Mrak Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 I'm just getting a "little" grasp on everything and I'm hoping for some advice. I'm going to start on a wood gear clock and I've been looking for Grade B plywood "Birch" because it's the cheapest. I've been shopping around to find the best value on the different websites and wondered if anyone out there had a favorite place that they liked shopping at. Also: Is there any reason why the plywood should be used instead of buying some solid wood, say from homedepot for example. I've always used the plywood in the past when I attempted to make wood gears, but I wondered about using just plain solid wood from the inexpensive boards from the lumber shelves. Thanks for any response. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clayton717 Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 the only reason I could see for not using solids wood would be possible warping and cupping of the larger pieces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldhudson Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 Check out this link when you get a chance: http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/topic/7800-wooden-gear-clock/?hl=%2Bwooden+%2Bgear+%2Bclock I'd stick with the best plywood you can get - real Baltic Birch or that Apple PW. In addition to the points Clayton made pw is dimensional more stable (when humidity can vary 70-80% wood can change size quite a bit) and it's less expensive than clear hard woods. I found the clock one of the most satisfying projects I've ever done. I can't wait to build my next one. Good luck Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryEA Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 Listen to a clock maker, Oldhudson The cross grain of plywood makes it much more stable than lumber. Less affected by changes in humidity and temperature which is important in a wooden clock. You can't make a Rolex with Timex parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 Do a works in progress on your clock making for us ,many many pictures makes us happy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 I'd get real baltic birch plywood. I wouldn't trust the birch plywood they have at the big box stores. They sometimes have voids in them that will cause problems. I've bought from Sloans Woodshop with good results. http://www.sloanswoodshop.com/ Ocooch Hardwoods is another popular choice. http://www.ocoochhardwoods.com/ You can also find some good deals on eBay. Here's a great tool for finding specialty woods on eBay. http://www.wooddealsonline.com/wood-by-craft/scroll-sawing/ LarryEA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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