What is basswood plywood? Is basswod a hard wood?

Yes, basswood is a hardwood, but it is known as a soft hardwood because of its low hardness and low density. Basswood is a light, soft, very light colored wood that is very easy to work with, making it one of the most popular woods for carving/engraving and cutting. Basswood plywood is a board material made from multiple veneers of basswood bonded together.

In fact, "laser plywood" or "laserply" is usually basswood, even if it is not identified as such. In comparison with other woods, this wood's fine grain is well suited for laser engraving and cutting, burning evenly and leaving smooth edges. For laser engraving and cutting projects, basswood can provide impectable results.

How are basswood plywood sheets made?

Basswood plywood is made by stacking several thin sheets of basswood veneer with the grain of adjacent layers perpendicular to each other for the purpose of increasing its strength.
The layers are then bonded together with an adhesive, usually a type of resin.
The layers are then pressed together, usually using an automated press, to create a single basswood sheet.

Common uses of basswood sheets

Basswood sheets are lightweight, strong, and easy to cut and shape, making them a popular choice for a variety of projects such as furniture-making, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects.
In fact, "laser plywood" or "laserply" is usually basswood, even if it is not identified as such. In comparison with other woods, this wood's fine grain is well suited for laser engraving and cutting, burning evenly and leaving smooth edges. For laser cutter projects, basswood can provide impectable results.

Basswood vs balsa wood

It is common for people to confuse basswood with balsa, but the two are not the same. Although they are similar in appearance and both are soft, light woods, basswood is actually much harder and heavier than balsa.

What is special about xTool basswood plywood?

• Premium Quality & Fine Processing: made of natural basswood with smooth and sturdy surfaces, and neat edges, preserving the beautiful natural grain of basswood
•  Desirable Thickness: the 1/8'' and 1/4'' thin basswood plywood sheets are easily cut without warps or any deformation.
• Wide Application Area: ideal for carving, staining, painting, woodworking, cutting & engraving with a laser cutter/ engraver, scroll saw, and craft knife. Meet different arts, crafts, DIY projects in various scenarios, such as small business , home projects, school projects, kid projects, ornaments and decors, etc.
• Environmentally Friendly Materials: Made of natural basswood, the unfinished wood has no harsh chemical smell, and no pungent smell when cutting and engraving using a laser engraver.
• All basswood plywood can be laser cut and engraved by all xTool laser machines.

How to laser cut basswood plywood?

It is recommended to always run a test before performing the actual laser cutting project. When laser cutting thick basswood plywood, it's advised to use high power and multiple-pass at a high speed setting to reduce laser dwell time and heat-affected area to minimalize the burning edge. For your ease, we've prepared this ultimate guide to laser cutting plywood.