BB ply vs. oak ply - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Minnesota scroller · 03-09-2007, 02:41 AM

For you who have utilized each, why would you choose one over the other? What is the difference besides cost and grain?

Thanks

Jediscroller · 03-09-2007, 10:08 AM

Oak ply is a little easier to cut. As far as how I decide which to use for what, for a very intricate cutting where there's not much that the grain could add I opt for BB. For those cuttings where I feel the grain of the oak could add to the cutting (water type patterns for examply) I'll opt for oak ply. This same decision making process carries over to hardwoods as well for making clocks and such.

sawdustus · 03-09-2007, 11:42 AM

I absolutely agree with you Kevin. I would only add that if I am going to paint a puzzle made of ply, which I often do, I prefer BB because the paint covers the little bit of grain. With oak, the grain shows through the paint. The same thing happens when you are constructing inexpensive cabinetry for a kitchen, bath or shop. If you use regular ply, the spruce or pine grain shows through multiple layers of paint. The only solution I have ever seen is to coat the ply with spackle or sheet rock paste, sand it smooth, and then paint the ply. Shellac would probably accomplish the same thing with oak ply.

PuzzledMoose · 03-09-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sawdustus

spackle

I'm needing a translation again I think - what is spackle?

BobD · 03-09-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuzzledMoose

I'm needing a translation again I think - what is spackle?

Thick paste-like material similar to drywall joint compound...used to fill holes at the joints in drywall, or to fill in holes you punched in the wall...

Bob

Dragon · 03-09-2007, 02:44 PM

Thanks for the explanation Bob. I didn't know what it was either.
Why would you not use wood putty to fill in the cracks or holes? Or is this not the same doing?
Diane

utbva · 03-09-2007, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon

Thanks for the explanation Bob. I didn't know what it was either.
Why would you not use wood putty to fill in the cracks or holes? Or is this not the same doing?
Diane

If you are going to paint over the wood anyway, spackle or drywall compound is much less expensive than wood putty. It is also easier to sand and get a good smooth surface. It is important to use a good primer before painting to seal the surface to get an even coat of paint. At least that is my experience.

Mick Walker · 03-09-2007, 03:21 PM

Mike, I use BB for portraits and the oak for scenic cuttings trying to use the grain for sky, water, etc. I like a little grain in my portaits so you can tell it is wood.
Diane, spackle dries a lot faster than wood putty and is very easy to sand.

ozarkhillbilly · 03-09-2007, 04:02 PM

I'm pretty much of the same school of thought as Mick, another bonus with using BB is that it will display a wider varity of stain. I have used maple, pecan and english oak with great results on my portraits.

PuzzledMoose · 03-09-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobD

Thick paste-like material similar to drywall joint compound...used to fill holes at the joints in drywall, or to fill in holes you punched in the wall...

Bob

Thanks Bob - sounds like Polyfilla in the UK? Is spackle a trade name or generic?

03-09-2007, 02:41 AM	#1
Minnesota scroller Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SW MN Posts: 1,698	BB ply vs. oak ply For you who have utilized each, why would you choose one over the other? What is the difference besides cost and grain? Thanks __________________ Mike Making sawdust with a Dremel 1680. www.picturetrail.com/naturephotos

03-09-2007, 10:08 AM	#2
Jediscroller American Crafstman Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Galaxy far, far away Posts: 3,164 Blog Entries: 6	Oak ply is a little easier to cut. As far as how I decide which to use for what, for a very intricate cutting where there's not much that the grain could add I opt for BB. For those cuttings where I feel the grain of the oak could add to the cutting (water type patterns for examply) I'll opt for oak ply. This same decision making process carries over to hardwoods as well for making clocks and such. __________________ Kevin Scrollsaw Patterns Online Making holes in wood with an EX-30, Craftsman 16" VS, Dremel 1680 and 1671

03-09-2007, 11:42 AM	#3
sawdustus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,255	I absolutely agree with you Kevin. I would only add that if I am going to paint a puzzle made of ply, which I often do, I prefer BB because the paint covers the little bit of grain. With oak, the grain shows through the paint. The same thing happens when you are constructing inexpensive cabinetry for a kitchen, bath or shop. If you use regular ply, the spruce or pine grain shows through multiple layers of paint. The only solution I have ever seen is to coat the ply with spackle or sheet rock paste, sand it smooth, and then paint the ply. Shellac would probably accomplish the same thing with oak ply. __________________ A day without sawdust is a day without sunshine. George delta 650, hawk G426

03-09-2007, 02:44 PM	#6
Dragon scroller and moderator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chertsey, Quebec, Canada Posts: 2,529	Thanks for the explanation Bob. I didn't know what it was either. Why would you not use wood putty to fill in the cracks or holes? Or is this not the same doing? Diane __________________ Dragon Owner of a Dewalt 788 PuffityDragon on AFSP

03-09-2007, 03:21 PM	#8
Mick Walker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,493	Mike, I use BB for portraits and the oak for scenic cuttings trying to use the grain for sky, water, etc. I like a little grain in my portaits so you can tell it is wood. Diane, spackle dries a lot faster than wood putty and is very easy to sand. __________________ Mick, - Delta P-20 The future ain't what it used to be.

03-09-2007, 04:02 PM	#9
ozarkhillbilly Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,224	I'm pretty much of the same school of thought as Mick, another bonus with using BB is that it will display a wider varity of stain. I have used maple, pecan and english oak with great results on my portraits. __________________ Bill DeWalt 788 A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. aut viam inveniam aut faciam

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