Baltic Birch Basics [video 518]

Рет қаралды 71,289

Жыл бұрын

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.
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Other videos of interest:-
Oops! Veneer sanding - • Sanding veneered MDF; ...
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All my ‘Basics’ videos in a playlist here - bit.ly/woodworkbasics
Dowel Jig Basics - • Dowel Jig Basics [vide...
Loose Tenon Basics - • Loose Tenon Basics [vi...
Cabinetry Basics P1 - • Cabinetry Basics Part ...
Money, Mouth, Mirka - • Money, Mouth - Mirka! ...
Ikea Curtain track DIY MFT - • DIY MFT with Ikea Curt...
Workshop cabinets and shelves - • Workshop shelves & cab...
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Пікірлер: 212

@robertwalker9663 Жыл бұрын

Just spent 3 days making 7 small cabinets out of 3 sheets of 1/2" OSB using a janky, homemade track jig and a skill saw. I can't imagine the joy of being able to use some good tools and plywood (let alone Birch).

@FuzzyScaredyCat Жыл бұрын

If you sell your birch ply offcuts Peter you might be able to buy some tomatoes, possibly even a cucumber. The desk I made for my wife was originally going to have a solid walnut top but I decided to use birch ply edge trimmed with walnut in the end. Makes for a much lighter (in terms of light not weight) top. It's beautifully soft and silky after finish and reflects the light. Much better than a really dark surface, especially in our already dark cottage.

@JerGoes Жыл бұрын

I started building my own kitchen from scratch just as the prices were going up, 1st batch of birch ply was around £90 a sheet (18mm) I went back a couple of weeks later it was over £120 a sheet I decided then to buy all I would need to finish the project and get creative with storage, few months later I enquired while buying other materials it was over £220 a sheet!

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Yep, crazy what they can ask when supplies dwindle. 🤷‍♂️Glad you had the foresight to order in advance! 👍

@charliewhittuck Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop I'm a big fan of birch ply, i've used it all over our house. Alas it comes from Russia. Our suppliers aren't buying in any more. As they say it comes in via Turkey or India?? I see some instagram people still churning it out. Curious to hear your thoughts on using it at the moment. I've got a sample of Eucalyptus ply coming soon. No guarantee it will look as good... Keep up the good work Peter :)

@barryirby8609 Жыл бұрын

Here in the Richmond, VA area plywood sold as Baltic Birch or Russian Birch has traditionally been in 5 foot by 5 foot sheets 6, 12 or 18mm thick. The plies are as you describe. The grade is B/BB meaning both sides may have boat patches with one side have a few more. In the past prices were so reasonable it was not worth asking, but recently it became outrageous or unavailable. Never saw a 4' by 8' sheet with the plies as you describe. I have never understood why it was 5' square but in metric thicknesses. The good stuff is wonderful to work with. Makes excellent drawer boxes. Also, the really good stuff had no interior voids or knots.

@bilingualilliterate4906 Жыл бұрын

I made a Pikler Triangle and arch for my eldest lad some three years ago using birch ply. So glad I did, every time I look at it, I say that wood looks amazing.

@andyc972 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this Peter, useful and informative as ever ! I thought it was expensive before it went up !

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

You and me both! 😂

@paulmaryon9088 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter, another good one full of excellent info, cheers

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Cheers Paul! 👍

@allanwilliams679 Жыл бұрын

Another great video Peter. Always informative and interesting. I notice you are now over 200 thousand subscribers. Here’s to reaching quarter of a million over the coming months. Thank you for the ongoing great content. 👍🏻

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thank you! A quarter mill. is a while away, but it is what it is! 👍

@riba2233 Жыл бұрын

really good and informative video, we needed something like this, thanks!

@birdslikestickyspoon 10 ай бұрын

Great video - thanks!

@dietmarfinster3176 Жыл бұрын

Thumbs up again. Gladly more about the history of the materials, but also of tools. Other channels do far too little.Greetings from Schaumburg

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Best wishes from London. 👍

@jonfenwick6200 Жыл бұрын

Love learning with the millard. Top work pal. Keep it up matey

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 👍

@Thesidingsworkshop Жыл бұрын

Interesting video as always Pete

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Cheers Dan!

@michael.knight Жыл бұрын

Great video. Made a cabinet from birch ply half a year ago, and can definitely recommend carefully shopping around and comparing prices. Although generally more expensive, there's wide variations in price between sellers that can make a huge difference.

@michael.knight Жыл бұрын

As an example: It was cheaper for me to order online where I could get everything pre-cut to size and delivered to my home, than it was to buy an individual sheet at any 'normal' stores near me.

@johnfitzgerald4274 7 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@WillLeingang Жыл бұрын

Man that cut in the beginning was so clean!

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Great wasn't it? Cheapest tracksaw I own, with the cheapest replacement blade. 🤷‍♂️ 👌

@theofarmmanager267 Жыл бұрын

I’m very interested in your upcoming comparison video. From my point of experience, birch ply does everything whilst the alternatives mean you have to sacrifice one benefit or another. If you want to use ply for its stability over long lengths (shelves for instance) and intend to face band the pieces, then some of the alternatives can do the job. As you said, the laws of supply and demand do dictate pricing but shop around as prices do vary - particularly if buying larger quantities or you can collect whole sheets. Bamboo as a timber in sheet or lengths was being touted widely a few years ago as the new green material. It does have an interesting aesthetic but the price is completely prohibitive unless it’s that aesthetic you want and nothing else.

@norakasa Жыл бұрын

nice concise vid. I specially like the water submerged strips. I once used birch ply on an outdoors project and while nothing at all happened to the integrity of the ply the surface developed that speckled black mold look within few months. I wonder whether this would have happened in any case or whether it had to do with what oil I used to treat the box (this was a mini street library). to add to the frustration I haven't kept a record of which oil I have used. that would be another interesting experiment I suppose...

@andrew5792 Жыл бұрын

Peter, similar but different, here in Australia bamboo ply, which also has a very cool and decorative cross grain, is in the region of $600 for 19 x 2440 x 1220 mm. Birch is cheap in comparison at a paltry $290 for 18 x 2440 x 1220 mm. There's no room for error at these prices!

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Yikes! At those prices you’ll be keeping all this offcuts too, I’ll bet! 😯😂👍

@anthonyseiver7000 Жыл бұрын

Also, birch ply is hard to find in Australia where you have to go to specialist ply dealers. Local timber yards and big box store (we only have one) have pine ply or hardwood faced ply.

@CNile-se9xw Жыл бұрын

@@anthonyseiver7000 Fellow Aussie here, I know the big box store you speak of. We bought carpet from them & I asked the layer if he was being screwed over for the price to be so low. He floored me when he said he was getting award rates, but Bunnings have deep pockets & can afford to make a loss to crush small businesses. Once they have dominance, there won't be any alternatives & they are free to do as they please.

@nzspambot Жыл бұрын

@@anthonyseiver7000 depends on the state, Vic is easy to get birch ply

@Workshop-of-Allsorts Жыл бұрын

18mm birch is £102 in my local Hardware store Newry N Ireland. Thanks Peter for your usual insights and knowledge 😊

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Oh wow! Bargain - I’ll be over! 😂👍

@redhornet07 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video explaining baltic birch ply. It certainly does have an interesting history. Curious to see what the water submerged ply looks like when it dries out.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

You and me both Paul! Might take a while though…

@terrygleeson8480 Жыл бұрын

Hi Peter, I am a certified cabinetmaker with 47 years experience. In that time I’ve used many different materials, Baltic birch ply being one of the most recent. I agree with most of your well presented analysis. I do think that you have missed one issue that has been obvious to me from the first time I used it. You mentioned how the face veneer is close to the thickness of the core veneers. You fail to mention though that the face veneer has a surface that has been sanded with a course grit (40-60 grit). That veneer is often patched as well indicating to me that the face is prepared by the manufacturer to be re-veneered with other products chosen by the user. I have never seen a quality furniture grade manufactured board with a surface this course. My supplier here in Australia offers a selection of quality laminates and veneers to be laid on birch ply to order. I’m sure a similar service would be readily available in the UK and elsewhere.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

That’s interesting. No, that’s not the case here; you can order Birch ply in different grades, and the grade determines the quality of face veneer, but veneering over a Birch ply is unheard of - no timber yard or supplier I’ve ever dealt with in 20 years has offered that as a service, and any yard selling trying to sell Birch that was only sanded to 60 grit would have a lot of stock left unsold! Different market, I guess. 👍

@kdcustomwoodworking Жыл бұрын

In Canada we have Columbia forest products that make 4 by 4 copy Baltic birch ,but haven't tried to find yet. I made my sons kitchen out of Baltic birch most home owners won't realize how special that kitchen is . Great video

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! 👍

@frankblack1481 Жыл бұрын

My workbench is 2 layers of 3/4 glued together to make 1.5in of loveliness. Because there was a dent in it, the whole 5x5 sheet cost me $50 a few years ago. Lovely stuff but unaffordable now… I had to use ‘sheathing’ grade for a job recently and it was horrendous. For what it’s worth, I recently uncovered a couple of offcuts that my 4yo had glued together and left out in a flowerbed. 3 years+ of Pacific Northwest USA weather and it was as solid as new. Impressive for both the Baltic birch and the ‘Gorilla’ glue (Polyurethane I think) used to stick them together.

@justmethenetherlands2218 Жыл бұрын

another good video. I get birch plywood from a furniture store. For my DIY projects I rarely need large sheets and I can work fine with the leftovers from the furniture workshop. For them, the pieces are usually no longer usable or have already been paid for by the customer. The price is therefore much lower than a sheet in the store.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Nice! 👌

@johntaylor2489 Жыл бұрын

Really informative and lovely to see a good old fashioned book touted. I patched up the bay of an outbuilding the other day and as I finished I said to myself 'ok I'll call that done'!! I wonder where I picked that up from....

@MKRM27 Жыл бұрын

That “book” looked really unique… kind of like a printed website. Cool idea.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Love the idea of a book as a 'printed website'! 🙌

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! And ha! I should be collecting royalties... 😂

@scalewarmachines Жыл бұрын

Hi Peter, hope you are well. Really enjoyed that. I remember getting prices just before lockdown, never ordered any! Boy do I regret that now as I have some ideas ripe for making in Birch ply! Take care, interesting content as ever 👍👍.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Hi Martin! Very well, thanks - hope you are too! Yes, wish I'd laid in a stock of Birch - would have been better than bitcoin! 😂 All best - and you must tell me how your 'all cordless' workshop is coming along! 👍 Peter

@scalewarmachines Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop I will try to catch up in the summer, been crazy since last contact. But light is on horizon for some more available time for creative pursuits on here and in said workshop in 2023. All the best.

@MCsCreations Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, Peter! Thanks! 😃 I have no idea about prices over here... I haven't been able to buy wood in a while (for too many reasons)... But it wasn't cheap last time either. Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks, you too! 👍

@emmetworkshop2829 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter. Great vid as ever. I fantasise about using something with the integrity, consistency and finish of BB without having to sell my firstborn to pay for it. I live in Cornwall where noone stocks it. So BB (and indeed most finish quality sheet goods) typically costs an extra £50 on top of what fancy London types like Peter get it for. That's if they'll even deliver small quantities down here - I don't have space for bulk packs. Found myself making cabinets out of Q Mark exterior grade hardwood ply this month at £60 a sheet instead. Not bad stuff actually and a big improvement on softwood but a long way short of BB. Not moaning though - Kernow bys vyken! Keep up the great work, Peter.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, it was an eye-opener when Keith @ragnbonebrown paid me a visit last year, and said that Birch ply was cheaper in London than Norwich! 🤷‍♂️

@FireAngelOfLondon Жыл бұрын

I always want to cover plywood edges with edge-banding, even if it is proper all-birch plywood. I just don't like the visible edge plies, regardless of how even and consistent they are. I do agree with your other points though, it's a superb construction material for a wide range of furniture.

@Jimc4007 Жыл бұрын

Wish I had loaded up on the birch ply I ran across a couple of years ago, $45 - $65 per 5 ft X5 ft sheet depending on the thickness. Didn't have room to get it home that particular day. Went back less than a week later and it was sold out. I've kicked myself several times for not making a run back to the store that afternoon.

@steveggca Жыл бұрын

For those of us living in NA (canada for me) there are 2 plywood products similar to Baltic Birch, Appleply by States Industries and EuroPly by columbia forest products. Home Depot actually has smaller panels of EuroPly listed on their canadian and US websites ,at not too outrageous a price. I have not directly bought either product knowingly, but have a few products from Lee Valley, made of Birch Ply in Canada, that are possibly from one of these sources.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Good to know, thanks! I’ve seen some photos posted on Instagram of Maple ply - same 11-cores as Baltic Birch, but thinner face veneers. Looks like a great board and a good price too. 👍👍

@randallthomas5207 Жыл бұрын

In the US an Alternative to Baltic Birch, also called EuroPly in the US, is Arauco ply. Depending on which grade you find, it is for all procticle purposes, Baltic Birch made from plantation grown Radiata Pine, which had been “lollipoped” from an early stage in it’s growth, leading to veneers which are void and pin knot free. I first found it at Home Desperate at the beginning of the Gulf War, when the US and Canadian Military bought up all of the plywood produced in the US and Canada to use in the war effort. To have something on the shelves, they imported the Arauco Plywood from Chile. The stuff they brought over then had 23-plys in an 18-mm sheet. Hard dense stuff which would dull carbide router bits on the glue lines if you edged it, or cut dovetails. It held screws well even into the edge. And, at $19 per sheet, it was less expensive than their normal 3/4 plywood had been to get folks to use it. I bought a bunch of it, and still have ten sheets left, I plan to make cabinets for my shop with.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Sounds nice, and appreciate the info, but we don’t get Arauco ply to that kind of grade here - it’s very much a lower grade of plywood with 18mm having only about 5 cores. 🤷‍♂️👍

@Aaron-nj4ou 10 ай бұрын

The stability of Baltic birch ply is second to none. I have noticed the biggest difference in 1/2” and 5/8” sizes. I am Canadian I really should know the metric sizes. I have recently made some drawers with a 1/2” maple ply and made the mistake of cutting it one day and assembling the next and the pieces have been perfect for circular drawers 👎. I have considered using poplar for my pantry cabinet I am about to build but I am a little worried about the seasonal wood movement.

@zoladkow Жыл бұрын

I am so happy i got a large batch two years ago, which should suffice to finish all the cabinets, shelves and details in my flats anteroom and corridors (yeah, it's a hobby it takes a while 😅). If i would assemble the same buy list today i would have gone with finished spruce shelf borads and laminated chipboard for carcases. all because of the prices. it's actually insane now that i checed 🤯

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Better investment than bitcoin! 😂👍

@CreativeCustomDesigns Жыл бұрын

The place where I get the Baltic birch now has a good inventory, however it's pricey. In our business we only use Baltic birch because I've NEVER had any cuts expose voids that you might get with some other plywoods.

@user-mk7df1xo8o Ай бұрын

thank you for your video you seem to know a lot about birch I bought this Baltic birch plywood half inch thick and I cut them into wide planks so I can replace the flooring in my office I’m wanting to know if I put a sealer on it will different colors pop out of this birch or will it all just remain this solid white color? I’m really trying to take this birch planks and give it more of a light beach house floor look. Not sure how to achieve that.

@trep53 Жыл бұрын

Great video Peter thanks for the information. My plywood projects don’t warrant the need for Baltic birch. This material has gotten so expensive that buying local 4 quarter rough sawn hardwood and milling it to useful sizes is the route I’ve taken to get wood for projects.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, starting to get a bit silly now; maybe there’s a video in making a project from a cheaper alternative to Birch ply - hardwood! 😂

@djspoc Жыл бұрын

Hardwood with ‘plywood effect’ edge banding to make it look more premium

@TheOnlyDaveB Жыл бұрын

Have you looked at Eucalyptus plywood? Would be interested how it compares to birch and the other products you mentioned. Thanks for the videos!

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

The Globulus is actually Eucalyptus, with a face veneer.

@grumpywiseguy5992 Жыл бұрын

Here in the middle of the desert on the left side of the pond, we have no supply available. I can get some very exotic hardwood ply for serious custom cabinetry. This dealer sells primarily to cabinet makers but will still individual sheets to us amateur's at a ridiculous price. I look forward to your alternatives video.

@steveggca Жыл бұрын

Have you looked at ApplyPly (states Industries) or EuroPly (Columbia forest products) Made in US or Canada .

@mikebenson5744 Жыл бұрын

tyding up the garage and was going to stick scraps of birch ply in my burn drum but at that price think ill keep them

@sailrockpaperscissors8261 Жыл бұрын

great video as always, have you had chance top look at harwood ply form B and Q or able to comment on it quality ?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! And no, haven't get there yet. 👍

@wm6204 Жыл бұрын

Hi Peter, firstly thanks for your great vids. I know you love your festool Track Saw, but have you seen the new version with a two blade system with added scoring blade? I wonder does this aid two sided cutting even though no support on one side of cut. Looks a game changer but I wonder 🤔

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Hi and thanks! I’ve seen videos of the two-blades Festool. It’s a bit niche, but definitely a game-changer if you cut a lot of veneered it melamine board. The small blade is a scoring blade, purely for the top surface btw, as that’s usually the one that will show any chipping. 👍👍

@calumgray Жыл бұрын

I was planning on building a custom kitchen from birch ply but the prices are too crazy these days.

@antonoat Жыл бұрын

Great film Pete, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like proper Birch ply, as you suggest it’s as close to a wonder material as we can get, it’s hellish strong too! Maybe supply of it will always be hit and miss from now on, it’s a real shame.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, sad days all around if it's genuinely a thing of the past! 😕 🤷‍♂️

@bobsacamano1274 Жыл бұрын

Informative as always Peter. Question: Any chance you’d cover how to finish Baltic birch ply? I’m about to start a piece using it and would appreciate your advice. Thanks and keep the videos coming!

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Depending on the intended use, I always liked either a clear satin lacquer finish or a simple beeswax, on Birch. Clear lacquer for client work generally, as it was harder wearing - I used a water-based polyurethane flooring lacquer, applied with a foam roller then sanded back over several coats, and finished with a P2000 a talon disc for a silky smooth finish. I think I showed the process in a Birch Ply banquette video a while back - it, a 3-part set, P1 here - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nreKpa9y3MitYoE.html 👍👍

@bobsacamano1274 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop “I do the stupid things so that you don’t have to.” Your humility is endearing-and a great source of your appeal IMHO. In the end your piece turned out splendidly and your triumphant smile when everything aligned during the dry fit was a reminder why I love woodworking: it’s just so darned satisfying! Thanks for sharing your finishing tips. I was thinking stain and a hard wax topcoat but lacquer is so simple (albeit more time-consuming) that I just may opt for it. Cheers!

@SenselessUsername Жыл бұрын

Must say I didn't like the PU varnish I used on my workbench --- it's always a risk, but with this it seemed to look extra plastic-y. [Alternatively, hang on to the sheet of Birch and use it as a deposit on a house in another month or six.]

@theduftmeister Жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter. Just weighing up whether to buy a Tesla, or kit out a kitchen full of birch ply cabinets.. Absolute madness. Another great video, thanks. 👍

@BischBaschBosch Жыл бұрын

At this rate, it's be cheaper to buy the Tesla!😂

@theduftmeister Жыл бұрын

@@BischBaschBosch No kidding Stu! :(

@MKRM27 Жыл бұрын

Yes, absolute madness - the build quality and appearance of Teslas are awful.

@theduftmeister Жыл бұрын

@@MKRM27 🤣

@teatimetraveller Жыл бұрын

Ive just found your channel, some great quality info. Thanks very much. I was planning on building some cabinets. Our local supplier has red/ white ply. is that suitable for joinery? any issues with it?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

No idea I’m sorry. 🤷‍♂️

@lincolndickerson1293 Жыл бұрын

Baltic Birch is amazing. My understanding is it is not easy to retool to make it. In the past there was no reason to. My hope is we will hopefully have a similar product at a reasonable price. Until then we will have to make do

@d1986ben Жыл бұрын

Hey Peter, What do you think of the bosch fsn track system? I believe its also a mafel system too?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

I'm not a fan personally - too much Festool muscle-memory - but I find the track too narrow, and the lack of an up-facing t-slot is a nuisance. They join together really well, but that's not something I really do. 🤷‍♂️

@paulnasrallah1 Жыл бұрын

Hi Peter, great vid. I was planning on using Premium Birch Ply for my workbench that I’m currently building. Any tips on how to finish it? I was just planning on using the U-Beaut traditional wax on it, but was wondering if you may have a better suggestion?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! There’s a couple of ways I tend to go, depending on the kind of traffic and handling it’s likely to get. A beeswax based finish - either plain beeswax or eg the Keith Brown oil wax finish, both are excellent if the work isn’t going to be handled too much. If it’s in a higher-traffic area then I always liked a water-based flooring lacquer - it’s a hard wearing, quick drying clear finish that handles really well and is easy to apply with a foam roller. Always liked the Junckers Strong in a satin finish, but I’m sure there are others. 👍 HTH. P

@garvielloken3929 Жыл бұрын

Nooice!

@ReclaimDesign Жыл бұрын

I like the edge detail of ply and using it (way less dusty than my arch nemesis mdf 😅). Love the science project 🤓🔬⚛️🤣

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! 🙌👍

@korruptgaming392 Жыл бұрын

I will be looking back through your videos but is that black bench top mdf?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Yes, it’s a coloured all-through MDF called Fibracolour from Finsa. I cover the build in the DIY MFT video, link in the description as always 👍 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aJhjhKR9rsjSgpc.html

@hhanger1 Жыл бұрын

so much better than the Chinese ply at the big box stores which is typically 5 ply on .75" with many and huge voids.

@ibubezi7685 Жыл бұрын

Could you use birch ply for deck/Adirondack/bear chairs? Your test says it is water-resistant? I always like the 'industrial' look. What would you use to protect the wood? Varnish? Sealer?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Provided you get the exterior grade, yes. 👍

@AndrewOptimusMaximus Жыл бұрын

£210 per sheet, wow! Things aren't so bad here in Ireland just yet, but I almost fell over when I was quoted €140 for a sheet of 18mm last week

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

That's what I was paying before the real madness descended.🤷‍♂️

@steviebye1 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop Any idea why it is so much more here. are we just being ripped off, or is it political?

@georgeboydratcliff1036 Жыл бұрын

Hi Peter, I love your videos. I’m really struggling to buy *quality* Birchwood ply. Supply issues accepted, I’m happy to pay for quality, I just can’t find it! Any suggestions? I’m based in Essex, UK

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Sorry for the slow response - been moving house! Can’t recommend anywhere local to Essex - I buy from my local yard - but you could try plydirect.co.uk - it’s run by the brother of my local yard and folks I know have been very happy with the quality they’ve received. 👍

@themixeurgaming5201 Жыл бұрын

I wonder what are your thoughts on marine grade plywoods, such as okoumé or pine (currently building a van out of okoumé marine grade ply) Anyway really interesting video, thanks for a deeper understanding of this type of plywood. Also what are your thoughts on light weight cabinetery with thinner sheets of ply such as 10 or even 5mm ?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I’ve never really used Marine ply - exterior grade Birch was always the preferred material, visually. The main benefits of marine are that the plies are continuous ie each veneer layer is a single piece, and that the adhesives used are waterproof, so it can be submerged and not swell significantly, and not delaminate. Quite specific applications for a board like that, but maybe I need to start looking at it again in the absence of Birch?? Thanks! 👍

@randallthomas5207 Жыл бұрын

The RV manufacturers use a light weight plywood, in their construction, and van conversions. Some of them will sell it by the sheet to DIY folks.

@killbot1963 Жыл бұрын

Time for you to start using OSB for projects!🤣😉

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

That'll be the day! 😂

@rickkinney1249 Жыл бұрын

five years ago 13 ply "baltic" birch was $41.25 (60"x60")----today, if you can find it, 11 ply "baltic" birch is $189.95 (60"x60")-----2 plys less and 450 % increase-----with ships waiting at every port to unload and truckers driving 10 hrs/day 7 days/week dont expect the cost to drop any time soon-----one of my suppliers told me "if you want to hold a dance, you have to pay the band" dont look for any relief for at least the next 60 months PS truckers in the USA are doing a great job---we just dont have enough of them

@axtimhause5797 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Peter. Baltic birch is a nice material, but I prefer beech ply. It is very similar in its properties and I love its reddish warm colour. It’s even more expensive than birch ply. But today you can find offers, where the price difference is marginal. I didn’t try it yet, but a combination of birch and beech ply in a piece of furniture might be an interesting choice.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Never come across it, but I'll check it out, thanks! 👍

@axtimhause5797 Жыл бұрын

It’s available in Germany. The DIY stores sell birch ply only. Beech ply is offered by larger stores for professional woodworkers. I’m not a pro, but they sell it to me too 😊

@pablo4youtube Жыл бұрын

Germany produces a gorgeous beech ply called "Baubuche". Check it out. It's shipped worldwide.

@BischBaschBosch Жыл бұрын

Quality bit of lunch break viewing as ever chap. Must admit, I was surprised to find our 130 year old dining table had a plywood top. I know laminating is a very old technique but, don't know why, but thought plywood sheeting was much more recent.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Cheers Stew! Yes, me too - but the book doesn't lie! 😂 👍

@TheDoosh79 Жыл бұрын

What is the next best grade of plywood for basic DIY projects and just general messing around for hobbyists if the finish doesn't need to be high class furniture grade? It's such a shame that the price of materials is preventing a lot of us from just having a play. When every cut counts it's hard to enjoy it or just make something for the hell of it.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

That’s a great question, and one that gets answered later in this run of ‘plywood’ vids. 👍👍

@richardstevenson2727 Жыл бұрын

👍

@warrensmith2902 Жыл бұрын

Still have a sheet Birch Ply I'm hording. Had to go to "Alternative" a while back. I found for the alternative ply, the top veneer is a bit thinner so finishing needs a bit more attention. I've also found that the fewer the plys in the sheet, the more warping you get. You forgot one feature of Birch ply, it weighs a lot more too.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Compared to MDF it's a lot lighter! 👍

@warrensmith2902 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop 🤣🤣🤣, Yeah, I'm getting to the point where a set of wheels for moving fulls sheets of MDF or Melamine are a necessary need.

@Norm7264 Жыл бұрын

I'd love to understand why no plywood manufacturer outside of the Baltics is making this stuff. Is it just a higher-number of thinner veneers in the layup, or are the raw materials different in the Baltics vs in the non-Baltics?

@MKRM27 Жыл бұрын

Lots of manufacturers make non-Baltic birch plywood. Whilst it’s technically a marginally different birch species, it’s more so about legacy perceptions when the Baltic’s were the homes to the only suppliers. It’s a bit like scotch whisky or champagne - those products can come from many locations, but the traditional homes are still afforded some greater degree of respect. Albeit not always deserved

@youtubuzr Жыл бұрын

It's fantastic, but nearly completely unavailable in my area.

@caldecotefallout3876 Жыл бұрын

Do most retailers in the UK call it birch ply? I take there is no market for this in your large DIY shops, so just online?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Yes, ‘Birch ply’ here is generally what’s known as ‘Baltic Birch’ in the US. There are a few larger DIY stores that will stock Birch, when available, but mostly it’s through timber yards. 👍

@raynierllewis2827 Жыл бұрын

What would thickness is suggested for bedroom cupboards using birch wood

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Depends on the size. 18mm can work for smaller doors, but for anything larger I’d go for 22mm. 👍

@raynierllewis2827 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop thanks

@JohnMcGrathManInShed Жыл бұрын

Love birch ply, but the price now is crazy, just paid €120 for a 12mm board 😥😥

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Painful isnt it? 🤷‍♂️

@dougsaunders8109 Жыл бұрын

I picked up some birch ply off cuts for free back end on last year. Little did I know I would be sitting on a gold mine. 😅

@CabinetFramingUK Жыл бұрын

Me too, about 2 van loads worth, some at 2.4m lengths! Still in the garage, not decided what to do with it

@dougsaunders8109 Жыл бұрын

@@CabinetFramingUK your score was better than mine!

@tonysheerness2427 Жыл бұрын

If Baltic Birch does not separate in water is it marine grade?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

No, marine grade is very specific about the adhesives used, and the core plies need to be continuous ie a single veneer across the whole board. 👍

@bradb8292 Жыл бұрын

Is there a reason why the alternatives to birch don't have as many cores? Is it from a structural standpoint that they don't offer 11 cores for say a poplar plywood, or because of an material engineering shortcoming? With the high demand of birch, you would think that a savvy company would come along with a solidly engineered product to fill that demand, as it has been in high demand for nearly 3 years now.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

I agree, but I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to that. You would think that a Birch ply manufacturer - unable to get the raw materials - would change tack pronto and start making something else, but that didn’t seem to be the case. More to come on this though, for sure. 👍

@stephenhull2203 Жыл бұрын

Lovely review of Baltic birch plywood. I'll look forward to your video review of alternatives. In a previous video you introduced a colleague who did some 3D printed accessories and I reached out to him about fabricating a zero clearance insert for my bandsaw. We had a nice exchange on a social platform I don't generally do and after engaging him in the idea of fabricating one for me, including having discussed dimensions, the thread disappeared and I can't seem to resurrect it. Can you remind me of the name and contact information for this chap? Thanks. Steve

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks Stephen. It was likely Stu Parker for the 3D printed stuff. Search for StuParkerCreations, or SPCreations on Etsy, you should find him. He does the 18mm guide bushes for the Festool Of1010 - search for that and you’ll find him, lol! 👍😂

@stephenhull2203 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop Thanks Peter.

@mikeking7470 Жыл бұрын

My less than perfect understanding is that some birch ply is made with exterior glues and some with interior glues. Usually the glue lines in the exterior stuff is darker that on the interior types. This may only be true for the "Baltic" birch we get in the USA.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Yep, that’s very much a US-centric observation. All the 8x4 sheets I’ve seen available here in the UK are exterior grade. I’m told that the 5’x5’ sheets are interior, but as I say in the vid I’ve never actually seen a board like that in 20-idd years in the business. 👍

@gavinchauhan6320 Жыл бұрын

As well as the price hike in the last 2 years of so, more recently I've also noticed the quality of the birch ply go down unfortunately.. more knots and the finish not being as good. Is anyone else noticing this, or just me?

@Zatteneus Жыл бұрын

Never thought I see the day that marine grade okoume(bruynzeel) is cheaper than baltic birch and by a lot. ( 100 euro for 18mm) Might be a good alternative. But I would rather build a boat than a cabinet.

@AdrianSams Жыл бұрын

Another alternative to Birch Ply is Tulipwood ply. It takes a good finish but it's softer than birch.It's worth mentioning the graded faces on Birch ply so years ago the vast majority that Joinery workshops would use would be "A-B" so the best face is graded as "A" grade and all clear of defections. The other side would be classed as the "B" side would would have small knots and or those god awfull "butterfly" repair patches. Nightmare when making a ply kitchen. Many suppliers are now supplying "B-B" Graded sheets which is very poor in my opinion.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Yes, as I think I mention in the vid I’m using some Birch-faced Poplar (Tulipwood) ply in the drawers I’m making, as well as the Maple-faced Garnica board. Results coming soon. 👍

@AdrianSams Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop Thanks for the reply Peter. The only thing I found with the Poplar ply was there are a few voids in the layers but also seems to blunt spindle moulder and router tooling quite quickly . Interested to see the next instalment with your results/opinions. Happy Easter.

@alexdg87 Жыл бұрын

Here on Brazil we dont have nothing like these plywoods

@dustinclark8946 Жыл бұрын

Assuming you can get it

@keithwiddows2391 Жыл бұрын

Hi Peter. I got a sheet of 25mm birch ply for £170 last week. They even stripped it down to 38mm strips for me for £5. That saved me a morning of cutting. I’ll be using them again 👍👍👍

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Nice! It does seem to be 18mm that’s hard to get. Can I ask who the 25mm was from? 👍

@keithwiddows2391 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop Wenban Smith. In Worthing. I was so impressed they cut it there took 5 minutes. Will definitely be using them again for the next wardrobes and inbuilt a I make

@fifi23o5 Жыл бұрын

The thinnest plywood I've seen so far is 0.4 mm 3-ply birch from Finland.

@Baronshill16 Жыл бұрын

6/5/23 peter. Did i see you using mon festool saw. Why?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

It’s legacy video from a #BasicBuild - only a minimal, and entry-level, toolset allowed. FYI:- Basic build videos are just that - simply constructed projects from readily available materials using a minimal - and entry-level - toolset (list below) and with each build we add a tool - or two - that grows the scope of the work we can take on…

@ivanboschi3084 Жыл бұрын

Hi Peter in Italy 5"x5" 3/4 inch Birch Plywood costs €95,00 Too much expensive for a simple diy woodworking.

@martinsvensson6884 Жыл бұрын

Is it as flat as an MDF or particle board though?

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

It had better be at these prices!

@martinsvensson6884 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop Yes, just thinking that MDF and particle board will have inherent properties that makes them stay very flat. Wood fibers are in all random direcitons in particle boards or grinded down completely in MDF.

@dbailey9455 Жыл бұрын

I wish you had mentioned the negatives like it weighs an absolute tonne and is highly susceptible to mould growth if left unfinished, so much so many timber merchants don't stock it locally and instead get it from a centralised warehouse that's humidity controlled.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

It’s 2/3 the weight of MDF of a similar thickness, and I’ve never seen it go mouldy. 🤷‍♂️

@recipio6561 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop Mine goes mouldy after about a year. I am in Ireland however so no shortage of damp weather. ! It has to be finished with water or acrylic varnishes - maybe you could do a piece on that ?

@dbailey9455 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop mdf 18mm sheets are just under 30kg, birch are almost 40kg (4x8 sheet). Birch for some reason is a lot more susceptible to spore growth, it’s ok once you put finish on but unfinished it doesn’t take long especially in an unheated garage or workshop.

@MKRM27 Жыл бұрын

@@recipio6561 Moulding after just one year - damp environment or not - would suggest that there was some issue at the point of manufacture. Of course, “damp environment” can cover a multitude of storage environments

@dbailey9455 Жыл бұрын

The MDF you use might be heavier though if it’s moisture resistant? Not used that myself

@keithmetcalfe2466 Жыл бұрын

Just about $400NZD per sheet here 2400 / 1200 / 18mm

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

About the same as here ~£210 or so. 🤷‍♂️👍

@palereinhold Жыл бұрын

Good explained! A very strong materai with a nice look specially the edges, but actually very expensive... In Germany the quality of the Top-Layer is graded from A (or AA) down to C (or CC). Often you find a cheap offer, but then the Top-Layer is a C or CC grade or mixed B/CC. Then it has different Top-Layers - on "good" side (B), one with a lot of patches.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, I'll be touching on the grades when I look at the alternatives. 👍

@burntsider8457 2 ай бұрын

Why don't American plywood makers jump into this market. Or Canadian? There's lots of birch in the North.

@steven_vogt Жыл бұрын

I have a flat on the Baltic coast and can't get the stuff. Go figure.... 🙄😜

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

😂👍

@secobaairways4585 Жыл бұрын

Given the pricing situation and supply difficulties with Birch ply, this video seems somewhat oddly timed.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

It’s almost like there’s a video coming about the Birch ply alternatives I’ve been using, but needed a basic explainer of the benefits of Birch to avoid a ton of questions from the folks who’ve never used it - and may never have the opportunity.

@GTOOtt Жыл бұрын

I've just found a full sheet of 18mm birch advertised for £635. On the up side they do offer free delivery....................🤣

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

I should hope they do! 😂 👍

@Geowebbie Жыл бұрын

€129 in Dublin Ireland today for 18mm sheet

@Workshop-of-Allsorts Жыл бұрын

£102 up the road in Newry approx £60 pre Cov 😒

@eggsngritstn Жыл бұрын

I just bought a used cabinet for $10 to get the plywood. You gotta do what you gotta do. 🤷‍♀️

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Yep. 👍

@JohnVanderbeck Жыл бұрын

I always assumed the "baltic" part was important. After all we have plenty of birch trees here in the US for example yet we don't make this plywood to the best of my knowledge.

@MKRM27 Жыл бұрын

It is, I believe. I understood birch ply and Baltic birch ply to be different materials. Often, genuine Baltic bitch ply isn’t available in imperial sized sheets.

@michael.knight Жыл бұрын

I think it's a different species + growing in different conditions. Would be interested to know why they couldn't import those trees to North America.

@MKRM27 Жыл бұрын

Birch ply and Baltic bitch ply are different things, aren’t they? Your intro suggested they were different names for the same thing.

@Norm7264 Жыл бұрын

yeah, at least in the US, I can buy birch ply at the big box store (e.g. Home Depot) but have to go to a specialty store for the Baltic version. But from speaking to a woodworker in the UK, I concluded that the two terms refer to the same thing there. Begs the question of whether Birch-faced ply with the thicker veneers is available in the UK.

@MKRM27 Жыл бұрын

@@Norm7264 I think the woodworker you spoke to was speaking with a misunderstanding. I am confident that there is Baltic and non-Baltic birch ply in the U.K. - well, when stocks allow!

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Only in the U.S. 'Baltic Birch' is an American term that gets bandied around a lot courtesy of KZfaq, but here all "Birch ply" is what's referred to as 'Baltic Birch' in the U.S. What's called "Birch ply" there is what we call Birch-faced, or Birch-veneered. I do make a slightly laboured point about this in the description. 👍

@lenkuffert7428 Жыл бұрын

Paid about $C160 for a 1.5m x 1.5m sheet about a month ago. Your videos are always welcome, Peter, but “begs the question” doesn’t mean raises the question as you probably intended to say.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! And 'begs the question' is common English usage, which does indeed equate to 'raising the question, and assuming the conclusion'. 👍 www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/beg-the-question

@lenkuffert7428 Жыл бұрын

@@10MinuteWorkshop That's a good article and it acknowledges the original usage of the phrase BTQ, where assuming the conclusion is the most important part. I'm a historian and write for a living, so I see this phrase used by students pretty frequently. I feel like the newer, looser usage is crowding out the older one, which I learned in a philosophy class in 1987(!) or so. Sort of like if we started using tenon to mean any sort of projection from a piece of wood regardless of whether it went in a mortise or not. Sorry I can't think of a better woodworking analogy. Your channel remains excellent.

@ClaudioArgentoDesigns Жыл бұрын

Hey, Elinsky needs another 50 billion so I say 210 it's cheap.

@Benmeglei1 Жыл бұрын

285 US dollars for a 4ft x 8ft sheet in Chicago. 😱 no joke. How about you guys.

@10MinuteWorkshop Жыл бұрын

£210 here, about $250 US. 🤷‍♂️👍

@kevinboas6607 Жыл бұрын

I got laughed at by my supplier when I asked. It was more of a defeated laugh like he’d been asked the question a million times in the last few weeks

@mwoody4560 Жыл бұрын

$170 for 12mil Seattle

@stevenlee1637 Жыл бұрын

$135 here in Vegas 3/4”

@eskolehtovaara2494 Жыл бұрын

In Finland an A-grade 18mm birch plywood costs 148€ but if you need the waterply glued with fenolic resin the 18x1200x2400 will cost you 289euros. I'd recommend my customers to find cheaper deelers.