which router / slotting bit do I need for 1/2" tmolding?

[SNAAKE]

hi there, was wondering what kind of router bits I need to buy to cut the slots for tmolding? 1/2" plywood or 3/4".

something that works with this router?|
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0J08MF/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1

[bobbyb13]

Almost all T-mold I've seen requires a 1/16" slot cutter bit (and the arbor to hold it.)
Most small routers use a 1/4" shank.
Larger ones use a 1/2" shank and have adapters to use 1/4" shank stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Yonico-16-Inch-Slotting-Cutter-Router/dp/B07W4XDCXQ/ref=asc_df_B07W7D4WS4/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385124930314&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5973200334093107532&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032814&hvtargid=pla-836510965669&psc=1&ref=&adgrpid=80210700684&th=1

[BadMouth]

I use a 5/64 bit (just over 1/16).  Since we're linking Amazon, it looks like a decent quality bosch one is on sale for $15.  Pretty sure this is the same one I have. https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-85527M-Carbide-Tipped-Slotting/dp/B000660ZE4/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=1WDRBA0E1ON7X&keywords=5%2F64+slot+cutter+router+bit&qid=1683940458&sprefix=5%2F64+slot+cutter+router+bit%2Caps%2C418&sr=8-4
Edit:Nevermind it looks like it doesn't include the arbor.

On a side note I recently used the same bit to cut a kerf in the bottom of a wooden door to attach a door sweep.

[Zebidee]

I used 3/32 last time (just a bit bigger than 5/64) - it was OK but a tiny bit too big. Would use 1/16 next time as I don't have 5/64. The spline will still go in the slot if you bang it with a mallet or hammer (you can use small piece of offcut wood, with a straight-but-not-rough edge, to spread the impact a little).

Watch some vids and do a test run if you haven't much experience with a router.

[SNAAKE]

Almost all T-mold I've seen requires a 1/16" slot cutter bit (and the arbor to hold it.)
Most small routers use a 1/4" shank.
Larger ones use a 1/2" shank and have adapters to use 1/4" shank stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Yonico-16-Inch-Slotting-Cutter-Router/dp/B07W4XDCXQ/ref=asc_df_B07W7D4WS4/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385124930314&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5973200334093107532&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032814&hvtargid=pla-836510965669&psc=1&ref=&adgrpid=80210700684&th=1

so the router I linked would work with the 1/4"?

thanks everyone..gonna give this is a shot. ive done it before years ago but the bit I had was too big I think I had to use hot glue to hold the molding in place(ghetto af lol)

[BadMouth]

I'd prefer a full size 1.75HP router over that compact 1HP one, but the slot is so thin and it's a good brand router so it would most likely be fine.

Maybe someone who has actually used a compact router for something other than laminate will chime in.

[bobbyb13]

I use my one hand Milwaukee battery driven compact one for most things that don't benefit from a fence on the router table (which has a full size Bosch in it.)

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2723-20

It works great for T-mold slotting.
Even better when you plug a vac into it and don't have to eat all of the shavings.

[nugarp]

A bit late but +1 for 1/16" on the slot cutter. I've always used the recommendations from t-molding.com

Here it shows that for both 1/2 and 3/4 you want 1/16:

https://www.t-molding.com/3-4in-bright-red-t-molding.html
https://www.t-molding.com/1-2in-bright-red-t-molding.html

[SNAAKE]

Yonico Router Bits Slotting Cutter 1/16-Inch 1/4-Inch Shank 12101q

this didnt fit

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0J08MF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

the arbor piece doesnt actually go in. its too thick. any other recommendations?

[SNAAKE]

maybe I need to get this and the slot cutter separate?
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-92813C-Arbor-Slotting-Cutters/dp/B000WA5B8E/

[bobbyb13]

Yeah, there are different diameter arbors.
If you wound up with the right thickness slot cutter order yourself the right arbor.
Is there not a hardware store near you that you can just go pick one up?
The big box joints tend to have those tools too even if you don't have anything like WoodCraft nearby.

[SNAAKE]

i got home depot and lowes..somehow didnt bother to check either lol 

[SNAAKE]

why would they even make a router that cant use standard bits every other router uses........


id there was yelp for this id literally got be a karen about it

[bobbyb13]

Full size routers have a 1/2" collet but typically come with an adapter or an entire other collet to use 1/4" diameter arbors and bit shafts also.

Smaller hand held routers are invariably the 1/4" ones based on size of the whole tool.

Need to buy what fits the tool you want to use is all.

I have an assortment of this stuff but for the most part 1/4" stuff suits this hobby at least, especially as I do most things with a hand held router these days.

If you have a router table with a full size 1HP tool then it merits having 1/2" diameter bits and arbors.

[RobodocX]

You have a good choice of router there with the Colt for this task. That router has a 1.4" collet so you need a slot cutter with a 1/4" shank.