Plywood veneer seperation

[Kris Martinson]

I used some 1/4" plywood for a recent portrait project. When I removed the "green frog" tape after finishing the scroll saw cutting, some of the smallest cut areas of the veneer chipped off. I only bought the best available plywood from my local Lowe's store. I'm sure there must be better quality plywood, but I don't know where to buy it. or should I use a different technique to apply my pattern?

[LarryEA]

Do a search ... "Folsom, California Baltic Birch"

"Baltic Birch Folsom, California "

 

There has to be a supplier of BB in your area. The Big Box stores carry the best crap.

[LarryEA]

it is possible the green frog tape was too sticky... just maybe

[Kris Martinson]

Thanks, Larry. What do you use to apply your patterns?

[jerry1939]

We have a Lowes store nearby.  Learned not to buy 1/4" oak there, even though I receive a 10% military discount.  Drive farther to buy at Menards & pay full price.

 

Plywood -  I have always been happy with the plywood & fast service from here:  http://www.sloanswoodshop.com/default.htm

 

I always order "Good 2 sides."  For a slightly higher price, if there is a slight flaw on one side, you can flip it over.  I always use blue tape on both sides.  As soon as you put on the first strip of tape, Mark it "TOP" so that you don't accidently put your pattern on the wrong side.

 

Re: removing the tape & pattern:  Where there is a tiny piece of wood, put a fingernail under "the point" and pull towards the wider part.

 

Hope you find something here of value to you.

 

jerry

Edited May 12, 2015 by jerry1939

[ike]

I use painters tape . I find that the 3 m brands are the best but I can't guarentee that they wont cause  the same problem with photos.

[ChelCass]

99% of the plywood you buy In the Big Box Stores chip.  We are fortunate to have Johnson Lumber within a reasonable driving distance and this is where I buy my *good* wood.  If I am doing something that I will be putting a backer on then the BBS plywood will work.  It has nothing to do with the tape you use it is the quality of the wood.  Plywood is just that : Ply which is layers of wood glued together and they always chip.

[LarryEA]

Thanks, Larry. What do you use to apply your patterns?

Kris, I use a variety depending on a few factors, mostly the size of the pattern. 

Generally:

* Large Patterns - GLAD's Press & Seal   -  Buy it in grocery store. You need small wall paper roller 4" (four inch)

                             Pull off what you need, lay it on wood and roll until bubbles are out.  It's quick...

                             It's good because it is see-thru, sticks about like blue painters tape, maybe not as much.

                             I trim the extra off with Exacto.

                             On fret work since it is see-thru, you have to make sure it all comes off when you are done.

*Medium Patterns - Blue Painters Tape ... sometimes Glad P&S

* Small Patterns - Usually nothing, just use spray glue and clean it off with mineral spirits

* Hot glue on stack cuts but have used double sided tape *Hot glue and tape may also peel top layer, so plan accordingly.

^{Hey, I also use glue sticks on the little ones.}

^{Hope this helps.}

[Scrappile]

Check local lumber yards, not the big box stores, to see if they carry Baltic Birch plywood.  Normally comes in 5' x 5' sheets. 

[amazingkevin]

When i take my patterns off ,all i have to do is turn them upside down and they fall off.I used permanent spray glue on the wood and press the pattern on while wet. I cut my project and then spray a mix of mineral spirits/lacquer thinner.Spray once wait till it soaks in and then spray again and the pattern falls off.It wipes clean with no glue left on it with another spray of the mix.It doesn't get any better than that!

[woodduck]

I am with you Kevin,thats nearly exactly what I do.

[amazingkevin]

Amen Brother,Why fight it!

 

I am with you Kevin,thats nearly exactly what I do.

[amazingkevin]

I've used a lot of spray bottles to spray the mix and the ones that hold up are the gallon bug spray bottles!

[bonacker]

I always buy from Sloanswoodshop.com. Their plywood has given me no problems. I usually use blue painter's tape. Just be careful when peeling off tape and peel with the grain of the wood, especially when doing fretwork.

[Scrolling Steve]

Kris I also use blue painters tape.....I buy Baltic Birch from WoodCraft and have always been pleased!...I use some plywood from the big bx store for backers only....Good luck, try a few suppliers you will find one you like!

[dgman]

I don't use blue painters tape. I hate having to remove all those little pieces left behind between the frets. I do like Kevin, except I spray the back of the pattern. Let it set up for about 30 seconds, then apply to the bare wood. After cutting, I spray the pattern with mineral spirits. Let it soak in for a few seconds then pull the pattern right off.

Another method is using a heat gun. If you don't have a heat gun, you can use a hair dryer.

If the wood I'm cutting has a tendency to burn, I'll apply clear packing tape on top of the pattern. I use a plastic putty knife to burnish the tape to remove any air bubbles.

[Lucky2]

What I do is, I sand the piece of wood before anything else is done to it. Then, I cut out the pattern to as close to the edge of the drawing as possible. I hate having to remove unneeded paper and glue from the cutting. After cutting the pattern out with a pair of sissors, I then spray the back of the pattern and let it set for a few seconds to set up before applying the pattern to the piece of wood. I use nothing to fasten the pattern to the wood, other than spray glue. The reason for doing it this way, is that the veneer on plywood is so thin that it doesn't take much to lift the veneer. After cutting the project out, I remove the pattern by using mineral spirits. This will allow you to remove the pattern paper, without lifting the veneer. I then will finish the cutting with whatever type of finish I am using.

Len

[Kepy]

You can always ask at the pro desk if they will order the Baltic Birch for you.  I have done that at HD.

[Kris Martinson]

Wow...thank you all for the great help. I'll try combinations of all your advice and see what works out best for me.

 

I love this group....so happy I found it.

[DWSUDEKUM]

I do not use the green tape as it is more adhesive than the blue painters tape.  I would get bb ply from your local woodcraft store or you can go to http://www.appleply.com/ and find out were to get an American equilivelent to BB ply.  Just as good slightly less expensive.  My Lowes was carrying it but has since relegated it to web ordering only.

DW