Beyond frustrating

[Millwab]

After spending hours cutting a tray puzzle some of the puzzle pieces delaminated!  And on top of that before I could put the backer on the frame it "potato chipped" about 3/8” over a 12” length.  I had to scrap the whole thing and start over again . In over hundreds and hundreds of puzzles I’ve cut over the years I’ve never had this happen!  (And before you ask, I was using 1/4” Baltic Birch and both sides were sealed before cutting). Frustrating beyond words. 

[kmmcrafts]

Sorry to hear about that. I’ve been hearing a lot about the quality of bbply and many having issues lately. Nothing more frustrating than getting about finished and having a issue like this.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I too have heard BB for some reason is not the same quality it use to be. Not sure if it is regional thing .  Speaking of Birch plywood, has anyone used Super Core Birch plywood. It is suppose to rival, BB plywood. It has 2 perfect faces as opposed to BB with patches especially one side. Not sure what exactly the cores are but when stacked next to each other tough to tell difference. The super core weigh more than BB because it has stronger cores. What it all means I do not know. But maybe it is a better plywood to use for things like puzzles. More info would be needed and maybe trials too. Not sure how it stacks up price wise but here is a link for some to see what I am talking about.

 

https://www.woodworkerssource.com/plywood/sheet-goods/supercore-white-birch-plywood.html

Edited December 23, 2025 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[kmmcrafts]

6 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

I too have heard BB for some reason is not the same quality it use to be. Not sure if it is regional thing .  Speaking of Birch plywood, has anyone used Super Core Birch plywood. It is suppose to rival, BB plywood. It has 2 perfect faces as opposed to BB with patches especially one side. Not sure what exactly the cores are but when stacked next to each other tough to tell difference. The super core weigh more than BB because it has stronger cores. What it all means I do not know. But maybe it is a better plywood to use for things like puzzles. More info would be needed and maybe trials too. Not sure how it stacks up price wise but here is a link for some to see what I am talking about.

 

https://www.woodworkerssource.com/plywood/sheet-goods/supercore-white-birch-plywood.html

Looks like it’s only offered in 1/2 or 3/4 as far as I can tell. Something to keep in mind though.

[Dan]

I asked uncle AI what the core is made from and this is what was returned... a dense, heavy-duty hardwood veneer ply core, similar to Baltic birch. Whereas Baltic birch plywood core are layers of Baltic birch. 

Edited December 23, 2025 by Dan

[BadBob]

In the photos, I see what may be voids. 

[kmmcrafts]

18 minutes ago, BadBob said:

In the photos, I see what may be voids. 

I thought the same thing but I was looking at it on my phone and didn't really zoom in on it. 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Supposible there is no voids. What the core is made of I do not know. This stuff is used in cabinet making alot because of the both sides A grade. It holds screws and nails well too along with wood glues. Maybe worth a try.