Wood vs Plywood

[philspitler]

I am currently using 1/2" baltic birch for my project but am thinking I might prefer to use solid wood instead.

I like the look of the birch plywood so i'm thinking maybe a piece of 1/2" birch would be great instead of birch plywood.

Any tips on which wood works well for CNC?

Cheers.

Phil

[shilala]

It depends what you're doing.
Plywood is full of voids. If you're just making panels, it's fine.
I seldom use it for anything, I'm forever gluing up solid wood panels for 3d models, etc.

[scottp55]

Wow, talk about a broad question:)
I've when I've got a question like that a Google search prefaced by"let'stalkshopbot"(thanks Scott W.) or "Vectric Forum" and then my search terms work well, as almost everything has already been talked about.
A LOT depends on what the project is/wood availability in your area/ and tools you have in your shop.
I get very good tips once I get specific from both forums. Here's some starting points.
Hope this helps.
scott
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=vectric+forum+best+wood+for+site:for um.vectric.com

https://www.google.com/search?q=let%27s+talk+shopbot+best+wood+site:www.t alkshopbot.com&biw=1344&bih=690&sa=X&ei=bnh0VLD3MIfZsASSroKYDQ&ved=0CCoQrQIoBDAA

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19765&highlight=wood

[philspitler]

Yup, sorry to be broad.

I am making models that are approx 10"x12" x .5"

I suppose my question is really are there certain woods to be avoided?

Thanks

Phil

[dlcw]

Yup, sorry to be broad.

I am making models that are approx 10"x12" x .5"

I suppose my question is really are there certain woods to be avoided?

Thanks

Phil


Again, it depends on what you are doing. For 3D type work, use tight grain woods. Stringy grain woods (oak, hockory, etc.) chip out really bad. Also, hardwoods generally carve better then softwoods, even when using super sharp bits.

If you are making drawer box parts, then any type of wood would work. Availability and pricing would be your determining factor here.

If you are making things like jewelry boxes and other decorative items, a medium to tight grain wood would be best as joinery will machine well.

So I guess the best answer is, it depends on exactly what you are wanting to do.

[philspitler]

These are excellent guidelines thanks.

I'm heading to the hardwood store this morning and this info is great to have.

Cheers.

Phil

[scottp55]

Phil, personal favorites are slow growing dense hardwoods for virtually anything interior:
Cherry
Black Walnut
Hard(Sugar-Acer Sucrum) Maple
Bloodwood
Padauk
to name a few

Avoid for fine detail work fast growing or open pore woods;
Ash
Oak

Opinions vary wildly and workarounds also help:)
It's not the size--it's the detail.