T-Molding -how strong edges can be?

[Carsten Carlos]

Hi!

I'm currently makin some minor changes on my cabinet-plans (yes, again), and wonder how much I must curve the edges so the T-molding could follow and wouldn't crack or whatever?

Is this really so flexible like it looks on some cabs? As far as I look at the original Centipede-cabs (plan something very close), the edges are nearly sharp!

I wanna use the smooth 5/8", guess I don't need thicker wood to build this thing.

[OSCAR]

Yes, you can make very sharp corners with t-molding without problems.  When doing so, it is important to make a V-notch in the vertical retaining leg of the t-molding, that way it will bend sharp to follow the contour of your cabinet/control panel.

[1UP]

I had some really tight corners on my cab, and got the molding to go as tight as 1/4" radius!  All you have to to is clip the "tongue" of the molding (the part that gets inserted in the groove) 3 or 4 times about 1/4" apart, so it can bend but there's still something left to hold it in place.  Pull the molding tight when you're tapping it in.  I'd also suggest putting some glue in the slot near the corners, so it stays in place well, especially on inside corners.  If your corners are REALLY sharp with no curve at all, cut the molding and butt the two ends together in the corner.

Good luck.

[SNAAAKE]

Yes, you can make very sharp corners with t-molding without problems.  When doing so, it is important to make a V-notch in the vertical retaining leg of the t-molding, that way it will bend sharp to follow the contour of your cabinet/control panel.

OSCAR,
you seem to know a lot,Is it possible to cut slot for 1/2 wood.what sized router bit again?

[OSCAR]

Yes, you can install t-molding in 1/2" wood.  A 1/16" slot cutter bit works best for t-molding.  BTW, I still have lots of 1/2" smooth black if you need it.

[SNAAAKE]

i got some from local arcade.

they are 5/8 molding but after having a plexi glass it should be okay .I will email you if things dont work out so you send me some of that 1/2 onces.

[Richy]

I was wondering, since i have no access to a router, could i just cut the slot with a jigsaw? Would that work? Has anyone done it before?

[turboc]

I've cut slots for T-molding on smaller cabinet parts with a table saw set to the correct depth and a guide fence.  Since the saw blade is wider than 1/16", glue must be used to hold the molding in place.

[spidermonkey]

The slot has to be cut with a rotary action type of saw whether it be a router,Rotozip,tablesaw, or even a Dremel if you have VERY steady hands. As you know,a jigsaw uses an up & down motion and cannot be used for plunge cutting. The saw will be bouncing all over the place and eventually the blade will just snap. When you're already to do all your slot cutting rent a router from a rental center for the day. You'll need to buy the slot cutting bit 1/16"  I doubt the rental center will have this size.  I got the bit and the arbor for like 20 bucks at "Woodworkers Warehouse".  
Happy Slotcutting !
S.M.

[spidermonkey]

The slot has to be cut with a rotary action type of saw whether it be a router,Rotozip,tablesaw, or even a Dremel if you have VERY steady hands. As you know,a jigsaw uses an up & down motion and cannot be used for plunge cutting. The saw will be bouncing all over the place and eventually the blade will just snap. When you're already to do all your slot cutting rent a router from a rental center for the day. You'll need to buy the slot cutting bit 1/16"  I doubt the rental center will have this size.  I got the bit and the arbor for like 20 bucks at "Woodworkers Warehouse".  
Happy Slotcutting !
S.M.

[Carsten Carlos]

As I've no routher I wonder if I could do this with these cheap sorts of Dremel they sell? Saw something for $25, just don't know if the router-bits would fit there. And I'm pretty sure I've to import this routerbit, don't know if anyone in germany needs 1/16" slots except me!  
Is there something like a distance holder for a Dremel? I don't believe that I got such steady hands that I'll always be in the middle of the road eh wood.

Anyone an idea where to get 5/8 light blue? I saw this color under Project Anouncements, and really loved it! If there is no chance, I might just go with 3/4" wood, but would prefer going with 5/8.

[Birdtales]

Anyone an idea where to get 5/8 light blue? I saw this color under Project Anouncements, and really loved it! If there is no chance, I might just go with 3/4" wood, but would prefer going with 5/8.

http://www.t-molding.com
has it in 3/4" you could trim it down from there.

[Grasshopper]

i got some from local arcade.

they are 5/8 molding but after having a plexi glass it should be okay .I will email you if things dont work out so you send me some of that 1/2 onces.

Snaaake, I thought you didn't have a router. Have you now bought one, or have you found another way of cutting the slot?

[SNAAAKE]

Well...I can be honest here..I bought one from home depot and the idea is to bring it back after I am done.However,the thing works great and its cheap so I decided to keep this little magic tool(you never know when you need em).

[Carsten Carlos]

Hey Snaaake,

what does a cheap router cost anyway? I don't even know how they are called here (only know Dremel's), at least this would give me an idea if I could efford a real one

[SNAAAKE]

60 bucks US is pretty cheap for the tool.Dremel is not for these purpose man .
Must have router because i have a dremel too and  i dont ever use it but bought anyways(i used dremel to cut metal speaker grill onces).

[Carsten Carlos]

60 bucks US is pretty cheap for the tool

$60 is okay for me, at least when I can't find a cheaper way. You knever know when you need a router!  

Do these slotbits fit in every router? Something I must take care of before I get one?

[StingMe]

Do these slotbits fit in every router? Something I must take care of before I get one?

Routers come in two "flavors" - with a 1/2" or 1/4" collet. 1/4" is cheaper and 1/2" is more versitile...you can get a "step-down" adapter so that the 1/2" router can accept 1/4" bits, but you can't get a "step-up" adapter for the 1/4" router. Just make sure to match up the shank size of the router bit you're getting with the capabiities of your router.

As I've mentioned in other threads,

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com

is a great (and friendly) resource for newbie woodworking questions and they have good prices on bits as well. Their T-molding slot cutter bit is #5360 ($16 U.S.):

Slot Cutter Bits @ MLCS

Good Luck!