Shorten tab on t-molding?

[bluevolume]

I'm getting ready to install the t-molding on my control panel, and I'm afraid that its going to split.  My panel is MDF, and I've played with a few spare pieces of MDF and a few of them split when I hammered in the molding (rubber mallet).  I'm notching them with the correct bit (1/16" for 3/4" molding).

I was looking at the molding and there are three levels to the tab on the molding.  Would it be OK to just remove the bottom level with a razor blade?  That leaves plenty of material to anchor into the wood, and would reduce the chances of it splitting.

Also, what is the best method for going around corners?  For rounded corners can you just cut off the tab completely?

[Green Giant]

Well, I have never heard of tmolding splitting the wood.  How deep did you make the groove with your slot bit?

As for removing the bottom notch, shouldn't cause a problem.

For corners, the best bet is to cut out notches so there is still something to grab the wood and stay in line.  If you are going around the outside of a corner make sure they are V-shaped notches so it will flex easily.

[More Cowbell]

If you're testing on one small pieve of MDF I can see it splitting. But if you do it over several feet, you won't have any problem. It kind of holds itself together.

[javeryh]

If you're testing on one small pieve of MDF I can see it splitting. But if you do it over several feet, you won't have any problem. It kind of holds itself together.

I agree.  I've never even remotely run into a problem with t-molding splitting MDF or wood.  Maybe you are hammering it in too hard?

[bluevolume]

Unless you've tested this using a cross-section of MDF, you may not know that you are splitting it. 

[More Cowbell]

Unless you've tested this using a cross-section of MDF, you may not know that you are splitting it. 

What I don't know can't hurt me.

[Tahnok]

If you're really worried about it, just do two passes with the router. Offset it a little, run it on one side, flip it over and run it again. As long as you keep the offset the same and run it on both sides, you'll end up with a wider centered slot.