Apple Ply

[Crazyraceguy]

I suppose it could just be this one sheet or maybe the million cuts? but I seem to remember the quality of this stuff being better? There are lots of voids/pockets. They are not as bad as the usual cabinet grade ply, because the layers are thinner 13 ply vs 7ply, but still...
This is a headboard and side panel to match an existing bed. It was made a year or so ago, by a different company, and was stored as a spare. Now the client wants to have it installed, but the accompanying panels are missing. So, I get the order. 26 strips and it needs to net 1" thick. I cut them at exactly 1.1", which left enough for some planing after glue-up.
They sure don't look as good as what was used before. It has a much more contrasting layer look, more like Baltic Birch. I forgot to take a pic of the original bed though.

 

[rmwarren]

Haven't used any premium ply myself in years so no direct experience however it wouldn't surprise me if the manufacturer had been forced to substitute raw material leading to a change in appearance.

Voids or quality is a different matter. Same supplier/manufacturer? IIRC Apple Ply is a brand, not generic?

RMW

 

[Oldwood]

That looks consistent with the ApplePly I have used. It has voids in the core, but not under the face veneer.

I find it similar to Baltic birch but with a thinner face veneer and a variety of species for the face veneer available. MY supplier has not carried for a few years.

I always edge banded it, so the voids were not a huge concern.

I seem to recall a veneer available that looks like edge grain multicore?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Voids or quality is a different matter. Same supplier/manufacturer? IIRC Apple Ply is a brand, not generic?

RMW

Yes Richard, it's kind of a play-on-words. It was intended to be the American-made substitute for Baltic Birch, so "American as Apple pie"
I have heard of a few people thinking that the veneers themselves were Apple, though I have no idea how you could get there? Apple trees don't grow to the size that would be needed to make rotary-cut plywood. Plus, that stuff it very difficult to dry. It splits, checks, and twists something fierce. Getting large pieces just isn't practical. I messed with it several years ago, when I was more into turning, with not so great results.

 

[rmwarren]

Voids or quality is a different matter. Same supplier/manufacturer? IIRC Apple Ply is a brand, not generic?

RMW

Yes Richard, it's kind of a play-on-words. It was intended to be the American-made substitute for Baltic Birch, so "American as Apple pie"
I have heard of a few people thinking that the veneers themselves were Apple, though I have no idea how you could get there? Apple trees don't grow to the size that would be needed to make rotary-cut plywood. Plus, that stuff it very difficult to dry. It splits, checks, and twists something fierce. Getting large pieces just isn't practical. I messed with it several years ago, when I was more into turning, with not so great results.

Ahhhh... the double-entendre thing whizzed right past me.  [doh]

[attachimg=1]
https://www.woodmagazine.com/wood-supplies/lumber/what-is-appleply

The example Wood mag showed has the really dark plys, personally I'd prefer the lighter Baltic Birch that used to be commonly available.

RMW