Baltic or Finnish Baltic Birch for lens boards?

[eli]

I'm looking for some feedback on using, in particular, Woodcraft Birch plywoods, made into lens boards.

My Speed Graphic Ani., needs new boards for typical Press lenses and, perhaps, a large heavy Ektar lens.

The convenience of the thicknesses being ready to cut into two piece boards, I'd rather no use hardwoods, at this time.

I'll use Titebond III, for it's waterproof properties.

If you've an opinion on this wood or related topic, please, I'd be happy to read them.

Cheers,

Eli

[BrianShaw]

Hi Eli! I use Baltic birch from the local hobby shop and TightBond glue. As you suggest I build Anniversary Graphic boards out of two pieces; it’s easier to build the lips that way. And paint black with a decent flat black spray can.

[Greg]

FYI: For just making lensboards the following MicroLux® Mini Tilt Arbor Table Saw is obviously a total overkill

https://www.micromark.com/mini-power...aws/table-saws

But... if you are interested in fabricating some "one off" wooden (with plastic and soft metal parts) cameras, then it is worth considering acquiring. I have used it to construct many LF pinhole cameras and several panoramic 120 pinhole cameras. It's an absolute precision instrument.

[Drew Wiley]

Go somewhere you can inspect the individual sheets you hope to work with. Art stores as well as woodworking hobby stores tend to sell this kind of product. There should be firm multiple laminations, despite not being thick. Art store Black Cat ink is better than spray paint, dries quicker; and you can always varnish over it if needed.

[BrianShaw]

Also hobby shops that cater to radio controlled airplanes.

[HT Finley]

Also hobby shops that cater to radio controlled airplanes.

Agreed. Although good luck finding hobby shops any more. Might have to go to Hobby Lobby, although last time I was there looking at hobby wood it was piddling poor pickings compared to what hobby shops use to have. I've made my share of lensboards and all kinds of things. Now I just 3D print them. Not as pretty, but mighty accurate.

[Duolab123]

Are the sheet metal boards still available??

[BrianShaw]

Are the sheet metal boards still available??

Yes, but those don’t fit the Anniversary Graphic that Eli is needing.

[Duolab123]

Yes, but those don’t fit the Anniversary Graphic that Eli is needing.

I've been playing with Speed and Crown 's for over 40 years. I did not know that the earlier models used 4x4" lens boards. Learned something!

[John Kasaian]

These guys stock the real deal:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/wp/index.html
Baltic Birch ply is void of voids