Fitting T-Molding

[rchadd]

Hi

I am thinking about various jobs involved in building a mame cam.

I am pretty confident about the basic carpentry involved in building the box.

However there is one thing that I find sort confusing... how to fit the T-Molding.

I figure you need to make a grove down the edges where molding is to be fitted. But how do you make it? So far I gather you should use a router with a slot cutting bit, but what is the technique?

I have never used a router before so I find this a bit daunting - I'm sure in reality it is not that hard.

Perhaps some kind person could provide a tutorial (with pictures) explaining the process of fitting the T-Molding (including any hints and tips)?

cheers

- richard

[SirPeale]

Having just started using a router, I can explain a bit.

You place the bit in the router, set the router to the depth that you want to cut, and start cutting into the side of the cabinet.  Yes, it's that simple.

[patrickl]

I found it amazingly easy as to use well. It's such a versatile tool, I'm amazed so few people own one. Allthough, I didn't own any powertools myself before I started building a cab.

:edit: Only problem I had was to find the right bit in the Netherlands (allthough I didn't look very hard). I bought a slot cutter bit from the US (and a router that could take a 1/4" shank). I bought  mine from this page from MLCS (I got #5341) on a tip from someone else here.

[SNAAAKE]

"fitting" ?
Use a rubber mallet,dont use hammer(common mistake)

[rchadd]

"fitting" ?
Use a rubber mallet,dont use hammer(common mistake)

any glue required?

[patrickl]

any glue required?

Normally not, I think. You might want to glue the ends though.

Another thing to be aware of is sharp bends. If the bend is sharp you have to snip out sections of the "back ridge" (dunno the english word, but I mean the stem of the T) Sharp bends might need some glue too.

[SeanFu]

"fitting" ?
Use a rubber mallet,dont use hammer(common mistake)

I had great luck with a rolling pin and lots of pressure.  It went pretty quickly.

[Tailgunner]

"fitting" ?
Use a rubber mallet,dont use hammer(common mistake)

Or use a block of wood between the T-molding and regular hammer.

[subcriminal]

I had great luck with a rolling pin

I had visions of you beating your cab with it! I take it you can roll it into the groove though 

[bionicbadger]

When you router the slot for the t-molding, in order to make sure its in the center, take a small piece of scrap and adjust the depth so its near the middle.   Mark it, or cut a tiny slot, then flip the wood over and see if it still lines up.  You know you are right in the middle when the slot is cut in the smae place from both sides of the wood.