The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: DalyTek on June 14, 2021, 04:26:28 pm
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Hi all. Been reading a lot on here, thank you for all the help you didn't even know you were giving me!
I am trying to build my own arcade cabinet, and so far it is going really well, but I ran into an issue when routing the slots for the T-molding.
On the left side panel, the channel came out pretty well. However, the right panel, for some strange reason, is decently off center.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to make this look nice?
It's 3/4" MDF, if that helps at all.
Thanks again for any and all advice!
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I have found that sometimes the depth setting on certain routers will 'walk' off their initial spot after a long sustained cut.
I always check mine in between long cuts to double check (using a scrap piece of ply.)
If you already routed the entire slot and it is off a little then best bet is just install it and use a trimmer to clean it up.
https://www.t-molding.com/quad-edge-trimmer.html (https://www.t-molding.com/quad-edge-trimmer.html)
If it is off a LOT and will bother you then sadly, it's probably bondo time.
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I have found that sometimes the depth setting on certain routers will 'walk' off their initial spot after a long sustained cut.
I always check mine in between long cuts to double check (using a scrap piece of ply.)
If you already routed the entire slot and it is off a little then best bet is just install it and use a trimmer to clean it up.
https://www.t-molding.com/quad-edge-trimmer.html (https://www.t-molding.com/quad-edge-trimmer.html)
If it is off a LOT and will bother you then sadly, it's probably bondo time.
Thank you for the advice. That must be what happened. I checked it several times with scrap before I locked in the settings. The first side turned out decent. Second side...not so good.
Sadly, yes, I routed all the way around both side panels. I'm afraid it will be off too much to look decent and not bother me. So just mix up a batch of Bondo and fill the slot all the way around, then re-slot?
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The bondo should fix er up.
Should be strong enough to slot and have it hold.
I use slow kick aluzine epoxy with microballons for that kind of stuff personally but not many have access to that zssortment of crap.
Maybe someone else will chime in to second the opinion that bondo is adequate!
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Been there done that. I've had a slot start out perfectly centered and then drift along the way. I've filled in the slot with Minwax wood filler which is a two part epoxy just like bondo. Either one will work. With that stuff you could probably re-cut the slot within an hour.
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I've never cut a T Molding slot I've been satisfied with lol. I typically use U molding. It only comes in black that I know of but is easily spray painted any color and looks great.
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I cut off a small piece of my T-molding and put it into the slot and it actually does line up fairly well. Thankfully, the slot looks way more off-center than the installed T-molding does.
Thanks for all the help everyone!