Three-ply 3 mm lime tree A4 format

Quick Answer: The Three-ply 3 mm lime tree A4 format sheet is lime plywood, lime being the wood of the linden tree, also sold as basswood. Three thin veneers are bonded into a 3 mm panel cut to A4 size for model making, fretwork and laser-cut projects in design and technology classes.

About Lime Plywood Sheets

Lime, the timber of the Tilia or linden tree, is a pale, fine-grained hardwood with an even texture and little visible figure. It cuts cleanly both along and across the grain, which is why carvers and model makers have long favoured it. In this sheet three lime veneers are glued with the grain of each layer turned at right angles to the next, giving a 3 mm panel that resists splitting and stays flatter than a solid board of the same thickness.

The A4 format means each sheet is cut to the familiar paper size of 210 × 297 mm, so templates printed on A4 paper transfer directly and the sheets fit the beds of desktop laser cutters and the tables of scroll saws used in schools. The title’s ‘lime tree’ is a literal rendering of the French tilleul; the usual English trade names are lime plywood or basswood plywood.

At 3 mm the sheet is thick enough for box joints, small structures, gears and mechanism models, yet thin enough to cut with a coping saw or, with several light passes, a craft knife. The number of sheets per pack is not stated in the listing.

Specifications

Project Uses

• Laser-cut or scroll-sawn parts for mechanisms, gear trains and cam toys
• Architectural and structural models, including bridge and tower testing challenges
• Small boxes with finger joints, nameplates and pyrography practice
• Frames and bases for electronics and STEM projects

Cutting and Storage Tips

• Store sheets flat in a dry room; plywood left leaning or kept in damp conditions can warp.
• Test laser power and speed on an offcut first, because the glue lines between plies cut differently from the wood.
• Support the sheet close to the cut line when using a coping saw or fret saw to avoid splintering the face veneer.
• Sand along the grain with fine abrasive paper before painting or varnishing.

Why Choose LabEquip

Technology teachers and STEM clubs buy A4 plywood in class quantities so each student has a sheet for a project. LabEquip lists these sheets in General Lab Products, with project kits in the STEM kits range, and pack quantities can be arranged through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lime wood the same as basswood?

Both names refer to Tilia timber. European lime and American basswood are closely related species with very similar properties: pale colour, fine even grain and easy cutting. Lime tree, linden and basswood plywood all describe this kind of sheet.

Can 3 mm lime plywood be laser cut?

This kind of plywood is widely used in laser cutters because the wood cuts cleanly with little charring. Results depend on the machine and the glue in the plies, so run a test grid on an offcut to find suitable power and speed settings.

Why use three-ply rather than a solid wood sheet?

Crossing the grain of each layer makes the panel much less likely to split along the grain and helps it stay flat. A 3 mm solid sheet of the same wood would crack easily when cut into narrow parts.

Can the sheets be painted or stained?

Yes. The pale, smooth surface takes acrylic paint, wood stain and varnish well. Sand lightly first, and seal with a thin coat if an even colour matters, because cut edges soak up more stain than the face.

What tools are suitable for cutting the sheet by hand?

A coping saw or fret saw handles curves, a tenon saw gives straight cuts, and a sharp craft knife with several light passes can cut small parts. Clamp the sheet and always cut away from the hand holding it.

Is this plywood strong enough for structures?

For models, boxes and test structures it is adequate, and it is often chosen for bridge-building challenges. Lime is a light, soft hardwood, so the sheet is not intended for load-bearing furniture or parts that take heavy wear.

Last Updated: September 2026