routing t-molding groove before or after laminating

[Breaker]

Hi all,

I'll be laminating my CAB within the next few weeks and I wanted to get people's opinions on routing the t-molding groove before/after laminating. Are there any advantages/drawbacks as to when the groove is routed? I'd prefer to do it prior to laminating, but I thought I'd post to ask for opinions...

Thanks
Breaker.

[Fozzy The Bear]

You can do it either way..... Doesn't really matter.  The only thing that should make you stop and think is the risk of scratching your nice new laminate if you do it afterwards.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[Havok]

I did mine before. I would think if you do if after, then just route from the opposite, unfinished side...

[Breaker]

Thanks Fozzy & Havok.

I'm planning to laminate the inside and outside of my CAB's side pieces (but only the outer most edge of the inside) so your points are well taken. Good to hear there aren't any serious considerations to routing the t-molding groove before laminating - I'm definitely going to go this route as it will allow me the opportunity to paint the edges black before laminating. Plus no worries about scratching that expensive laminate!

Cheers,
Breaker.

[somunny]

You won't see any of the edge once you've installed the molding so you may not want to take the time to paint it.

Steve

[Brax]

You can do it either way..... Doesn't really matter.  The only thing that should make you stop and think is the risk of scratching your nice new laminate if you do it afterwards.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

Or hitting a screw with the router and killing yourself from the schrapnel because you didn't plan ahead and put your screws too close to the edges.

[somunny]

I cover the contact surface of the router with painters tape to keep from scratching the laminate when I trim the excess. 

Steve

[Howard_Casto]

Remember when you cut your groove that the piece will have a greater thickness with the laminate than without.  For that reason I would cut it after. It's just easier to center your bit.