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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: mrsn on March 23, 2012, 06:17:04 pm

Title: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: mrsn on March 23, 2012, 06:17:04 pm

 I usually buy 1/8" ply from Michael's for convenience, but I also get it from Rockler Woodworking sometimes. I hadn't paid exact attention, but I knew the prices were close, and the convience out weighed the drive across town. So, I had some time after work today so I decided to check into the price of BB plywood.

At Michael's I get a piece 12"x24" for $3.99 (which is $1.99 per square foot) a similar size at Rockler 12"x30" is $5.49 (which is $2.20 a square foot) So Michael's is actually a cheaper place to buy that size.
I did the math on all of the sizes of 1/8" bb ply that Rockler has and the square foot prices $1.80-3.99 (sizes 12x30, 12x15, 24x30, 11.75x60, 24x60 if you care) I have to buy a 24"x60" piece to get a better price then Michael's.
Also the Michael's birch plywood is made in Illinois!

I thought I would pass this along to those of you who might be like me and buy smaller pieces of plywood.
Katie
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: KarlB on March 23, 2012, 07:21:12 pm
Plus sometimes you can get coupons for 40% and 50% off one item!

Karl
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: cdrover(Clyde) on March 23, 2012, 07:41:18 pm
I finally sources out a craft shop that sells birch. The shop is about 1 hour drive from my home. They could not tell me if it was BB, it has a label marked 1/8 birch plywood. It is very expensive, $20.00 for one 12in X 24in piece. I told them it was way out of my league. It was very smooth and 5 ply thick. I checked with Michael's but they told me they don't stock BB plywood at all in that store.

 Anyway, my brother showed up tonight with a stack of plywood under his arm. They were all 5 ply, 12 in square and 3/8 thick, very smooth with a fine grain. His wife got them from her place of work, (hospital). They are  clean with no marks at all. We think they were used in packageing for supplies coming into the X-Ray unit, where she works. This is great for me, I have already picked out some plans that suite some of the plywood. ;) ;)
 
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: mrsn on March 23, 2012, 07:57:04 pm
Karl, the coupons are awesome. I was there last week and forgot my coupon and the lady behind me in line gave me one of hers!

CD, I'm glad that you got some nice plywood. I don't bother asking for help finding wood at the craft stores, most of the employees don't know what it is.
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: KarlB on March 23, 2012, 08:15:04 pm
They will even take coupons off of the real fancy phones!  (not mine!)

Karl
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: tvman44 on March 23, 2012, 08:26:56 pm
I have bought some 1/8" ply at Hobby Lobby, the quality is not the greatest but fair.  Don't remember the price.
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: TheMelster on March 23, 2012, 09:37:46 pm
 :) :)Just got a Rockler flyer in the mail... cover has 30" x 60" x 1/4" sale 14.99 reg. 24.99
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: MOONIE on March 23, 2012, 10:20:08 pm
Hey, Katie,  what is the 'Michaels' store you refer to as a source for BB?  The only Michaels I'm familar with is a craft store.  Thanks
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: mrsn on March 23, 2012, 11:46:20 pm
Loonier, I am talking about the craft store. They have a "woodworking" section that has a good quality ply. In some stores it is with model making stuff. Many of the clerks don't know what it is, so you may have to wander around a bit.
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: Marcellarius on March 24, 2012, 12:31:43 pm
hey Katie, bad luck for me not living in the area......
guess i have to do my own research her in Holland ;)
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: edward on March 24, 2012, 03:42:19 pm
 I have bought 1/8th BB at Michaels on occassions, works in a pinch price is around the same for 12x24.  Edward
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: malc on March 24, 2012, 03:43:46 pm
Katie, is the 1/8 ply 3 or 5 ply?
Malc
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: CNLNC on March 24, 2012, 04:30:31 pm
Mrsn, I checked out Sloan's and their 12x24 is $3.10. I didn't compare all the prices, but I thought I would pass it on. I've ordered from then before and their service is good.

Question: Is the quality at Michael's the same as from a lumber supplier, such as Sloan's? Things like voids, patches, etc.
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: newfie on March 24, 2012, 05:02:13 pm
here where i'm at the S&H charges kills it.the nearness supplier is in Nova Scotia and its expensive in my opinion.so i just go to the local hardware store and buy 4'X8' sheets of birch or oak plywood they carry it in 1/8",1/4",1/2", and 3/4" thicknesses. rip it myself with my tablesaw to the sizes i want and save quite a few dollars as well. may not be as good as B&B but when 95% of what i'm making is for family and friends and i'm on a tight budget, it works best for me.
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: geneVG on March 24, 2012, 07:43:15 pm
I buy my BB at our local lumber yard.  I get 5 foot square piece of 1/8 inch for $9.00 and for the 1/4 inch $13.98.

gene
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: MOONIE on March 24, 2012, 09:41:27 pm
I checked out our local Michaels and AC Moore stores, today.  Michaels have nothing but ready items.  AC Moore has some 1/8 and 1/4 ply but far more expensive than Sloans.  I'm wary of the stuff the local Lowe's sells.  I can see gaps on the edges, etc. 
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: mrsn on March 24, 2012, 09:46:22 pm
The 1/8" has 3 layers, from both Michael's and Rockler.
The quality from Michael's is as good as or better then from Rockler. No voids or patches at all. Sometimes the back will have a few knots, or swirly grain that is kinda cool
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: Keefie on March 25, 2012, 02:47:11 am
I dont know how you manage to get it so cheap, I am charged ?25.50 for an 8ft x 4ft sheet - just goes to show how much we get ripped off in the UK !!!
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: Al W on March 25, 2012, 07:50:13 am
Msrn, check your local Menard's store, if you have one.  I have picked up 4X8 and 4X4 sheets of Baltic Birch plywood there for what I think are very reasonable prices.

Others, such as Home Depot and/or Lowes may also stock this ply. 

Happy cutting.

Al
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: newfie on March 25, 2012, 08:13:56 am
I dont know how you manage to get it so cheap, I am charged ?25.50 for an 8ft x 4ft sheet - just goes to show how much we get ripped off in the UK !!!
thats
not to bad a price for 4'X8',i pays $32.99+taxes here.
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: cdrover(Clyde) on March 25, 2012, 08:34:39 am
I'm in the same boat as Todd, I pick up a full sheet 4x8 or oak , maple or birch for about $32.00 at the local hardware store. I usually have a selection of grains to choose from depending on what suits the project. This does me several months. I rip it to size and nothing is wasted. I would still like to try the BB ;D
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: newfie on March 25, 2012, 08:38:09 am
I'm in the same boat as Todd, I pick up a full sheet 4x8 or oak , maple or birch for about $32.00 at the local hardware store. I usually have a selection of grains to choose from depending on what suits the project. This does me several months. I rip it to size and nothing is wasted. I would still like to try the BB ;D
same here i like to try the BB as will,
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: Graywolf on March 25, 2012, 10:33:36 am
Katie, would you happen to know where in IL. the ply is made. I live in IL. and I could go there if it isn't too far?

I buy the BB at Home Depot for $15.00 for a 4 X 8 sheet, and they will quarter it for no charge. It seems to work good for me.

Gary
Title: Re: Baltic Birch Plywood Source
Post by: Judy Hunter on March 25, 2012, 10:36:34 am
I thought true baltic birch only came in 5x5 sheets?  Is there a difference?  my 1/4 inch bb has 5 plys.  Is it the same?