Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Benevolance on September 09, 2008, 06:46:14 pm
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T-molding dot com offers a metallic t-moldings in chrome and gold. I've ordered samples of both types for my project. The company assures me that the t-molding can be bent around 90 degree angles easily enough, but I'm curious if anybody here has hands-on experience with this kind of product?
Alternately, has anybody ever tried painting the smooth black 3/4" t-molding? Does it hold paint or does it flake off?
I was inspired by the Heavy Metal arcade cab in the Hall of Fame, and I aim to create something similar, but done in an early aviator theme with gold and iron and bronze.
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There's also actual metal t-molding (http://www.tapeease.com/aluminum%20t-moldings.htm) (as opposed to "metallic"). This is what I used. It's VERY VERY VERY nice. I've only installed in on my control panels so far, but I've been experimenting with scrap pieces -- cutting wedges out of the stem and bending it around curves/corners. It's definitely going to work. I'm just using tin-snips, cos I somehow lost my Dremel tool. It would be a lot easier with a Dremel and a metal or diamond cutting blade. Or . . . not so much easier, but I'd get a better result. If I'm not totally confident that it'll turn out right using tin-snips I'll head over to Harbor Freight and pick up a $20 Dremel knock-off.
FWIW, that chrome stuff from t-molding.com is totally bendy. It's just regular t-molding with a mylar veneer (the material those get-well-soon balloons are made of). It's pretty much as flexible as all the other colors. But it doesn't look anywhere near as nice as real metal t-molding. On the other hand, it's nowhere near as expensive as real metal t-molding.
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I have gold on mine. Might have pictures up later if I can find a camera to borrow.
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Wow. That's a fair difference in price for the real metal t-moldings. It's reassuring to know that the metallic t-molding is as bendy as the company says. But still, I think that real metal would look a lot better than a veneer. I guess I have to wait and see how the samples look when they arrive.
Jban4us, I would be interested in seeing pictures of the gold t-molding on a cabinet. In the product photos, it is difficult to determine the exact golden hue.
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It is pretty much gold :P
here are some pictures (taken with a less than great quality iSight camera):
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/jsbannis/SMqYpNgSanI/AAAAAAAAARA/cK7G3bFbjI8/Photo%2070.jpg)
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/jsbannis/SMqYpYXeDVI/AAAAAAAAARE/3HAYcKwXqS0/Photo%2067.jpg)
It's hard to see what it really looks like in the pictures, especially with the flash and fluorescent lighting.
I'll have more pictures when I steal my girlfriend's camera and finally make a project thread.