Finishing Baltic Birch 13ply

Allen Ross · 07-06-2003, 10:14 AM

Okay i am a little sick of spray painting MDF and don't have the cash (as of now) for a nice vanneer so i am thinking of building my enclosure for at set of Pi Studio Speakers, out of baltic birch 3/4 13 ply.

My only hesitation is finishing these, i heard the baltic birch blotches when it takes a stain, so i need a conditioner of some sort. I am looking for a nice deep red stain, if not a dye that will match my newton M80s

http://homepage.mac.com/alrossnin/.P...4-0477_IMG.JPG

i know the grain won't be the same but i really like the look of a nice dark red.

Also i just got my Porter Cable 960 router and i really want to play with it, so i am thinking of using dovetail edges on the top/bottom sides. So i am looking at a dove tail kit/jig, and they only seem to come in 1/2 inch widths you think that would be cool with 3/4 inch ply?

thanks for any help

Dan Wesnor · 07-06-2003, 11:25 AM

Don't know about your local stores, but for what my local Home Depot charges for birch plywood, I can still do cherry veneer on MDF cheaper.

Brian Fellmeth · 07-06-2003, 03:42 PM

you can get nice veneer lots on ebay for 10 bucks

Allen Ross · 07-06-2003, 07:28 PM

its about 45 buck for a 5X5 sheet of BB, yeah i did a double take on the dimensions and if my calculations are correct i will need just one sheet to get the pair of speakers. BTW this is the cabinet grade BB.

i can see that the veneer can be had cheaply but i still want to look at BB, for the simplicity of not having to use an iron or glue, just make box and finish.

I do plan on using veneer on my version of Pee-Creeks once i get started on those

Brian Bunge · 07-06-2003, 08:23 PM

Allen,

Based on the picture you linked to, I'd suggest using the Behlen Solar-Lux Medium Red Mahogany dye. You can find it at a local WoodCraft store or order it online from woodcraft.com.

It's so easy to use even Dan Hine was able to get a good finish!

**HTF Ads**

Dan Hine · 07-06-2003, 08:27 PM

Yeah, and one day I'll get pics up. Eight rounded corners and all!

And yes, using the medium red mahogany dye on birch will give you the finish you're looking for.

Allen Ross · 07-06-2003, 09:25 PM

cool thanks for the quick response, On top of that dye should i poly or varnish?

Dan Hine · 07-06-2003, 09:56 PM

Allen, pics as promised:

Sub pics

I don't recall how many coats of dye I used. But I have half a bottle left over. And I used about 8-9 coats of Minwax wipe on poly. I think you'll be pleased.

- Dan

Thanks to Brett for hosting some pics for me!

Allen Ross · 07-06-2003, 10:33 PM

thats baltic birch, wow i am in aw, i am def going to do it then.

So it only took you one of those 10 dollar bottles?

Also what did you use to apply it, foam brush, rag?

Did you have to do anything to the poly, buff it? steel-wool?

thanks for your help and those pics took my breath away.

BTW if you want any pic hosting let me know i got tons of room, drop me an email its in my profile if you need anything

Dan Hine · 07-06-2003, 10:39 PM

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thats baltic birch

Acutally, it's just the regular birch at Lowes...a good bit cheaper. You'll need to brace it better than you would with the baltic birch.

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So it only took you one of those 10 dollar bottles?

Half of one to be exact.

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Also what did you use to apply it, foam brush, rag?

A ripped up t-shirt.

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Did you have to do anything to the poly, buff it? steel-wool?

I didn't. I could have buffed it but it really looks fine without it. Just apply smoothly, let dry, apply again. And again and again.

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thanks for your help and those pics took my breath away.

Anytime and I'm flattered.

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