as an excellent, no compromise alternative to Batlic/Russian birch. 4X8 sheets too!
More info of this made in America product from the website -
rightside_photo_about.jpg ApplePly is constructed from 1/16" Birch innerplies using a two-step lamination process, and no added urea-formaldehyde adhesive. Innerplies are first assembled into a core blank and size sanded to a metered tolerance before being overlaid with selected face and back veneers. This process insures a solid, smooth and flat product and eliminates telegraphing of imperfections in the core. The all hardwood construction machines beautifully without tearout or burn. Because of its machinability, ApplePly is often substituted for solid wood.
Typically supplied with a Maple face veneer, ApplePly is also available with virtually any specie and grade of commercial veneer. Factory applied ultraviolet cured finishes are also an option. ApplePly is California Air Resources Board certified, no added urea-formaldehyde and available as Forest Stewardship Council certified.
ApplePly is a registered trademark of States Industries LLC, a manufacturer of commercial hardwood plywood based in Eugene, Oregon. States has been supplying wood panel products throughout North America since 1966...
Last edited by Sam Murdoch; 04-05-2013 at 11:22 PM. Reason: More info
"... for when we become in heart completely poor, we at once are the treasurers & disbursers of enormous riches."
WQJudge
Another term I have run across for Baltic Birch Plywood, or Russian; is Finnish.
All these plys come from the same part of the world, and have many layers, with next to no knots, and if they have knots, then they partch them out.
Woodcraft have 1/2" Baltic Plywood, but not as big as 60" x60".
HomeDepot has "12mm, (1/2"" in Category), 4ft x 8ft, Sandeply Hardwood Plywood" Just don't know if they have any stores in the Atlanta area???
Last edited by Eddie Darby; 04-06-2013 at 11:11 AM.
I recently got some plywood from Lowes that when cut has no voids in it. They had 1/2" and 3/4". The 3/4" cost me $46 per 4'x8' sheet. Nice looking grain and color. Looks like apple wood.
No PHD, but I have a DD 214
Seems like finding BB plywood in the south is very difficult. The only birch plywood I can get in Baton Rouge is either made in China, or 7 ply made in the U.S. I found some 13 ply made in China at HD also. Most pretty poorly made. I rank BB plywood with the mythical tempered 2 sided 1/4" hardboard. I have tried to find 1/4" hardboard in an area from I55 north St Louis MO to Pittsburgh, PA. I'm convinced that the folks at Woodsmith/Shopnotes buy the entire U.S. supply to build all the jigs and projects. Mark