Baltic Birch Source

Everything Else
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I know a lot of people don’t like giving up their sources for where they buy materials, but I really need to find a less expensive source for the wood I use. Right now I spend $89 for 48 pieces of 1/8th inch 12x12 Baltic birch from Amazon. Seems like a high price to me, but I know the cost of wood is still up there. Also, I’d like to get larger pieces for larger projects. One option is to find a less expensive source and buy from them. The other is to buy large sheets and cut them myself using my table saw. Problem is, I don’t know if the wood from places like Home Depot and Lowes is any good for lasers.

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Woodworker’s Source is local to me, but they do ship. The link is to their 1/8 BB plywood page. Not affiliated, but I do shop their often.

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I am not sure where you are hanging out that people don’t want to share their sources but, I’ve seen tons of them here:

https://community.glowforge.com/search?q=Baltic%20birch%20source

Generally, it seems like local suppliers are usually the best bet. Where are you located?

This place does well for a lot of people:

https://rugbyabp.com/

You can also find a lot of posts here about experiences with products from HD and other chains using the search feature.

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Actually, it was only one person who didn’t want to reveal their source out of fear more people would start buying from them and drive the price up. :roll_eyes:. Anyway, thank you! I will check these out. I’m in California and I’m not sure of any local sources where I could purchase large sheets and cut them down myself.

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Check out my post on sources, #1a:

Also for BB ply in particular check out Rugby Architectural Building Supplies. They might have a location near you.

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Google for “Woodcraft near me” and you should see their closest store. They carry Baltic Birch, 3 & 6mm) that laser well.

Or order the Columbia Forest products from Home Depot - it’s designed for lasers.

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I’ve used the Columbia forest products from Home Depot @jamesdhatch mentioned numerous times and have always been happy with the way they cut. They do not have masking if that’s an issue.

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I mask my own, so that doesn’t matter. However, I cannot seem to find 1/8th inch pieces. I only see 1/4, 1/2, and 5/32 inch pieces.

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It’s been a while since i ordered from them. i did a quick search and don’t see it either. i hope they haven’t discontinued it!!

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I buy mine from MD Wholesale. They have free shipping too, which is fantastic.

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@ellencadwell, can you supply a Link?

Thanks!

Jonathan

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Sure. https://www.mdwholesale123.com/
They also give 10% off if you join their FB group. And they are really good to work with. I had an issue with one order (I’ve had a few orders with them) and they took care of it very quickly. Very friendly.

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so they are 20 sheets for $75 + free ship
Woodworkers is 15 sheets for 36.99+15.56 shipping = $52.55

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Yeah, you’re right. MD would be 25cents more per sheet. With a 10% discount, it probably averages about the same.

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Someone who doesn’t understand “economy of scale.” if they move more product, that’s not necessarily going to raise prices unless they literally can’t get enough product.

as a backup, woodcraft usually does have 1/8" BB in stock if you have one local. they don’t necessarily have the best prices, but they’re often more convenient than lumber stores (if you’re in a city).

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I like to calculate how much it per sheet. That way I have a better idea of what to charge for the things I make. Looks like Woodworkers is the least expensive at $3.50 per 12x20 sheet whereas MD is $3.75 per sheet. Sheesh! I hope prices on wood go down soon. Although I’m not holding my breath.

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17

I get BB from Rockler but their prices have spiked, which is not surprising.

So has the PureBond maple ply in GF-sized sheets I use from Home Depot.

A friend of mine owns a craft home construction company. In-general, raw materials costs have doubled. It just gets passed on to the homeowner.

The new normal.

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yeah, prices right now are crap. pre-covid you could get BB on amazon for ~$3/sheet. and much cheaper from a lumber yard if you were willing to cut it down yourself.

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I’ve bought this a couple times and been happy. $70 for 20 sheets B/BB grade

https://smile.amazon.com/Premium-Baltic-Birch-Plywood-Wood-Ever/dp/B07GTQDTLR?pd_rd_w=2Relp&pf_rd_p=07da9b2f-52f3-4fa6-b605-4458a1e54cf1&pf_rd_r=DS46H4KN7QET165J2YD2&pd_rd_r=5b510086-d2b6-4e79-9d9e-875149ccf1df&pd_rd_wg=KQSPB&pd_rd_i=B07GTQDTLR&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_4_t

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I am paying for uncut Baltic Birch (medium quality lots of ‘plugs’) $13 for a 5’ x 5’ sheet (in Las Vegas)

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