Direct video link - https://youtu.be/44PpWE7iRUE
In this video I take a closer look at the benefits of Birch Plywood, sometimes called ‘Baltic’ Birch. For clarity, I’m British and the Birch plywood available here is generally what our American cousins would refer to as Baltic Birch i.e. thin plywood layers with thicker face veneers, all in Birch throughout. In the UK boards that have only the face veneers in Birch are described as such e.g. ‘Birch-faced Poplar’ or ‘Birch veneered’ plywood.
Most Birch ply sold here is exterior grade 8’ x 4’ sheets, and while interior grade 5’ x 5’ sheets are available they’re typically a special order, and I’ve never actually seen any in 20-odd years in the business.
Further reading:-
Plywood: A Material Story - https://amzn.to/3Z6gvfO (US; nope, sorry)
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Other videos of interest:-
Oops! Veneer sanding - https://youtu.be/ojFmNfjaMCA
Cheap or Cheat? I make a cabinet for less cash - https://youtu.be/5oJshwlDVKo
All my ‘Basics’ videos in a playlist here - https://bit.ly/woodworkbasics
Dowel Jig Basics - https://youtu.be/zTj_hiEVfvw
Loose Tenon Basics - https://youtu.be/t86QGUn7dAI
Cabinetry Basics P1 - https://youtu.be/3N_T-YpkBCg
Money, Mouth, Mirka - https://youtu.be/5XDUWQ_Jodo
Ikea Curtain track DIY MFT - https://youtu.be/223QALIbnRc
Workshop cabinets and shelves - https://youtu.be/iaB_CL5md8U
Basic plywood boxes - https://youtu.be/li5AIXw3XPE
New to track saws? Tracksaw workshop & all tracksaw-related videos in a playlist here - http://bit.ly/TracksawWorkshop
Great video hopefully they are alternatives soon I got 8 sheets of 12mm birch last week but the quality isn’t as good as it was there was quite a few patches on the face wouldn’t have been able to use it for furniture it was suitable for what I needed it for but it’s a premium price and not really getting the premium product will post some pictures of my birch project when it is finished hopefully this week
I love the idea of Birch Ply, however in New Zealand it is only available from specialist dealers for an exorbitant price. We tend to use marine ply (Meranti) which is much more accessible. Birch ply here is $NZ295 for 18mm. Meranti is $NZ209. Either way a substantial investment.
Great explanation of everything birch ply. I particularly like that you said it's older than most people think. I know that during WW1 the Germans built many of their fighter aircraft fuselage's out of plywood, the Albatros D5a and Pfalz D3 are good examples.