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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: DHTech on April 29, 2013, 12:25:57 pm

Title: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: DHTech on April 29, 2013, 12:25:57 pm
I'd never used a router before and did a couple of test cuts on some spare MDF, these cut perfectly with the slot nice and central, however on cutting my first cabinet side, the cut initially started off ok and then somehow went adrift - user error  ::).

I though about filling but found the slot too narrow to get a good amount of filler in, so I have now recut all the slots correctly, obviously some parts are now way to wide for the T moulding, so my option are, now it's wider I can get filler in and then recut again when dry, or I can glue the T Moulding where the slot is too wide!

Any helpful comments please  :(
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: HaRuMaN on April 29, 2013, 12:36:43 pm
You could, a little at a time, add hot glue to the areas that are too wide, and then press the T-molding in.  Wear gloves, the T-molding might heat up a bit
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: Vigo on April 29, 2013, 12:41:24 pm
Yeah, hot glue sounds like a good choice.

If this is a load bearing part of the cabinet (aka, the bottom of the cabinet and you are not using feet), you may want to fill it with something stronger like Bondo.
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: Jumpman64 on April 29, 2013, 10:23:33 pm
I would fill in the areas that are too wide with bondo and re-cut.
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: mgb on April 29, 2013, 11:00:43 pm
personally I would refill with the slots with bondo (at least where its too wide) and re-cut the slots but another option (besides the hot glue, which should work also) is light grit sandpaper.
I had a cab where the slots were kinda wide and I took strips of light grit sandpaper and folded and placed in the slots before sticking in the t molding. it worked very well and was neater than hot glue.

btw, I've experienced a run away router while slotting my first control panel and I was quite ticked, so I understand how you feel.
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: DHTech on April 30, 2013, 02:16:30 am
Thanks for all the comments, think I'll fill and recut, wasn't sure what Bondo was, I assume it car body filler rather than wood filler!
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: Vigo on April 30, 2013, 02:22:39 am
Yep, Bondo is car filler, but it works great. So great that bondo now makes a wood filler. Pretty much the same stuff, but tan instead of pink. The stuff is very stong, sandable and does not warp with temperature changes. There is other stuff on the market, but Bondo is pretty much the goto stuff for patching up arcade machines.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: DHTech on April 30, 2013, 09:47:33 am
Cabinet side rescued, phew  :) Filled the slot with wood filler, let in dry for 4 or so hours and recut the slot, perfect.

Thanks again for all the advice  :)
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: Vigo on April 30, 2013, 10:20:10 am
 :applaud:
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: DHTech on April 30, 2013, 11:06:37 am
Second side cut perfectly, note to self: 'must not rush when cutting with the router'.  :angel:
Title: Re: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: kahlid74 on April 30, 2013, 11:26:01 am
Side note, when using Bondo or filler and then routing make sure to use an air mask/purifier.  Super fine particles that do a number on your lungs.  They get caught in the pores and create numerous health issues.
Title: Slot cutting knightmare :(
Post by: mgb on April 30, 2013, 04:24:11 pm
Second side cut perfectly, note to self: 'must not rush when cutting with the router'.  :angel:

Very true.
It's amazing how that little bit gets a way from you when you try and rush it.
  Hold it firm and steady and take it slow and you can't go wrong.