Turning Baltic Plywood

[Burnpile]

I'm just a hobbyist and read an article about gluing up pieces of Baltic Plywood and turning for a pen. Wow! It was the hardest pieces I've ever turned (again just a hobbyist). I spent more time sharpening my tools than turning. In addition it didn't turn out all that nice so I didn't even assemble the pen, I hope to salvage the tubes. I guess it shouldn't have been surprising since the pieces were mostly glue…Duh! Anyway if anyone has a suggestion on what I did wrong as least I could learn from my experience.
Thanks
Burnpile

 

[Woodchipper]

Can't help but there is a YouTube site, RDM Woodturning that might help as he turns plywood, OSB, etc.

 

[thewishman]

To turn baltic birch plywood, you need to turn the speed up as fast as possible and take small cuts.

 

[Dieseldoc]

Agree with Chris also use a shear cut and don't try to scrape the timber. You can use little CA to help hold the fibers together. I can say plywood is not a good timber to use. Little box I made with plywood glued to cap and then turned to make top.

 

[greenacres2]

Do a search for SpectraPly, i don't know what they use for glue, but it's soft and easy to work. Since it's soft, very sharp tool ans shear cuts will be your friends.

 

[Burnpile]

Thanks for the feedback. Again I'm just a hobbyist and not sure if I will try plywood again because I have so many more options. Currently trying to weave aluminum (beer can) through bourbon barrel oak. Kind of a Shot and a Beer approach.
Burnpile