T-Molding Installation Alternatives

[SuperRabbit0]

Is there any alternative to a router with a slot bit for installing T-Molding?

I am building a small tabletop and only need to intall about 5 feet of T-Molding on the cabinet.  Al the other woodworking is complete but I do not even own a router, much less a slot-cutting bit which it seems I will have to order from the US to get (I am in Canada.)  

I have a *lot* of patience for a time-consuming alternative.  Could I cut off the spine and glue it on?

My wife might kill me if I drop another $150 bucks to get a little T-Molding on there...  

But I guess that would just make me feel like part of the community.    

[DrewKaree]

The Home Depot's in the U.S. have a tool rental section.  Check there to see if they have the setup.  Another alternative (which I personally prefer, but some may poo-poo) in the tool rental section is a dedicated biscuit cutter.  The biscuit cutter should come with it's own blade, so the only cost associated with that should be the rental itself.  

For what you're looking to do, you should be able to get the rental fee a step below the daily rate.  Prolly around $15-25 for the time you'll need it.  

If you're gonna go the "cut the spline off and glue it" method, get some epoxy to do it, since you'll need this to be fastened better than the "normal" way.  

You could nail/staple it on, but if you go that way, I say why even bother with doing it?

One last option requires a nail gun OR a nailset and patience.  Cut a trim piece of hardwood/softwood and nail it in place.  You'll only be able to finish it square (flush) or use a saw to angle it so it'll have a "V" to it.  Use some finish nails, either using a nail gun, or a nailset to set the head flush/below the surface, and you're set.

Other than those options, I believe you're SOL.

[Santoro]

Another alternative (which I personally prefer, but some may poo-poo) .......The biscuit cutter should come with it's own blade, so the only cost associated with that should be the rental itself.  

poo-poo

The blade on my biscuit cutter (AKA plate Joiner) is way too wide for t-molding.  

I would rent or borrow a router.

[Mr. Dude]

You can cut the spine off but don't glue it use some velcro instead.  I did this in a spot on my cab where I couldn't fit the router in and you can't even tell the difference.  Home depot has velcro strips in 5/8" thick and 3/4" so it fits perfect along the edge.  This stuff holds great too, I've got my control panel attached with it also.  So trust me... cut off the spine then stick some velcro on there and it will work great.

[fredster]

I paid $33 for the bit from t-molding.com.  Routers are cheap, and if you want to do any woodworking, it's necessary.  I couldn't find one at Lowes or Home depot that would work.  

You can get one for $50-$60 bucks. OR you could borrow one.  Lots of people have them.

putting in the slot is easy and quick if you have the slitter cutter for it, and it's the best way to put it in.

T-molding is cheap too.  Ebay has some for like $12 that would do a pretty good size machine.

If you are going to do it, do it right man!

[DougHillman]

Anyone wishing to avoid the extra cost of buying the proper slot cutting bit size can do a decent job by slotting AND glueing.  

I T-molded an old project (non-arcade cabinet) by using a readily available 1/8" slot cutter and then filling the groove with epoxy gel.  Glued up a coupla feet at a time and let it set up a bit so that I could assure the edges were square before moving on to the next bit.  Turned out fine.  Hell of alot easier than cutting/grinding the spine off the entire thing.

 

[rchadd]

how much t-molding is required for a pacman cocktail cab?

i see lengths of 25' t-molding (various colours) for sale on ebay - is that enough?

[steve_pss]

Velcroing T Molding? Dear GOD man! You can pick up the bit about 20 bucks at tooldepot. Home Depot sells a 2 HP Ryobi for under 100 bucks. I have it myself. Not pro quality but it gets the job done nicely.

[fredster]

rchadd - 25 feet is fine for a pac man.

[SuperRabbit0]

Broke down and ordered the bit from a great shop I took a few woodworking courses in.  I'll just rent an hour or so of shop time and be done with it.

Thanks for all the suggestions!