Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Otraotaku on July 02, 2005, 08:58:21 pm

Title: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: Otraotaku on July 02, 2005, 08:58:21 pm

Im begging to build a cabinet and have no idea on how to insert / cut or whatever on a 3/4 edge...

WHat do you guys do? Whats the easiest + cost effiecent way?

I cant even find T-Molding in local hardware stores? (lowes + home depot)

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: AceTKK on July 02, 2005, 09:25:46 pm

you use a router and a 1/16" slot cutting bit.

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: tommy on July 03, 2005, 12:30:11 am

You won't  find T-molding in HD/L  ::) you would have to find an arcade dealer near you or order online, thats like trying to find beer in starbucks.

1/16 bit right down the middle.

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: sofakng on July 03, 2005, 12:47:46 am

Take a look at t-molding.com (http://t-molding.com).  They have a good selection and I've had excellent service from them.

Here's what I have on my cabinet: http://www.t-molding.com/cart/customer/product.php?productid=16&cat=6&page=1

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: DreamArcades on July 03, 2005, 03:41:07 am

Check out: www.dreamarcades.com/parts/
We do not have as many colors as t-molding.com much our prices are much lower. Plus you can save on shipping by buying other arcade parts as well.
-Mike

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: Veinman on July 05, 2005, 10:56:52 am

My experience / approximate costs:
40 feet of T-molding from t-molding.com = $21.00
1/16" slot-cut router bit from Home Depot = $16.00
Arbor for the router bit from Home Depot = $10.00
Borrowed router ;) = $0.00
Rubber mallet from Menards = $4.00

Total cost = $51.00

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: mmmPeanutButter on July 05, 2005, 01:55:33 pm

Check out MLCS (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html)

That's where I bought my slot cutter.  They're cheap and have free shipping.

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: javeryh on July 05, 2005, 03:20:11 pm

I second MLCS - thay are great.

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: Veinman on July 05, 2005, 04:01:33 pm

Wow, those are some cheap prices!

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: lesserChance on July 06, 2005, 01:14:29 pm

Ive built a couple cabinets myself, but can never seem to get my t molding to look quite right.

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: spystyle on July 06, 2005, 01:25:20 pm

If you do it right the first time, it'll be "on-center" and won't need to be glued, if you are "off-center" route it out again, and glue it in with hotglue.

Dig it?
Craig

Title: Re: what is the best way to do T-Molding?
Post by: tivogre on July 06, 2005, 09:13:05 pm

One "tip" that I learned is to set your bit depth using a scrap of the same wood your cabinet sides are made of. 

Cut a slot down one side of the scrap.

Here's the "tip":

Now, flip the scrap over and check the bit depth against the slot you cut.  If you're dead center, the bit will hit EXACTLY in the center of the slot you just cut.

An expansion on the "tip":

I found that t-molding "wants" a 3/32" slot cutter.  most people use a slightly smaller 1/16" slot cutter, because it's more readily available.  If you're using a 1/16th, center it as best you can using the method above.  Then route the slot in your cabinet sides.  Flip the side over, and RE-ROUTE the slot without moving the bit.  You'll end up with a PERFECTLY centered slot almost exactly the right size.

Hope this helps someone.