How to cut the t-molding groove?

[soslo]

I see woodbits: http://www.woodbits.com/

but I don't knwo which one to use...or is there an easier way (like use a table saw)...

[gndprx]

Depends on what your t-molding calls for.

The actual router bit is called a slot-cutting bit,  Generally either 1/16" or 3/32" depending on the specs of your t-molding.

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdetl.cfm?offerings_id=2119&objectgroup_id=397&catid=78

That's what the bits look like.

[mastahkaz]

If you have a Dremel tool get the #542 Cutting/ Shaping Wheel and  #330 router attachment.  It cuts a pefect slot for t-molding that gives it a nice tight fight without having to use glue.

[tmasman]

I see woodbits: http://www.woodbits.com/

but I don't knwo which one to use...or is there an easier way (like use a table saw)...

On that site you would be wanting the "4 Wing Slot Cutters" on page 13.
With some sites/stores you have to purchase the slot cuttong blades seperate from the shaft though... & I'm not sure if that's the case here (or at the site mentioned by gndprx)

woodbits doesn't seem to have 3/32 though... Only 1/16, 5/64, & 1/8...

[soslo]

mastahkaz - sweet. I have a dremel with the routing attachment - that will save me some dough! I'll check Home Depot this afternoon.

gndprx - if the dremel thing falls through, that will be my second choice

tmasman - thanks for the direction for that site. If all else fails, I'll shell out the $$ for the 4 Wing Slot Cutters

[RedSquirrel]

im about to order some t-molding, but i dont want to have to buy a router!

Anyone think this will work? Carefully cut a groove with a stanley knife and then widen the gap with a flathead screwdriver?

[tmasman]

im about to order some t-molding, but i dont want to have to buy a router!

Anyone think this will work? Carefully cut a groove with a stanley knife and then widen the gap with a flathead screwdriver?

No...

You'll never be able to keep the line straight enough...  Find a friend or neighbor with a router, or go bargain shopping...  This really is a job for a power tool.

[JoyMonkey]

im about to order some t-molding, but i dont want to have to buy a router!

Anyone think this will work? Carefully cut a groove with a stanley knife and then widen the gap with a flathead screwdriver?

I doubt your wood will appreciate this method. Depending on what kind of wood you're using, cramming a screwdriver head into the groove made by the utility knife will most likely cause some/a lot of splitting. Try it out with a piece of scrap first.

You could always find a friend with a router and steal his. Maybe join some kind of woodworking club, tell the quiet guy in the corner you're really interested in seeing the scale model of the Titanic he routed. When you get to his house, grab the router and run for it.

This is how I procured most of the power-tools in my collection.

[geekbrain]

I'm in the process of building a cabinet from scratch.  Here's the CHEAPEST sources for t-molding stuff:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html

Go with the #5342 (the one I used) or #5343 for 1/4" router or #7642/#7643 for 1/2" router.  Itcomes with the arbor/bearing and it's only $16 with free shipping!!!


For the actual t-molding go to:

http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/109/html/3426.html

I used the 93165K4 - it's half the price ($0.22 per foot) of any other place I've seen but unfortunately only comes in black (what I used) or white.


Forget the utility knife, dremel, etc.  I'm cheap, but this is not an area you want to cut corners on.  Borrow a router or pick one up cheap at Harbor Freight, garage sale, etc.

[RedSquirrel]

i did kinda try it with some scrap wood, it didnt seem to bad. Just had to make sure it was made in a straight line. (Im using 3/4 mdf).

Ill ask around if anyone has a router, but i dont think i know anyone with one. I dont particularly want to pay

[Tailgunner]

For the actual t-molding go to:

http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/109/html/3426.html

I used the 93165K4 - it's half the price ($0.22 per foot) of any other place I've seen but unfortunately only comes in black (what I used) or white.

Brady Distributing sells smooth black 3/4" T-molding for 14

[soslo]

Hapss not bad either...like 17 or 19 cents per foot ...I just spent over $800 with them today...

[Tailgunner]

Hapss not bad either...like 17 or 19 cents per foot ...I just spent over $800 with them today...

I guess I got off light then, I made it out the door with only spending $265. Though if that motion chair simulator played Mechwarrior 3 instead of 4 I'd probably be in debt up to my eyeballs.

[kspiff]

Use once?  I used to think that, but now I route every straight edge.. routers are an invaluable tool once you have one..

[RedSquirrel]

Use once?  I used to think that, but now I route every straight edge.. routers are an invaluable tool once you have one..

If I had not of already managed without a router, then yes i would have bought one. The main problem is i want to install the t-molding after the cabinet is put together. I think its gonna be kind of hard doing this with a router. Main reason is I am only allowed the garage for 1 more week, and the t-molding is gonna take 7 days+ to arrive.

True, i might make some more control panels in the future which is would be handy for, but i dont know as of yet.

[mh208]

Seeing this post reminded me of something I saw on t-molding.com the other day.

Anyone else stumble across this yet:
http://www.t-molding.com/cart/customer/product.php?productid=34&cat=&page=

Thought it was unique. It's probably been in WalMart and Target for for past 6 months, I don't get out much anymore.

[kspiff]

Hm.. installing t-molding after the cabinet is together isn't hard, unless you mold something other than the sides.  But if you don't need it, you don't *shrug*.. not having one does save you from going on a bit-crazy spending spree later

[RedSquirrel]

Seeing this post reminded me of something I saw on t-molding.com the other day.

Anyone else stumble across this yet:
http://www.t-molding.com/cart/customer/product.php?productid=34&cat=&page=

Thought it was unique. It's probably been in WalMart and Target for for past 6 months, I don't get out much anymore.

yeah that atari 10 games in one has been available for ...ages..

[soslo]

Tailgunner - where did you find the t-molding on brady dist? Their site doesn't have the greatest search functionality...

[Tailgunner]

Tailgunner - where did you find the t-molding on brady dist? Their site doesn't have the greatest search functionality...

I didn't, they have a branch that's local to me so I walked up to the parts counter and asked for some 3/4" black t-molding. I'd suggest calling and asking for the parts department.

One thing I should point out, the black t-molding they carry is sized for a 5/64" slot.  If all you have is a 1/16" slot cutter, you could make a pass with your router, adjust the depth and make a second pass to widen the slot.

[soslo]

thanks

[Dartful Dodger]

Anyone think this will work? Carefully cut a groove with a stanley knife and then widen the gap with a flathead screwdriver?

If you try it, I'd like to see the pictures.
Not the pictures of your cabinet, but the pictures for your hand after they reattach your fingers.

[RedSquirrel]

Anyone think this will work? Carefully cut a groove with a stanley knife and then widen the gap with a flathead screwdriver?

If you try it, I'd like to see the pictures.
Not the pictures of your cabinet, but the pictures for your hand after they reattach your fingers.

no probs. Ill keep a camera handy just for you.