T-molding and slot cutting problems

[Wade]

I thought I'd share my experience with this and possibly save someone else the trouble.

I bought the 5/64" (0.078") slot cutter that was recommended on this board for $16 shipped.  I am happy with it and it cut the MDF like butter.

I also got several samples of t-molding from t-molding.com.  ALL the samples I have are supposed to use a slot width of 0.75".  So my slot cutter is 0.03" too large, and I knew this when I bought it.  I thought it would be better to be a hair loose than too tight and possibly make the MDF bulge.  I didn't really know how tight the fit should have been.

Well, the black and blue samples won't even stay in the groove without falling out.  The chrome, gold, white, and yellow, on the other hand, fit very tightly.  I really want to use black so I will have to use a little glue or put a piece of tape in the slot to make the molding fit snugly.

Has anyone else run into a problem like this??  If I could order the T-molding from another place that uses a slightly larger slot (than 0.075") there would be no problem.

Wade

[SteveJ34]

Has anyone else run into a problem like this??  If I could order the T-molding from another place that uses a slightly larger slot (than 0.075") there would be no problem.

Wade

I ordered my t-molding from Happs, black smooth for 5/8" wood. Not sure the slot requirements as they are not listed in the catalog nor online.

However, I have tons leftover and would be happy to send you a sample for you to test with to determine if this might be a solution.

Steve

[Wade]

I appreciate the offer, but I need 3/4".  On the other hand, happs could probably verify if both use the same width of slot though.

Wade

[eightbit]

Another option would be to carefully file the edges of your slot cutter to make it cut a narrower kerf. You could fine tune that .003 out of there in no time at all. Just remember its a permanent modification and don't take to much off.

[Wade]

Yeah that would probably work, but I already cut all the slots on my cabinet. :/

Wade

[RacerX]

I would just use a little hot glue.  That stuff is great.  It holds very well, yet is easy to remove later.

[rhd]

I used the 1/16" kerf and it worked great with the stuff from T-molding.com. My fractions are a little rusty but I think that's 1/64" thinner than the blade you used. I think the hot glue option works well if you've already cut all your slots. But if you haven't then the new slot cutting blades are cheap (compared to most router bits) and you'll save your self some headaches later if you spring for the 1/6" blade and cut the thinner slots.

Thanks,
Rob

[Jakobud]

For tmolding you should always make the whole smaller if anything.  Just take a hammer to it and it will stay in really well.  You should have experiemented a bit with some scrap wood ahead of time.

[DJ Gary-N]

I used a 3 wing slot cutter smaller than the size I needed. Then adjusted my router slightly and recut the slot slightly larger 'till I got a perfect fit. You've got to be steady and carefull not to let the existing first slot jump your router out of track. With a small enough bit you could cut any size slot you want with a few passes. (Just make sue your first cut is a little off center so the next cut makes up the difference)

[Jakobud]

I had 5/8 mdf and I used 1/16 slot cutting bit with three blades on it.  I made one pass at it and the t-molding I bought from t-molding.com worked perfect in it. I did have to put a lot of pressure on it to get it in but it's definately not going anywhere.  Nice snug fit.

[Wade]

Yeah, I screwed up.  I tested it on scrap first but the t-molding I inserted fit tightly.  It wasn't until later that I found the black and the blue didn't fit as tightly. :/

Either way, it's not a real big deal.  A little rubber tack cement or something should fix the problem.  I just thought I'd warn others that 0.03" thickness is apparently enough to make t-molding.com's molding not fit correctly.

Wade

[_Iz-]

Silicone is also a good choice to make it stick in there if you don't have/don't want to buy a hot glue gun and sticks. Might have to hold the t-moulding on with tape until the silicone sets...