Baltic Birch

[frank_hav]

Morning All,

We have been told and are now noticing that the quantity and cost of GOOD Baltic Birch (18mm) is changing. Supply is leaving and cost is going up. I have 2 questions for everyone.

1) Thoughts on suppliers, mine has 300 sheets left for us then ???

2) What plywood are the cabinet builders using? Is there a good quality alternative.

Frank Haverkamp
Community Loudspeakers

[ed_lang]

Frank,
I use a lot of 1/8" B/BB baltic birch and my supplier is telling me that a new product is on its way to us. I don't recall the exact name as of this moment but it has the name RED in the name. I am sure if you ask your supplier, they will know or find out for you. It is a direct replacement I am told. It is not in the country as of yet or it is tied up in Customs. I am told another 30 to 60 days and I can get it.

I was also told the reason all of this is happening is due to a warmer winter than usual and trees were not harvested in the number required as the heavy equipment could not get to them. The problem is going to get better around the middle of the 4th quarter. I cannot hold my breath that long!

All of the above I have been told by more than one supplier so either they are right or they have their story in sync between them.

Wish I could get 300 sheets of 1/8"... I just took delivery of 50 and that cleaned them out for a while.

[frank_hav]

Ed,

The reason you have is the one we have been told also. I will try to check out the "red". We go through about 100 sheets per week and they were all programed for 5x5 which i have also been told is leaving for the standard 4x8. Another issues all together. And no the bot doesn't cut them all we also own an Onrud and a Gambini.

Thanks

[bob_lofthouse]

If the red belongs to chinese redwood...... then run a mile...

[innovative_cabinetry]

Are you using this for cabinet cases or drawer boxes? If you are doing drawers out of baltic birch, try the Metabox or Tandembox drawer systems from Blum. They really speed up production of drawers and make a very good drawer.

[kfitz]

I have sometimes substituted "Sande" plywood for Baltic birch. Depending on the application, it works just as well for lower cost. http://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/products/prodimp.aspx?p=387 I think it is available at Lowes.

[knight_toolworks]

I can get Russian ply here it is pretty good stuff and has more ply's it's a bit cheaper too. you can get it in metric or american measurements 5x5 or 4x8