Poplar Plywood
Overview
Poplar-core plywood for CNC routing. Softer than birch ply — cuts faster. Good for cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, and large panel work.
Properties
Pros
- Inexpensive and readily available
- Light color good for engraving
- Easy to machine and cut
- Good for painted projects
- Widely available
Cons
- Soft compared to birch plywood
- Can warp with humidity changes
- Not as durable as hardwood plywood
- May contain voids
- Edges can fray
Best For
- Cabinet backs
- drawer bottoms
- furniture panels
- painted signs
Avoid For
- Fine finish routing (face tears)
- outdoor use
Laser Compatibility
Poplar plywood cuts and engraves well — check for voids in core. CO2: cut 3mm at 200mm/s 60W; engrave 400mm/s 35%. Diode: cut 3mm in 2-3 passes at 80%; engrave 500mm/s 85%. Air assist reduces char on cut edges. Verify no glue voids before cutting — they cause inconsistent penetration.