Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: sleong on October 01, 2013, 03:19:15 am
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I've been looking around and seen a few different answers to my question as to which size slot cutter am I looking for to cut the slots for T-Molding?
The T-Molding I'll be using is the 3/4" as that is the thickness of the boards I'm using.
Also, which two bits would I look for when trying to cut the side panels? I know I need a flush trim to cut the second panel to make it the same as the first but is there a bit for cutting the first panel? Especially around the curved areas? A jigsaw and sander takes too long to get a nice finish! I hope I am making sense here!
Thanks in advance.
Steve
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I know I need a flush trim to cut the second panel to make it the same as the first but is there a bit for cutting the first panel? Especially around the curved areas? A jigsaw and sander takes too long to get a nice finish! I hope I am making sense here!
You can make a template out of thin wood, that way it's easier to get a nice finish with the jigsaw and sander. Then use that template with the flush trim bit to cut the first panel.
But be prepared to spend some time on the template! Or find someone with a big cnc router.
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You will need an arbor and a slot cutter to make the slot for your t molding.
Link to slot cutter and arbor (http://www.t-molding.com/store/home.php?cat=6)
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You can use a router with partial templates when cutting out the main side panel template. What I mean is, say you want consistent rounded corners. You can make a single rounded corner using a jigsaw/bandsaw/etc and sander on a small piece of wood, then clamp that to your main panel template and use a router w/ a flush trim bit to trim it to that shape.
Then you use the small template to do the same with other corners. When you are done, all your corners will be the exact same shape. Note that you'll need different templates for inside corners versus outside ones, or if the corner edges have different angles.
Same thing with straight edges. You can use a single straight edge, clamp to a section of the main panel template and route it. Then clamp the straight edge to another section of the main panel, and repeat.
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I've been looking around and seen a few different answers to my question as to which size slot cutter am I looking for to cut the slots for T-Molding?
The T-Molding I'll be using is the 3/4" as that is the thickness of the boards I'm using.
Check the page where you ordered the t-molding.
For example, Smooth Black (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75&products_id=222) 3/4" t-molding from GGG uses a 1/16" slot cutter, but the Chrome Stripe (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75&products_id=324) 3/4" uses a .080" - 3/32" slot cutter.
Scott