any way to do t-molding and cutting for 4 way w/o router?

[hulkster]

i dont have a router but i want to do t-molding..just a little on my cp.  do i need a router to do this, or can i use something else.  also, i have a pacman reunion thingy 4 way, but no mounting plate yet.  but even if i were to get a mounting plate, can i cut that big square without a router?  i have a jigsaw, will that do?

[AlanS17]

For flush mounting I don't know any other way than to use  router.

If you use a mounting plate you can cut a whole for it but it won't be flush without a router. If this doesn't bother you then go for it.

As for t-molding, some have pulled it off with a Dremel, but that's probably not the best of ideas if it can be avoided. Jigsaw won't help at all.

[rampy]

people have used a table saw before with some sort of jig.

(or they were helleh careful)

router w/slot cutting bit is best approach though.

dremel w/cutting disk/wheel if you are patient.. and go slow.  
*Shrug*

rampy

[hulkster]

well crap, no router = no 4 way.  guess ill just have to settle for a super 8 converted to 4 way  

[The cranky hermit]

If you use a mounting plate you can cut a whole for it but it won't be flush without a router. If this doesn't bother you then go for it.

Would you explain what you mean by that? What does "flush" mean?

[vusteveii]

I've got a dremel, any rec as to what kind of cutting wheel i should get to do the t-molding slot with?
steve

[rampy]

If you use a mounting plate you can cut a whole for it but it won't be flush without a router. If this doesn't bother you then go for it.

Would you explain what you mean by that? What does "flush" mean?

Recessed.  A matching "bevel" the thickness of the mounting plate so that the top of the wood and top of the mounting plate are level/even/flush...

*shrug*

To Hulkster... I'm confused.  Earlier I was referering to needing the router for the t-molding...  you can do the 4 way cutout for mounting plate fine with a jigsaw, the only rub, as pointed out correctly earlier, is that you can't totally flush mount/recess it (not the end of the world)

Rampy

[paigeoliver]

You can still end up with a flush panel even if you use a mounting plate.

Install the joystick and plate first, then go to home depot (or other hardware store), and find a piece of rubber or plastic that is about the same thickness as your mounting plate. Cover the rest of the panel with this (everywhere EXCEPT the mounting plate). This will give you a flush surface to mount the rest of your controls on.

I did this with my Artic Mini mame. I used a Home Depot stair protector ($1.99) to make the panel flat all the way across. And then I used another stair protector for the overlay (those things are great, they are the perfect size to cover most classic control panels, and make great overlays).

[Unkis17]

Hulkster,

  I would hate to have anyone not be able to use a great 4 way like that.  Where do you live?  I have all the tools one could need.  I have cut 4 panels on a Table Saw now.  If you want I can do it.  And if it is too far, we can ship it...

[Hoagie_one]

Routers on Ebay

[Chris]

I've got a dremel, any rec as to what kind of cutting wheel i should get to do the t-molding slot with?

Use a #542 cutting/shaping wheel... http://www.dremel.com/productdisplay/bit_template.asp?SKU=542&Color=CC0000



You'll need a router attachment or some sort of jig to keep the slot straight.  I tried freehanding it and the slot wanders a bit... it ends up looking okay, but definately less than perfect.

Oh, and I wouldn't try a dremel for a whole machine... I just use mine for control panels.

--Chris