T-Mold Routing Bit Help

[urbecrisch]

Just want to know what kind of routing bit to use for T-molding on my CP.  The CP is 5/8" with 1/8" plexi.  Thanks.

[leapinlew]

You want a 3 wing slot cutter that is 1/16".

I got mine from www.mlcswoodworking.com

[javeryh]

You want a 3 wing slot cutter that is 1/16".

I got mine from www.mlcswoodworking.com

This is exactly the bit I use as well.  It cuts like butter baby!  FYI, the thickness of your panel does not matter at all for cutting the slot (but it does matter for selecting the width of your t-molding).

[urbecrisch]

When I make my cut for my CP t-mold, I need to remove my plexi, correct?  I just need to make the cut over my CP MDF?  Hope this makes sense.

[leapinlew]

When I make my cut for my CP t-mold, I need to remove my plexi, correct?  I just need to make the cut over my CP MDF?  Hope this makes sense.

I would remove the plexi just so you don't scratch it.

Make sure you do test cuts on scrap material before you do the real deal. Be careful (both hands on the router). Lastly, make sure the slot cutter is spinning the right way - many folks have cut the slot with the 3 wing slot cutter upside down.

[javeryh]

Do all your measuring as if the plexi were there (so the slot you route will actually be offset by the thickness of the plexi) so when you put everything together the t-molding will cover the plexi as well as the MDF.  If you are using 3/4" MDF and 3/4" t-molding you can still offset the slot to cover the plexi and chamfer the underside edge - you won't be able to tell.  See any of knievel's control panels for an example.

Oh, definitely test on scrap MDF.  You might end up making 2 or 3 adjustments before geting the setting "perfect" (I always do) so testing on scrap is a must.

[WLVRYN]

After just cutting my slots today, I'd definitely echo javeryh's suggestion to test on scrap.  I ended up going through about 3 sheets of scrap before I got the setting right.

One other helpful suggestion is to make sure that you dont cut the slot while you are walking (i.e., moving your feet to catch up to the router), and that you are always ensuring that the bottom of the router is flush on the MDF.  I moved to catch up and the bit traveled up and nearly came through the top of my CP.  Good thing that I cut two CPs since that one is now scrap.