Plywood

[Harley]

Ok, so the Baltic Birch I picked up is considered 4/B quality. s

Are you sure that's 4/B and not A/B

The grading describes both sides of the sheet, and a sheet can have mixed faces - A/B or B/C for example.

Sheets are graded by the outside finish.

A means that it has no blemish whatsoever, ply can be varnished to bring up the grain and would only vere need 200 grit or finer to sand for preparation.

B is still a good smooth finish but may contain specs of gum, some filler glues and although you can varnish it, the specs may reject the varnish. B is more 'paintable' I have had some B grade delivered with well executed patches in them but strictly speaking B should not be patched.

C grade is rougher surface and will most likely contain some patches

D Grade is downright rough and ready and is used for boxing for concrete for example or boarding up your house in Florida before the hurricane hits

A is the dearest.........D is the cheapest.

It's weekend here but when my ply stockist opens on Tuesday, I'll get the sheet explaining grades from him and post it. Grading of ply is, as I understand it, an international standard code.

[Adam Schaible]

Yeah I asked him several times and he said 4b, but it looks pretty nice. Thanks in advance for that sheet.

[djohnson573]

D Grade is downright rough and ready and is used for boxing for concrete for example or boarding up your house in Florida before the hurricane hits.

But you have to buy it in advance. Once there is actually a hurricane in the forecast, only A/B (if any) is available. Funny how that works.

[Harley]

Once there is actually a hurricane in the forecast, only A/B (if any) is available. Funny how that works.

Well, if I was the salesman at the timber yard, I'd tell you "the wind should slide over it more easily I guess!"

[djohnson573]

Once there is actually a hurricane in the forecast, only A/B (if any) is available. Funny how that works.

Well, if I was the salesman at the timber yard, I'd tell you "the wind should slide over it more easily I guess!"

lol I think I have actually heard one say that.

[Gauss]

Sorry for the wait, I found Arauco at the Menard's in West Lansing, by the Wal-Mart.

[Tom]

I bought two 4 x 8 foot sheets of half inch Aruaco plywood at Lowe's for $22 per sheet last weekend.

[Rickisan]

OK... hijack on... Will Lowe's special order this wood? I'm in North Florida and don't see the Auroco in our Lowe's here. Please correct me if I'm wrong about this... hijack off

[djohnson573]

I can get it at Lowes in Northwest Florida. Maybe they can transfer stock between stores.

[bgavin]

If you have special order, find a shop that will order real Baltic Birch.
There is a big difference.

[Rickisan]

Reading how good the Baltic Birch is has convinced me to try and order some. I got some pretty good A/C (but still not great) from a specialist builder supply for about $35, using it on my first Wedgehorn. I asked at Lowes today and they said the guy is only there between 6 and 3 that knows about ordering. So I'll try them again tomorrow. Thanks guys it sounds like Lowes might be helpful. If not I'll call around with my specific order request till I find somebody that won't try to Bait and Switch me to something lesser.

[Adam Schaible]

Don't waste your time with Lowes/HD. You can special order but you have to order 40 pcs at once - plus, it's probably asian.

Check with local lumber yards. If you call around enough you will probably find some Baltic Birch.

Check for stuff that isn't made in Asia.

[David Homer]

Menards has the Auraco on sale, don't know how much longer though.. $20 per sheet 1/2" and $28 for 3/4".

[Tom]

I can get it at Lowes in Northwest Florida.

Living where you do, good 5-ply may be available as a marine plywood, from a boatworks? Speculating...

Maybe they can transfer stock between stores.

Only after hurricanes and so forth ... jacking up the price

[jswingchun]

Just thought I would note that the Menard's in Cedar Rapids, Iowa also now has Auraco 1/2" at $22. That's about $6 cheaper than Lowes, I believe.