The Lounge

So there is a global shortage on BB plywood. The problem should fix itself by September or October. Wholesalers are unwilling to buy it and be stuck holding inventory when the price goes back down. I found a wholesaler that will order it for us but it will cost 30-50% more. I don't know what the base price is yet. Are we needing 5x5 sheets or are we willing to switch to 4x8 sheets? I would like to place an order but I need to know how much to get. If you plan to switch materials let me know.

I see, yes that all sounds great!

The storage space down in the basement measures approx 6'-10" x 5'-9", so a little too short for full 4'x8' sheet storage. I would definitely see some times where I would want to max out the laser bed, but in general would use smaller pieces. I'd suggest just racking them with different widths so noone gets painted in a corner, My $0.02.

I guess I didn't word it well. This would be to benefit the space. We usually need a minimum order quantity to get a discount. If we need to buy 50 sheets to get a discount and we can get pledges for 30 sheets then the Space could get the 20 discounted sheets for resale.

I'm just trying to get a group to get this started. The board has enough to do with everything else. If it works well and the board wants to take it over that would also work.

I was also fishing to see if people were ok with half sheets or if there was a different cut that would work. Should we cut the pieces at 30" wide each or 36" and 24"?

There is a nice storage area in the basement that had been earmarked for this.

As a member I would support this initiative, however I would suggest that the Makerspace Society make the purchase and resell to members to help provide funding to support the space, like other consumables. Compared to retail prices everyone would come out ahead.

Hi all.

We have discussed buying materials at the space and reselling them to the membership. Would anybody be interested in doing a group purchase of 3mm baltic birch plywood? We could sell the birch by the half sheet so people don't have to stock inventory. We could discuss other sizes if needed. My plan would see the plywood on site but locked up with limited access. Speak up if you want to participate.