Glowforge offers pre-finished Proofgrade Basswood, Cherry, Maple and Walnut Plywood. If you’re willing to mask the sheet yourself, you can save a considerable amount of money with Baltic Birch Plywood! This product review covers my recent purchase from Wood It Is.
Value
I’ve tested many online suppliers of Baltic Birch Plywood sheets and by far, Wood It Is has delivered the best and most consistent product. You’ll spend considerably less than Proofgrade plywood, less than half, plus it’ll accept stains much better than
Why Baltic Birch?
Baltic Birch is a harder wood with more grain patterning than Basswood, resisting dents and knicks considerably better than Basswood. Basswood plywood is valued for its fine grain, light weight, and excellent workability, making it an ideal choice for intricate laser cuts and engraves. Birch plywood is renowned for its strength, durability, and attractive appearance. Maple, Cherry and Walnut typically are only used when you’re making something fancy as a gift or for small detail pieces as it’s expensive in Proofgrade material. Most laserers, hobby and laserpreneurs, gravitate towards Baltic Birch as a sturdy and economical alternative to Proofgrade.
Quality
I’m not sure where they source their Baltic Birch Plywood from, but I’m a big fan of it. It cuts easily and with smooth edges. I’ve achieved sharp edges easily with intricate designs. They even include the cut-offs which are nice for testing and small designs. I use them for small detail pieces on my ornaments.
I’ve received some warped boards before, but honestly it’s not been bad enough I couldn’t fix them by weighing them down with heavy objects for a couple of days.
Remember these boards don’t have protective tape on them to prevent scorching like the Proofgrade does, so you’ll need to apply your own or clean it off afterward with rubbing alcohol. Takes and holds stains well, paint too.
Plus, Pro & HD models, also Aura passthrough
FREE Shipping!
Wood It Is sends all their product by USPS Priority Mail shipping out of their home state of Nevada. The sheets arrive well-packaged and undamaged in a flat-rate priority box.
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I’m Sarah!
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I’m an ‘LOCD’ Laser Obsessed Craft Designer. My mission is to show you how fun & profitable owning a laser can be!
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