Simple question about t molding...

[thedyingmatt]

So I've searched the board for t molding sizes, and just get a ridiculously large results page which most of it is centered around the letter "t".

So here's my question...

I used 3/4 inch m.d.f. on my bartop and now want to apply t molding.
What size would I use, I see so many sizes, including what looks to be the most popular, 3/4 inch.  So I was just wondering if I do indeed use 3/4 inch t molding for 3/4 inch m.d.f or if I want to go a little smaller or bigger.

Also, if anyone knows of where to look at a walkthrough of t molding installation, I'd be very thankful.

Thanks in advance,

Matthew

[SirPeale]

Yes, you match the width of the T molding to the thickness of your wood.

If you don't route the slot quite evenly, you might have a smidge of overhang on one side or another.  You can use a new, sharp razor to slice off that (or you can leave it if it doesn't bother you).

[Flinkly]

good call on the razor blade thing, i would have never thgouht of it.  not like i've needed to know that yet, but you never know.

[TalkingOctopus]

You should try applying t-molding to some scrap scrap mdf first, adjusting your router so it cuts the slot exactly in the center.  Then you won't need a razor.

[daveg2000]

any good tutorials on this?  I've been thinking about this part of the project myself lately.... 

[Apollo]

You don't really need a tutorial, just make sure you put the slot cutting bit on the right way around, rout walking backwards pulling the router towards you ( instead of walking forwards and pushing the router away from you ) and practise first on scrap wood. Don't hurry when you are routing, wear safety equipment and don't rout indoors ( try it and you'll see why ).

[fredster]

That t molding bit is about $35 bucks too.

If you pull up, the slot gets too wide. You have to take your time.

I screwed one piece up pretty good when I stumbled going around it. I fixed it by putting in wood putty. One area I tried going over twice and it made the slot too wide.  I just glued it in that area.

You have to have a scrap piece to set the length on the router. If you don't watch it, the depth will change and the t molding will go off.

I wouldn't try and trim t molding with a razor.  You'll never get it right.  You'll cut into something.

Remember to take into account any plexi you put over it. You have to comp for it with a thicker t - molding and offset the depth so it's center to the added width.

[TalkingOctopus]

Both cutting the slot and installing the tmolding should be easy.

[danny_galaga]

That t molding bit is about $35 bucks too.

If you pull up, the slot gets too wide. You have to take your time.

I screwed one piece up pretty good when I stumbled going around it. I fixed it by putting in wood putty. One area I tried going over twice and it made the slot too wide.

[crashwg]

To get the slot PERFECTLY centered what you will do is, using a scrap piece of 3/4" MDF cut a slot, flip the piece over and try and put the blade back into the same slot from the other side.  If it doesn't go "like buttah" then it needs some adjusting.

Oh yea, CHECK AND RE-CHECK all the screws and clamps and anything else that may loosen up on your router before you start!  It realy sucks when the depth collar comes loose in the middle of a cut!

[Nocturnaloner]

That t molding bit is about $35 bucks too.

It can be had, with the arbor, for 16 bucks shipped at the mcls site liked above.

[thedyingmatt]

Ouch, well I've already assembled my bartop and am now in the cosmetics stage of the job, and just now decided to go with some t molding.

Does this mess me up pretty good??  Can I still apply with cab together??

It is a bartop so I don't even know if it's a good idea to add it, but I think it is seeing as I recessed the top panel a bit to give it the real arcade feel.

Upon looking closely, I'm guessing it's going to be difficult to put the molding on an already assembled  bartop, but any advice would be appreciated!!

Matt

[Goz]

You could cut the tmoulding so it could lay flay against the wood and then glue it. It would be possible to do a clean enough job that it wouldn't be noticeable. I did it once with a cocktail and it came out pretty ok.

-Goz

[fredster]

I was never good at precision cutting with a razor. 

But if you do this t slot right with a router, you can put it in less than 5 minutes per side.