The best plywood I have ever used!

[@houseandmoney]

Picked up 5 sheets today in Vancouver, WA. $63.30 a sheet plus tax. It's 9PLY, with 7 main plies and 2 thinner face plies. The weight is absolutely fantastic. I already made my first attempt at a smart bench top (just the top panel) using a heavier 13PLY, but I'm going to repurpose that as bench extenders or miter extension wings. The plan is to make a modified smart bench where the it can be Paulk Smart Bench on one side, but flip it over to have Paulk Smart Station on the other side. Wish me luck!

[@hanssenden4410]

Over here (The Netherlands) there are several options for Baltic Birch Ply. A good quality is build up of 13 layers of birch veneer, about 14 kg/m², size 1250 x 2500 mm, € 87,-- per sheet, glue is moisture resistant / water resistant. Another option are sheets sized 1530 x 1530 mm, also 13 layers of birch veneer, about 13 kg/m² and € 37,-- per sheet, glue is moisture resistant. Birch plywoord is also available with inner layers in e.g. poplar, these sheets have less layers and are not as stable and firm as the 13 ply sheets, Normaly I choose the 1250 x 2500 mm, all birch veneer, sheets because of the availability. in a B/BB quality (gives an indication about faults and repairs in de top veneers). Normaly available 4 mm 40 mm thickness. For a benchtop is woud use a Elliot Pine sheet of 18 mm, 1250 x 2500 mm about € 30,--. VAT is included.

[@jeremiahcoles2378]

We get the same stuff up here in Canada, I believe. Also from our windsor plywood stores, my favorite stuff to work with and usually the same pric or less than good one side.

[@whoDatBeDare]

I first thought this was just filler freaking content Jesus dude you're not mucking around this is the price we pay at a good discount well done much appreciated as always big fan looking forward

[@GEERUP]

Thank you Ron I Be looking for that plywood. Great job 👍🏻

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Thanks for the heads up on the ply. My favorite has been Baltic/Russian birch for quality and stability. However, here in So Oregon, it is available in 5 Ft x 5 Ft sheets only so used for special projects. Prices on lumber, specifically plywood, have fluctuated (soared) during the last few months. Lots of reasons given, hope it stabilizes.

[@skf957]

I'm completely envious. Here in the UK I pay about the same for UTTER CRAP. It's the "pink" stuff, full of voids, outer faces filled and patched, thickness inconsistent, and usually has been so badly handled and stored that it's warped and twisted. Edges not straight either. Like I said - envious! Great video as usual though - thanks.

[@slope1957]

The same sort of crap we have to put up with in Australia. And we pay a premium price for it.

[@maxbee4460]

You won’t get decent ply in most DIY stores or builders merchants in the uk. You will have to search the internet for suppliers in the UK. Timbmet is one. You will pay two to three times the price, but will get what you pay for. Downside is there may be a minimum order, and may be delivery only. I was completely frustrated why we couldn’t get decent timber products more easily here in the UK. Really envious of you guys in the USA.

[@markkoons7488]

Just now went to the link you provided and asked for retailers between Denver and Casper. Hope there is one. Thanks for sharing a great-sounding discovery.

[@bravogolf5905]

What did you find out?

[@markkoons7488]

@@bravogolf5905 Not available in this region... unless I'm confusing with my search for Formica-clad solid birch ply which I know for certain is only available in little pieces from a hobbyist retailer. Sorry. If anyone else finds a source for Paulk's great plywood in the Front Range, please share it here.

[@sullivanlattimer8687]

Hi Mark, my name is Sully Lattimer and I work with Canusa Wood Products. I know that National Wood Products in Denver has been purchasing from us. Best to give them a call and be specific that you are asking for Premcore/Premcore Plus from Canusa. Happy hunting!

[@markkoons7488]

See the comment below. Sullivan Lattimer just posted the information we need.

[@jguykema]

@@sullivanlattimer8687 - Can you point me to someone in the Tacoma, WA area? Thank you!

[@eazzypeazzy7618]

Mystery center material is Soylent Green. This material getting hard to find east of the Rockies, hence the limited distribution range of the final product.

[@ronaldeseeley2666]

don't eat, it's............

[@kiwdwks]

Thanks Ron! Will look for a local supplier.

[@Moosechaser100]

I use MDO plywood for the type of work like building your bench.

[@hillcrestheights8292]

Thank You so much for putting this out. I am looking forward to making my new table following your plans with this plywood. Appreciate you.

[@georgekost7967]

With the recent move, I'm curious to know which plywood is favored here on the east coast...

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I haven't shopped here yet. I will be checking with CANUSA for local availability.

[@georgekost7967]

@@TheSmartWoodshop hope you can identify a source (or an alternative)... my searching only turned up dealers near the west coast, and I'm very reticent to plan projects with baltic birch ply these days.

[@WorldCommander]

Ron, is this the ply you recommend making the Smartbench out of ?

[@gregtrimble7113]

where do they sell it in Texas?

[@evadkin]

Another great video, looking forward to your other up coming videos. Ron, how are you liking your on board router station from the built in one in the STS?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I love it

[@thomasalison6188]

That's a very reasonable price!

[@jaywebb9973]

Ron, I just checked CanUSA website for the Birch PremcorePlus. Their site lists the 18mm at 49 lbs. and the 12mm at 34 lbs. Is their info correct? Or, were you weighing the same product? Thanks for great videos!

[@binershock]

Would love to hear your 2nd and 3rd favorite plywoods

[@mfcarpino]

Ron any thoughts about trying the 12mm to build a bench? They rate the 12mm sheet at 34 pounds. It would be interesting to see the finished weight built with 12mm and to see if it's sturdy.

[@ThisTall]

I checked out the CanUSA link on this material. Do you know yet if the core material is still Birch? I have to check on the exact brand, but I’ve been using these 5x5 sheets of Baltic Birch from my local supplier for about $58CAD for 18mm. I’m not sure on exact weight but I know it has zero voids or overlaps, and has very little knot patches, often none at all.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I don't know the answers. My application here is to build shop tools like benches and router tables, etc.. Baltic Birch is not a good option in my case. I use BB for cabinet drawers in kitchens and baths. If you are using BB and find 5x5 is the most efficient sizing and the weight doesn't matter, then BB is a better choice. I guess what I am saying is that it is hard to compare the products as they are designed for different use cases. If I were buiting a kitchen, I would use the Premcore 18mm for cabinet boxes and 12mm BB for the drawers.

[@Otto-W]

Only true Baltic Birch with have a Birch plywood core. There are a lot of Birch plywoods available with differ cores.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Combination core Falcata / Meranti. The Falcata makes it lightweight and the Meranti gives it strength.

[@victorbash17]

Baltic Birch is by far a superior material, compared to any other plywood, for making precision jigs or any other accessories in a workshop. It doesn't have inner and outer layers, its uniform and more dense which allows for easier, higher precision machining and it will stay like that much longer and take more beating... just like the drawers in the kitchen cabinets...

[@joemckenna9644]

Is it available in Kansas City

[@joemckenna9644]

Am I right - it’s not available in the US?

[@1262-f8e]

It is available in the US

[@ronhayes4329]

I tried to find the other Ron liked long ago and couldn,t get it in Houston Texas area or any where reasonable , this premcore plus same thing , so i have been using this companys Sande its 10lbs more on the 18mm and 7lb on the 12mm but Home Depo 6 miles away sells it

[@GauchoWoodworking]

You like it better than Arauco, which you used to use.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Yes

[@martyvanord984]

May just be me but your store links just do not open when clicked

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I just check a few and they all worked.

[@MrHipp00]

links work for me.

[@TempleThomas]

Great review Ron. Nice to see a quality product at a reasonable price. I'll have to see where I can find it in Central Texas

[@PeakDogs67]

When you do, could you post it here? I'm in central TX too.

[@ryangalbraith1126]

Same here in central Texas, I need this!

[@relizondob]

Same here!

[@risby2]

Same here, in Missouri.

[@michaelplays2449]

good video thanks

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MichelLaine]

If you are after strength combined with lightweight try Paulownia tomentosa

[@michaellovetere8033]

Good to know!

[@the_sharp_carpenter]

I believe the Windsor ply is a poplar core, they also make a poplar faced prefinished that is excellent, easily the nicest ply to work with.

[@80211Denver]

Ron you weighed the 12mm in at 52.5 pounds last video. They say it's 34 pounds on their site.. different manufacturer?

[@jsabados]

I saw that too and would really like to see a review of the 34 pound, 12mm plywood from Ron

[@80211Denver]

@@jsabados Yeah I was completely baffled how a sheet that was 50% less material would weight more unless the core was REALLY dense.... Baltic birch might come in that heavy. BUt if Ron likes the 18 mm so much, fine. Still the 34 pound stuff might be an amazing material even if he just uses it for the ribs and spars and 'bottom' -I use my bottom without the holes for finishing but that just means no clamps.. could save 15 pounds or more?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

The Premcore 12mm we have is not the lightweight version, YET!

[@80211Denver]

@@TheSmartWoodshop looking forward to seeing that!!

[@rolfschubert1853]

Can anyone tell me where this plywood can be purchased in South Eastern Ontario, around Toronto area? I'm afraid CanUsa is not answering my email requests for info. I know there is a warehouse in Brampton, but they don't deal with the public.

[@tighep]

maybe Robert Bury

[@adrianabshire]

We setup a cash account with a local distributor with no problem - ask your supplier

[@am0d42]

@Rolf Schubert I received the following list of suppliers for PremCore Plus in the GTA from Canusa: - Upper Canada Forest Products - McFadden’s Hardware - Robert Bury Distribution - Commonwealth Plywood - Weston Premium

[@russellesimonetta3835]

Poplar ply is light and very strong. But that looks good.

[@barnyardkh4]

How is it for voids?

[@ameyers67]

OK. I'm sold.

[@leegray4999]

Baltic Plywood is the best out there but a pain to get ahold of as the majority is already spoken for in pre orders to industry , at least over here it is !

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I have heard a lot about Baltic but don't think I have actually used it or seen it.

[@leegray4999]

@@TheSmartWoodshop you have to get it in outlets that import special wood products/raw materials , i have never seen it in regular outlets or lumber yards and the stuff is costly !

[@Otto-W]

Most large areas have a hardwood/plywood supplier that distributes to cabinet and custom wood shops. I work for such a company, we have a lot of types of core materials, some of them are surprisingly lightweight.

[@jimmya4217]

wheres over here?.In Aus I'm paying $200 for a sheet of this and up to $450 for premium quality.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

@@jimmya4217 Wow! I start to grip when a sheet cost over $60 USD and that's for the good stuff. It must be an Aus shipping or tax issue as the ply I am buying comes from Malaysia.

[@cbat09]

Why 18mm vs 19mm? Viewers, any suggestions for local retailer in New England?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Mixing woods. 3/4" ply measures 11/16" (18mm) If I went with 19mm, I would have to redesign all of my plans and most of my customers would not have access to 19mm, but everyone can get 18mm

[@hoosierbuckeyedaddy]

@@TheSmartWoodshop The Canusa web page shows both 18mm and 19mm thicknesses. 19mm for projects that need true 3/4" material.

[@chipsterb4946]

Michael Avery - looking at the spec sheet, the 18 mil has 9 ply while the 19 mil has 11 ply and weighs 3 lbs. (6%) more. I’d also note that it specs “hardwood” for the core plies without saying what species. Alder is a hardwood - barely.

[@JANtheDane]

Thanks for posting. I cannot figure out where to buy this plywood. I am in Northern California.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Jan, contact Premcore for a vendor list. www.canusawood.com/premcore-plus

[@JANtheDane]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks. I will. Strange they don't list their vendors online.

[@jrgt628]

@@JANtheDane yes it is it's almost like they don't want to tell you where you can get the product? I've called and emailed them I'm awaiting a reply

[@jrgt628]

Ron you know you've done this before telling us about a great product.. Which I was unable to connect with lol thanks for the taking the time though

[@johnmunoz8845]

And theres no pricing listed no way to order it. What was the point of the video if you can't find the product.

[@MrBrianDuga]

Nice maybe I can actually find this one locally. Ultralight allows you to order direct but you have to buy a higher quantity and pay to ship it.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Moreland Ultralight is out of business. Any stock is leftover.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Its ridiculous that we had so many lumber mills burn to the ground last year and minimal reporting on it. It sure seems to have had its intended effect tho. $60.00 for a sheet 3/4 pine cdx is insane.

[@justaguy7477]

This plywood has been available for years in Canada.

[@patrickweaver5290]

Hi just a guy I'm in Barrie can you reccomend a good dealer locally.

[@jimmacaulay844]

California and state of Washington only. Kinda long drive from Maryland!

[@SlaveToMyStomach]

Good to know. I was just about to email them from here in the North East. Bummer.

[@simpleminded5215]

Well if it’s a long way from MD it looks like it’s useless from PA. 👍

[@waveoflight]

as someone in NJ I have to say "forget about it".

[@DaveM2]

New Title "The Most Unavailable Plywood on the Planet" Their website is very stealthy on suppliers, and after research it seems only Canadiens can get it.

[@sullivanlattimer8687]

Hi Dave, my name is Sully Lattimer and I work for Canusa Wood Products. With the supply chain challenges that we have faced over the past year or so we have not been able to get the quantities that we want in order to expand in North America. That being said, whereabouts are you located and can you recommend any distributors in your area once our supply improves? Appreciate any insight that you may have. All the best

[@DaveM2]

Front Range Lumber Company Building supply 1741 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood Colorado Austin Hardwoods in Denver Colorado are the 2 that I use from time to time.

[@travisradke9753]

@@DaveM2 Seconded! Somewhere in the Denver area for me as well.

[@bdyt]

Shhhh, don't say they can charge more jeeez

[@joshwelchsr4895]

Wondering did you order directly from the manufacturer or from a certain store?

[@daveklein2826]

Listen to the video

[@24revealer]

Too bad they don't know how to make a high quality plywood in North America. Russia and Indonesia seem to have figured it out. What's the problem?

[@theprojectproject01]

It's made in Canada.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Over 50 lumber mills burned last year. Price plywood lately? Baltic Birch has long been a staple of the Baltic region of Russia Does the USA have a birch forest? I Really don't know I don't get that far north.

[@barryturner2702]

Challenge: Can anyone in the UK find anyone selling a similar specced board??? Thanks “anyway” Ron. ;-(

[@posegroup6177]

Poplar core light weight ply in uk

[@chrismcandrew1041]

@@posegroup6177 Okay, so "poplar core lightweight ply" is available in the UK, but where, my friend? That's the question!

[@posegroup6177]

Hanson plywood Halifax!

[@chrismcandrew1041]

@@posegroup6177 Cheers mate! I'll have a shuftee :-)

[@barryturner2702]

@@posegroup6177 Thanks, I’ll try contacting, but I’m in't south, long way from Halifax...

[@MrArcher0]

Thanks Ron for jacking up the price on the wood. 🙁

[@stanleydenning]

Almost any "Cabinet Grade" plywood is 48.5" X 96.5". If the sheet is 96" X 48" it's not.

[@davidhenner5067]

baltic birch is awesome stuff but doesn't give you an extra 1/2 inch. I wish it did.

[@Reign_In_Blood_963]

Yeah, I just bought 14 sheets of 3/4" and 1/2" baltic birch in 4x8 sheets... it was not +.5" wider.

[@vvjkumar]

Please don’t call it 18 mils when you mean 18 mm. A mil is one thousandths if an inch. This 18 mils is 0.018 inch or a hair over 1/64 of an inch.

[@markpalmer3071]

Quite a common abbreviation

[@bombamanwa]

"mil" is a thousanth, so it is an acceptable term for millimeters, millilitres and thousandth of an . Though I would say "thou" is the more accepted term for what you are describing as that is not really used in metric measurements.

[@vvjkumar]

Mark Palmer only in England, and its influence, not in the US

[@markpalmer3071]

@@vvjkumar yes because the US is imperial still. I'm in Australia and it's very common.

[@wojomojo]

Oh you know how Americans are....

[@jimdeverna]

Ron, The Best Plywood ever is only local to the West Coast. I have a lot of uses for a light weight plywood and was extremely disappointed to find out I could not purchase the 18mm plywood in Michigan. I just spoke directly with the manufacturer, CANUSA, in Vancouver there is no plans for a Michigan stocking distributor. Chicago is the closest outlet and they have none in stock. Please when you "HAWK" a product research where and when stocking distributors will be available. Do your Subscribers a solid.

[@ff24]

So that one phone call almost killed you? Ron does a lot of work to put these videos out and you're whining over something he has no control over. I probably can't get it here in Hawaii either, yet I clicked on the link to get Rons opinion and a little more info on a good product.

[@sdgdfgdasdgsdf7354]

I've had the chance to use this table a couple of times now. It's fun to whip out in front of people:) I can see what people are talking about when they say the legs are delicate, but they're design to support a "mostly" vertical load, not be torqued from the side or pushed back into place. If you just let the table open or close on it's own and don't force anything, it works great kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh Once it's set up, it's pretty solid. My only gripe would probably be related to the clamps provided. They're not the highest quality. They do the job, so no big deal, but they could be better. All in all, pretty cool gadget.

[@arunkmrsharma]

Ridiculous comparing a light bicycle to light plywood! Just the fact the plywood is 50 odd dollars is adequate to make a case, not sure there is a need to make a strength claim without any analysis to that fact.

[@vikassm]

Expert opinions these days!!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

@@vikassm Arun either didn't watch the whole video or didn't pay attention as I explained my personal experience with the stiffness (structure) of the ply in multiple applications. No matter what I post there is always one. There must be a certain psyche that thrives in finding fault in others rather than actually doing something productive with their time.

[@daveklein2826]

Try comprehending a little

[@vikassm]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Hey Ron, my comment wasn't meant to belittle your incredible wealth of knowledge and experience. I've watched tons of your videos and I'm currently in the process of building a workbench based on your design. It's just a comment broadly meaning how people can understand or completely misunderstand stuff that isn't self-evident, when stuff just doesn't 'click' in the mind. Several of my students ask me why most expert wood workers still use glue if screws can hold stuff together just as tightly. And why clamps are used during a glue-up when you are going to join the boards with screws anyway. Not self evident, but everyone's doing it and it isn't very intuitive. I mostly build hybrid structures, using steel, wood, fiberglass and cement too, and use almost every method of joining I can use. Some things are just hard to explain easily, like this comment 😂