Re: Plywood
Status update:
Been working with the plywood -building a kitchen island and some cabinets actually, I will recommend the stuff and will use it in the future. I'm living on the MT/ND border not too far from Canada and everybody within a 100mi radius cannot beat the price (-whether it's a good or bad price).
I could drive to Billings or Bismarck and get a better price but the fuel and time would negate any savings. There's an explosion of industry and people up here, but much is still lacking in fine-goods and luxury products. I can get house-building grade product by the semi-load for relatively cheap, but fine woodworking materials are non-existant.
The Menards wood is 11-ply with a fairly high quality clear face (not too far from the BB-grade russian stuff I've used in the past) The opposite side is a B, -no knots but with the football-shaped patches
The core plys are very straight with almost non-existant voids (small ones if there is) and no knots that I've found yet
Strength and durability seem really good. I see no reasons why this stuff would behave any different in a trunk, rack or speaker use than "official" russian birch. -The scraps I left outside in the weather didn't fall apart sitting in water and ice. Considering I normally carpet my stuff (yes I'm old fashioned) the quality of surface has never been an issue before but the stained finish I'm planning on my kitchen projects looks quite good.
My only issue is the nasty weather here and having to do cutting in an open carport. Any recommendations for woodworking in a shop that's filled with gear and electronics? (I'll be building another shop next summer I guess! 
