Looking for Wood Source

[stevegrimaud]

A year or so ago I bought some 1/8 inch baltic birch plywood. It was precut to 12 x 18 inches and had a slightly shiny finish that was laser safe and enabled me to wipe virtually all the soot off without any other masking on the sheets. I cannot remember the name of the supplier, or even where I saw the reference to the wood. Can anybody point me to a supplier for this kind of wood? I have used up all of the sheets I had and want more.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[eflyguy]

I know it’s not precisely what you’re asking for, but I found a great source of material at Home Depot, and it’s been my primary source for several years. It’s “Columbia Forest” brand. If you go to HD’s website and simply search glowforge, you’ll find all their offerings, but the one I like the most is the 5/32" maple ply. It’s unmasked but really nicely finished, and produces very little “burn”.

I used to get Baltic Birch at a local woodworking supply, but they dried up when the conflict in EU broke out. I was already using the one I mentioned above, and so it was no issue to simply switch completely to that…

[evansd2]

I’m not immediately sure about places to get prefinished plywood. I would check out #1a on the FAQ, you’ll probably find links to suppliers you don’t know yet:

Common problems/questions

Hello! You’ve been referred to this post because you have a common problem or question. Check out the list below to see what this post can do for you. Just click on a topic that interests you. • 1: I’m new to Glowforge and really have no idea where to start • 1a: What other tools/materials should I buy to go with my Glowforge? • 1b: What are the overall best practices for my laser designs? • 2: All about masking/protecting your materials • 3: I want to design/make a box • 4: What materi…

[CMadok]

I used to buy my wood from Cherokee Wood, a lumber store in California. I know they do online ordering, and I believe they sold precut, finished wood too. Don’t quote me on that though, I used to go in person and buy the huge sheets or precut mdf.

Baltic Birch Plywood Sheets | Cherokee Wood Products

I think shipping costs will be too outrageous though.

[stevegrimaud]

Thanks, I think one of your recommendations included the link I used. GS2 Awards sounds and looks familiar, and they have something like what I was looking for. I had made several toys for great grandkids and appreciated the facility of not having to do a lot of masking before or cleaning after. Gettin’ lazy in my old age!

Steve

[eflyguy]

It appears you replied by email, so your signature set in your email client was included - spambots comb these forums, I would advise you edit your post and remove the email.

Just a general, helpful tip - there is never a need for an email address in a signature. If you sent the email, they have your address in the reply-to field already.

[ekla]

Cherokee sells prefinished maple as well. I’ve found their products to be very consistent and well priced. Since I too can pick up in person I can’t speak for shipping costs.

[stevegrimaud]

Thanks. Maybe that’ll teach me for being lazy.

[stevegrimaud]

Thanks.

[stevegrimaud]

Thanks for the tips. I found one that looks a lot like what I had, so I got it. The wood (baltic birch) matches up with my previous stock.