[NDWoodWorker]

I’m making a shooting board using Rob Cosmans technique / video. It calls for 1” (or 3/4”) MDF base and Baltic Birch plywood surface. MDF is easy enough to find, but I can’t seem to find baltic birch in my area (upper midwest). Will other plywoods do? I would think it primarily needs to be very flat and square for this project but was curious if anyone had input on alternatives.

 

[NDWoodWorker]

Yep - Just got a quote for almost a hundred for a 3x5 sheet or so. It’s probably great stuff, but I think I’m going to try some scrap plywood in the garage. It’s a small project and if it ends up not being flat or durable enough for some reason, I’m not out much.

 

[NDWoodWorker]

Thanks for your input, Tom!
Well it’s gluing up now so wish me luck. I’m using old dresser legs as cauls. The base, instead of MDF, Is a good, flat, square pine surface I had laying around. I still have to get a nice square fence on it. The plywood I had laying around seems decent enough, and I cut a small rabit in it so the planer blade doesn’t grab it. I have a cleat going on the bottom so it can rest against my workbench. Again, wish me luck, things can still go south from here 😅

 

[NDWoodWorker]

I’m buying my first real planer soon, for now I’m using a small cheap Stanley planer. I’m thinking #4 or #5 will likely be used in it.
The shooting board turned out well, I’m happy with it.