Availability of Baltic Birch and it's Quality

[garryatpa]

I live in Canada and I purchased some 1/8 inch baltic birch a couple of weeks ago to saw out Christmas ornaments and other projects.  At the time of purchase I was told the store could not get any more Baltic Birch so I got some extra.   Initially the wood looked similar to past BB.  I have started sawing some ornaments now and noticed a few differences.   The sheets have no grade stamps or other markings on them.  The finished sheet seems to have a rougher surface texture.  When sawing ( I saw 3 layers ) , the wood seems softer and the sawn edge does not have the shiny polished finish that past BB has had.   Also the price has just about tripled since before Covid.  Some questions .  What has been the availability of BB in other parts of Canada and the US and price changes.  I have not put a finish on past ornaments but may put a finish on these so what would you use for a clear finish.  The sheets do have some patches which seem to be tight but I am wondering about the laminating glue holding up. If you have run into problems with BB what are they and what would you suggest as an alternate plywood.

 

Garry 

[tomsteve]

I noticed a drastic change in BB in the last 6 years. used to get good quality true Baltic birch, with all plies being birch, but now many of those places sell BB play with some substance not Baltic birch for inner plies and the outer ply is very thin and chips easy.

I stick with getting BB ply from ocooch hardwoods now. its less expensive for me to get it there than at the woodcraft store 8 miles from me.  and good quality ply

[barb.j.enders]

I am working on a batch of BB ply from The Wood Vault (formerly KJP Hardwoods). I am disappointed with the sheet I am working with right now.  Other sheets were great.  I had purchased 25 1/4" and 25 1/8" sheets last winter.  It is certainly better than the last batch I had purchased at Windsor Plywood. 

I live in Winnipeg.  

[don in brooklin on]

You don't say where you live in Canada and where you get your plywood.

I live in Brooklin Ontario and I get my plywood from Peacock Lumber in Oshawa.  I try and buy BB/BB but that is hard to come by as currently all they have is BB/CP which means the front is clean and there can be unlimited knots and patches on the back. 

I do group buys for the club and the last time I bought 3MM it was perfect but the 6 MM had a few patches on the back. I like to look over the sheet first and am picky.

You have to make sure it is coming from a sheet that is 5 x 8.

Peacocks is a great pace to deal with if you are in the area.  

PS: I have ordered before from the Wood Vault and I ordered the laser grade and it was pretty good but I had a few patches on the back.  Not an issue if using as a backer but you have to be aware if cutting ornaments.

 

 

 

[garryatpa]

Thank you for your replies.   I live in Prince Albert, Sask.  ,  Closest larger city is Saskatoon which is 1 1/2 hrs drive each way.  I am not familiar with other lumber yards there and if they carry BB.   The 1/8 inch BB that I use is purchased at Windsor Plywood and have dealt with them for over 25 years and have not had any issues, other lumber yards in the area do not carry it.   Don, did you mean to say 5 x 8  or 5x5 which is the normal size of BB sheet.  Sheets I purchased were 5x5.     Price on BB went from about $23 a sheet before Covid to $60+  and now back down to $50.  

 

Garry

[don in brooklin on]

It should be 5 x5 for true BB. My bad.

I buy from Peacock lumber in Oshawa Ontario. 35.95 for 3mm - b/bb

Check out wood vault in Ottawa. I bought laser grade and it was  quite good.

 

 

[scrollerpete]

The wood vault also carry craft plywood which is pretty good for fret work