Tips for cutting hard-to-reach t-molding slots?

[javeryh]

Hey everyone - I used a router and a 3 wing slot cutter to cut the t-molding groove for the edges of my cabinet.  I just realized that there is another edge that I need to route a groove into but the cabinet is already assembled.  Does anyone have any tips on how to route the groove in a place where the router cannot fit?  I don't have a dremel but I can get my hands on a hand chisel if that's the only way to do it but I'd rather not...

[Ed_McCarron]

Somewhere in here I read about someone using a hacksaw blade - they broke it in half and used the sharp edge to dig out the slot.

How close can you get the router?  I ran into the same thing (hindsight is always 20/20) and just cut the bottom of the 'T' off and hot glued the 4" or so I couldn't reach with the router.

[Crazy Cooter]

Could you use a small screwdriver and tap it with a hammer?  That should gouge it out.  Then you could use a drop of hot glue to hold the T-molding in (if it's a little loose).

[whammoed]

Please post a pic of the problem area.  Might have some better ideas for you that way.

[javeryh]

Please post a pic of the problem area.

[whammoed]

Ahhh...here is what to do:
get yourself a piece of scrap about the same shape as that control panel side piece and just a bit smaller.  Attach it temporarily to that side piece (tape, etc) Adjust the depth of the router bit to properly cut the slot and let the router sit on the scrap piece.
Let me know if you see any flaws in this technique, but it seems like it would allow you to not run into the main part of the cab with the router.

[javeryh]

I thought of that (I think - I put a shim on the side the same thickness of the indentation for the router to ride on) but the player 1 and 2 CPs are in the way at the top and bottom where the 3rd CP meets the carcass of the cabinet (the base of the router hits them).  It would work for the outer part though - maybe I'll just do that and hot glue the t-molding without the stem for the rest of it... unless someone has another idea...

Thanks though!

[kkingsto]

Try using a jigsaw.   

Place the piece to be cut between the plates where the blade is so the blade is resting in the existing slot.     The base plate will be at an angle to the edge.    Start the jigsaw (careful, the blade may make the saw jump if it hits something).   Once it's going push on the back of the saw so the blade starts resting on the wood (if needed).

I managed to do this and it worked OK.

[whammoed]

I thought of that (I think - I put a shim on the side the same thickness of the indentation for the router to ride on) but the player 1 and 2 CPs are in the way at the top and bottom where the 3rd CP meets the carcass of the cabinet (the base of the router hits them).