Replies

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 17, 2003 09:09am | #1

   Len

      The HD near me here in Atlanta has been carrying the 3/4" maple off and on for about 6 months now. Seem to get a new shipment here every 3 or 4 weeks. Hard to beat the $29 as standard ply is almost that much unless you go to a lumber yard.

   Regards....

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Len | Nov 17, 2003 06:24pm | #2

   Sarge,

   The local Southern California stores have oak, maple and birch, but the 3/4 stuff runs about $38 to $45 depending in season. This is one of those special buys that seem to show up.

   As near as I can tell. This stuff has more figure and more panels on the the surface. Usually I see 2 or 4 on the more expensive stuff. There is 6 to 8 panels on this. It's great for paint grade.

   By the way, picked up a old Stanley bevel gauge with the locking end screw for $10 at a tool swap meet. It's almost brand new.

   Enjoy your day,

   Len

1. 
   Adrian | Nov 17, 2003 07:11pm | #3

   maybe this is 'shop' grade?.....some of the manufacturers are starting to manufacture shop, instead of downgrading a higher grade because of defects. They can use up lower quality veneers that way.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 17, 2003 09:08pm | #4

   Adrian

      I think you may be correct. I had some left over and went down to check the grade rating, but the pieces I have are all cuts from the interior. It did have a grade rating on one end and I believe I remember it coming from Oregon.

      One side is pretty good and if you pick through a new shipment you can usually get some with about 2/3's really good character. The back side is where all the panels are. The grain is good there also, but the veneer is narrower so the grain is in-consistent across the width of the panel.

      BTW, nice to see you post. I haven't seen your post for awhile. Was about to organize a "search party" to account for your where-a-bouts. ha..ha..

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   TXJon | Nov 18, 2003 02:41am | #5

   The stuff I have seen around here has been the 9 ply, super thin face veneer, Chinese import stuff.  Not necessarily bad, but certainly not a fantastic deal.  They just marked down the birch/maple stuff to $27 and change a sheet.

   You still get what you pay for!

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 18, 2003 03:00am | #6

   TXJon

      It had an Oregon supplier on a tag on the end, and yes they could have imported it from China or anywhere else I suppose. The veneer is pretty thin, so sanding has to be minimal. The grain is not bad, but I think that what Len originally posted sums it up pretty well. That's if you're looking for good paint grade ply, this is a good buy.

      Keep in mind that regular ply is slightly cheaper, but it soaks up paint like crazy. This veneer is tight grained and makes excellent paint ply. I was just commenting that the grain is not all that bad. The thinnest does not make it an option for most as the sanding factor come into play.

      When I say for most, I do ocassionally use it for furniture. I have in the last several years spent a large amount of shop time making furniture for missions, womens shelters, orphanages, etc., etc. I can get away with the thin veneer as those facilites are looking more for function than heirlooms. The price I charge them is attractive to them also. $.00.. The cost of it therefore makes it attractive to me also. ha..ha..

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   TXJon | Nov 18, 2003 03:07am | #7

   Don't get me wrong, I have also used it, mosly for paint grade and for stuff for my kids, (5 and 1) that's going to get the stuffing knocked out of it anyway.  Also for some stuff around the shop.

   I am saying that it is not necessarily an acceptable substitute for high quality ply.  In the sense that it can be hard to find lower grade hardwood plywood, and it's sometimes a waste to use high dollar stuff, this can be a good buy.

4. 
   TXJon | Nov 18, 2003 03:10am | #8

   Come to think of it, the table I am sitting at now is made from the stuff!  Originally made for my son, edged with red oak, legs and apron in pine, finished with Watco natural and paste wax.

   It looks ok, except for a spot where I sanded through the veneer! HaHa

5. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 18, 2003 03:58am | #10

   TXJon

      I agree wholeheartly. Comparing it to high-grade ply would be like comparing my Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP router to the first Craftsman router I bought for $29.95 in 1972.

      I also agree that for making kids room things, it is a viable choice. Just wait till they become teen-agers. You might as well start thinking about beefing up your joints now. Fragile is not in their vocabulary nor minds. You will be introduced to the term, "plopping down" when it comes to furniture. Grit your teeth and remember you once did the same things without thought. Your wife will remind you if you forget. Some things are just "universal". ha..ha..

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

6. 
   Len | Nov 18, 2003 05:06am | #11

   Sarge,

   I know your still using that Craftsman router. Aren't you? Mine ended up in the loaner tool box. No one wants to borrow tools anymore. (lol)

   The plywood went fast and HD said they wouldn't be getting any more in. At least for now. I'm wondering if Lowes has any?

   I'm not sure why HD only occasionally carries this stuff in my area. They claim that they're just shipped the stuff.

   Enjoy,

   Len

7. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 18, 2003 07:19am | #12

   Len

      Actually that Craftsman "ring-gear" router is sitting up on the shelf waiting for the next time I trim laminates. I keep a laminate trimmer in it and it still sees some duty. Got the $29 worth out of it long ago and it's still purring.

      I don't think Lowe's has it. One of the old hands at HD I know says national gets a special buy and then it just shows up. Lately in Atlanta, that has been pretty frequently. Keep in mind Atlanta is HD's origin and Nat'l HQ. That might come into play.

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   RoyinMD | Nov 18, 2003 03:56am | #9

   Len,

   I saw the same stuff in my HD (DC area) last week and it caught my eye. Looked better than the radial cut oak for the same price. I learned my lesson years ago not to use that crap for any surfaces that are going to be stained and exposed. This summer when I was shopping there for cabinet grade stuff I was planning on painting (shop cabinet/shelves) I ended up with 3/4" "Sandply", no 3/4" lauan in stock, (import, bleached lauan as far as I can tell) $38 stinking bucks a sheet, but it sanded and painted perfect with a little drywall compound smear to fill the pores. The veneer was really thin and the top surface adheasion was not perfect. Painted project so easily fixed.

   For that price I know the material for the next knock out ply project.

   Have you tried stain on it yet?

   Enjoy, Roy