Flush cut and wood question

[iowafishman@yahoo.com]

So I have a couple of projects going on. The first I have a template and I need to make a exact copy with 1/2 diameter mdf so do I need a flush cut bit with1/2" cutting erea or maybe larger 1" cutting erea? The second project is a arcade cabinet and I'm not sure about using mdf and something stronger. But it has to not chip when I'm cutting the t-molding slot. So what kind of wood AC/DC for wood, Luan plywood, or oak plywood? I know partial board chips when you t-molding slots I heard. Any answered are helpful!

[JohnnyJedi]

I used the regular (not the cheap one, particle i think it is) MDF 3/4 panel and had no problems whatsoever making the T-Molding Groove.. you just have to make sure that whatever panel you use you center the router bit exactly... takes a few tries to get it right in the center with scrap pieces.  ahh, and of course, please to the groove before you start your assembly..

[iowafishman@yahoo.com]

I used the regular (not the cheap one, particle i think it is) MDF 3/4 panel and had no problems whatsoever making the T-Molding Groove.. you just have to make sure that whatever panel you use you center the router bit exactly... takes a few tries to get it right in the center with scrap pieces.  ahh, and of course, please to the groove before you start your assembly..

Thanks but if im using a side panel and trying to make a exact copy using a flush cut bit what size cutting diameter for the flush cut bit? Do i use a 1 inch?

[Drnick]

I used the regular (not the cheap one, particle i think it is) MDF 3/4 panel and had no problems whatsoever making the T-Molding Groove.. you just have to make sure that whatever panel you use you center the router bit exactly... takes a few tries to get it right in the center with scrap pieces.  ahh, and of course, please to the groove before you start your assembly..

Thanks but if im using a side panel and trying to make a exact copy using a flush cut bit what size cutting diameter for the flush cut bit? Do i use a 1 inch?

Are you using a handheld router to do this or are you using a router table,  That and the size/power of router you are using will pretty much dictate the type and size of bits you can safely use.  Does your router use  bits with 1/4" shank 8mm shank or 1/2" shank.  I don't think you would want to run a 1 inch diameter copy bit copy/flush with a hand router unless you were doing kitchen worktops and have suitable router for the job.  Working on basis of using a hand router with 1/4" collett I would go with 1" Long 1/2" cutting diameter top bearing bit,  Something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Triton-TPTA61929914-2-Inch-Diameter-Flush/dp/B01MAXRYAD/

Also if you haven't had any training/practice with routers, you definitely want to get some in before doing this. Routers are about as dangerous a tool as you can use, High RPM and Sharp spinning bits make for a dangerous combo if anything goes wrong.

[JohnnyJedi]

I used the regular (not the cheap one, particle i think it is) MDF 3/4 panel and had no problems whatsoever making the T-Molding Groove.. you just have to make sure that whatever panel you use you center the router bit exactly... takes a few tries to get it right in the center with scrap pieces.  ahh, and of course, please to the groove before you start your assembly..

Thanks but if im using a side panel and trying to make a exact copy using a flush cut bit what size cutting diameter for the flush cut bit? Do i use a 1 inch?

Im not much of an expert here but I dont think you can use those to make the T-Molding groove..  unless you want a whole world of troubles... 1/16 is the groove to make for the T-Molding on must of them..

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,162535.msg1713310.html#msg1713310 some picks of the one i used here.