Baltic Birch Plywood: Good price?

[mrwilby]

I am on the hunt for a BB supplier in the Boston area. So far I was referred to one company but their prices are higher than most of those quoted in this thread:

http://www.boulterplywood.com/MultiLayerPlywood_4.htm

Perhaps I should start a new thread, but does anybody know of a good source of BB in my neck of the woods (Burlington, MA) - north of Boston?

 

[nickao]

I question that being true Baltic Birch right off the bat.  I saw this post and immediately called my supplier to make sure what I thought was correct.

By definition Baltic Birch plywood is unique because of it's all-birch veneer core that's cross-banded and laminated with EXTERIOR grade glue. Otherwise its NOT Baltic Birch.

It seems to me the only true Baltic Burch they sell are the 60"x60" sheets. The rest is just Birch ply. If it not exterior rated adhesive(even marine grade) it's not Baltic Birch.

If you look at the edge of the ply and it couldn't be used for drawer edges it's more than likely a Chinese knock off . If the veneer layers are uneven or cross over each other, it's not Baltic birch. Getting 4x8 sheets in true Baltic Birch isn't easy, most of its the 5'x5' sheets. And when it's in a 4x8 it's very expensive. For me it's well worth it, I use Baltic Birch and Marine Ply everyday.

http://www.woodworkerssource.com/blog/tips-tricks/your-ultimate-guide-to-baltic-birch-plywood-why-its-better-when-to-use-it/

Again, Birch Ply is Not Baltic Birch and I believe  many places incorrectly sell them interchangeably, especially when we look at online stores.

 

[mo siopa]

I question that being true Baltic Birch right off the bat.  I saw this post and immediately called my supplier to make sure what I thought was correct.

By definition Baltic Birch plywood is unique because of it's all-birch veneer core that's cross-banded and laminated with EXTERIOR grade glue. Otherwise its NOT Baltic Birch.

It seems to me the only true Baltic Burch they sell are the 60"x60" sheets. The rest is just Birch ply. If it not exterior rated adhesive(even marine grade) it's not Baltic Birch.

If you look at the edge of the ply and it couldn't be used for drawer edges it's more than likely a Chinese knock off . If the veneer layers are uneven or cross over each other, it's not Baltic birch. Getting 4x8 sheets in true Baltic Birch isn't easy, most of its the 5'x5' sheets. And when it's in a 4x8 it's very expensive. For me it's well worth it, I use Baltic Birch and Marine Ply everyday.

http://www.woodworkerssource.com/blog/tips-tricks/your-ultimate-guide-to-baltic-birch-plywood-why-its-better-when-to-use-it/

Again, Birch Ply is Not Baltic Birch and I believe  many places incorrectly sell them interchangeably, especially when we look at online stores.

I believe Woodworkers mixed Baltic Birch up with Finnish Birch.  Baltic Birch is from the Baltic region of Russia.  Most of what comes to the US is NOT exterior glue-line.  The pictures on their website do not show exterior glue-lines.  You would see a very dark glue-line if it was exterior. 

All of the 4x8 Baltic Birch I have seen is exterior glue-line- which explains why it is more expensive.  The Phenolic resins used for exterior glues and take longer to set in the press so production costs are higher and productivity is lower.

 

[mwildt]

I am on the hunt for a BB supplier in the Boston area. So far I was referred to one company but their prices are higher than most of those quoted in this thread:

http://www.boulterplywood.com/MultiLayerPlywood_4.htm

Perhaps I should start a new thread, but does anybody know of a good source of BB in my neck of the woods (Burlington, MA) - north of Boston?

Probably the closest you found already. Woodcraft, Woburn have some as does Rockler in Salem. Woodery in Lunenburg is good, but Boulter is closer. Some of the good lumber yards will special order, like Concord Lumber. South of Boston you have Downes and Reader but that's way too far. Try woodfinder as well. I'm also north of Boston.