Question about t-molding and formica

[maxstang]

Nearly done with my cab thanks to you all, and I've decide to use plasitic laminate (formica) on the outside.  That said, I'm wondering which t-molding width to use.  I have 3/4 thick side panels and I don't know if I should use 3/4 molding because the  laminate adds about a 32nd of an inch  to the width.  There's also the question as to when to cut the slot for the T: Before laminating the sides or after. Anyone else already solve this problem?  Thanks to you all again.

[Bones]

Hey,

I have never cut a T-moulding slot in my life so it's all academical from my point of view, but I would imagine before installing the laminate would be the way to go. I suppose it just reduces the chance of scratching or damaging your final finish.

This site may be of interest.

http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/htseries/formica.html

[subzero23]

having too little t-molding (by a 32nd) is MUCH better than having too much hang off and look ugly so go with 3/4" Tmolding

[muell67]

IM still in the process of designing my cabinet, so I still havent done this myself, but Im a draftsman & cnc programer at a commercial cabinet shop and I have been asking the shop guys questions about this and they all say that the best thing to do is wait until you install the laminate so you are sure you are absolutely centering the slot and then use 13/16" t-mold and the 1/64" overhang on each side will look better than the edge of the laminate if you go with 3/4" t-mold. They also make t-mold trimmers there expensive though.

[The Jerk]

My cab has laminate on the sides glued to 3/4" board.  I am currently using 3/4" T-Molding and it looks fine.   You can see the edge of the laminate but whoever cut the laminate did an excellent job!  Therefore it doesnt have any gagged up edges.  

Also, the edge of the laminate was a dark brown color that stuck out on my black cab so I took a Sharpie marker and colored the edge with it.  It looks quite excellent.  If I didnt do it myself I would never notice.  

[danny_galaga]

having too little t-molding (by a 32nd) is MUCH better than having too much hang off and look ugly so go with 3/4" Tmolding

it's quite common to have too much. it can be trimmed with a router i believe but i used a box cutter blade. use a new blade only and it will glide through it in one go. quite neat...

[muell67]

I wouldnt recomend using a router it will not cut smooth.

[releasedtruth]

All good things to know. I have 5/8" MDF and I'm getting laminate so I think I'll just go with 5/8" t-molding. Now if only I could find 5/8" grey t-molding. Arrrrrgh. 

[Negativecreep0]

here is the deal I used 3/4 mdf also so, you got 1/16 laminate + 3/4 =   13/16    which is a tmolding size that is carried.   now if you go laminate on both sides then you got 1/8 laminate + 3/4 wood = 7/8 which is a common t-molding size......... so basically you may only find the color black for these sizes but it will be a perfect fit. 

[releasedtruth]

I was going to order some vinyl from Happ, but they won't even quote shipping till you order. I can't abide by places that do that. There's also a problem with their site security, which doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy.