OK to route tmolding slot while cab is upright?

[KungFuJoe]

I know I should have routed out the slot while the cab was in pieces but I had started the project and was supposed to borrow a router from a friend.  He couldn't get the router to me when I wanted it, but I didn't want to delay the project so decided to worry about routing later.  Now I'm at the point where the cab is built and painted.  At first, I was thinking of just laying down some blankets or something to lay the cab on it's side and attempting to route like that.  But, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm having an issue with the paint not drying all the way and I'm afraid if I lay it on something, it will ruin the paint.

So I'm stuck with trying to route with the unit standing up.  I know this is not the best way to do it, especially considering I've never even held a router before, but I was wondering what the general opinion on doing this was?  I mean, if everyone says "don't even think about it", then I'll find another way, but if the general opinion is "it's harder, but shouldn't be too much of a problem" then I'll give it the old college try. 

[javeryh]

Not that it's dangerous but if you have never even held a router I'd advise you to lay the cabinet on its side and route the grooves properly.  The flatter (and more horizontal) the surface is the better you will be able to do the job.  You need to have a very firm grip on the router or else you risk an uneven cut and worse - personal injusy.  Plus, the t-molding is a "finishing" aspect of the cab and something the eye is drawn to immediately - especially if it isn't installed correctly (uniformly).  I'd take the time to do it right.

If you are worried about the paint job, don't.  You could either seal it with several coats of poly for protection and then route the grooves or just route the grooves and touch up any nicks in the paint that may happen as a result or add another thin coat (I think you will be OK though).

[Stingray]

Considering that this is the cab with the paint drying problem, you need to put the router down for now. You need to sort out the paint problem first. If it's still sticky, you'll ruin the paint with the router just as surely as you'd ruin it by laying it on it's side.

-S

[KungFuJoe]

Yeah...oh well.

I posted this with a "feeling" that I knew I'd get the responses I did...I guess I was hoping for someone to give me the answer I was looking for so I could take that one positive among 10 or so negatives and say to myself ,"SEE...I KNEW I COULD DO IT THAT WAY CUZ THAT ONE GUY SAID I COULD!. 

Guess I'll figure out how to get that damn paint to dry then lay it down on some blankets.  It's going to suck gutting out the cab (I've got the TV mounted and PC and subwoofer in the cab as well as the CP mounted (it's been playable since 1AM last night!!!!)), but at least I won't have to disassemble anything.  And I've put so much time and preparation (and MONEY!) into this project, I shouldn't half ass it now...

[Jabba]

Point a couple of fans at it.....Maybe that will help the drying process.

[jedi27]

Practice routing on some scrap wood... try routing vertically - you might do alright...

HOWEVER - I would strongly recommend you lay the cab on it's side - go for the horizontal..

Routing is also VERY dusty - especially on MDF.  Empty your cab - you don't want the dust getting everywhere - especially your trackball bearings...

Get that paint straightened out - if it's tacky now, imagine how your finish will appear with all of that sawdust on it..

[Stingray]

Get that paint straightened out - if it's tacky now, imagine how your finish will appear with all of that sawdust on it..

Also a valid point.

-S