Mame conversion - need tool advice (routers?)

[mizzouman6]

I picked up an old Tekken cabinet and start stripping it down to replace the vinyl and t-molding.  As I tore the first piece of molding off the control panel I discovered that the old molding wasn't t-molding, but just a piece of plastic molding glued on.  So I need some advice on which tool to purchase to cut the t-molding channel on an already assembled cabinet. 

From what I'm reading, I need some kind or router or Dremel that has a guide to butt up against the side to create an uniform cut depth and stay straight against the edge to keep the channel centered.  The wood is 3/4" plywood.

Can someone direct me to some tools that will help get me back on track with this project?  I don't have a Dremel or router right now.  Just some hand tools and cordless drill.

Thanks.

[Unstupid]

Router Bit:
http://www.amazon.com/Freud-63-100-16-Inch-Cutter-4-Inch/dp/B0002TUCRA

Router (cheap):
http://www.amazon.com/SKIL-1810-Fixed-Base-Router/dp/B0000C6DXX

Router (better):
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVS-2-1-Variable-Speed-Router/dp/B00004TKHV

If you go with the better router then look for a similar router bit but with a 1/2" shank.  Don't use a dremel!

[PL1]

Welcome aboard, Mizzouman6.

A Dremel won't have the power (or take the bit) to cut a t-molding slot.

Check out this thread and this one.


Scott

[mizzouman6]

Thanks for the tips.  Forgive my ignorance, but with just the router and bit, will I be able to control the depth of the cut and align the router to make sure it stays centered in the wood?  Would I need something like the plunge router attachment, referencing the router posted by Unstupid?

[Unstupid]

Thanks for the tips.  Forgive my ignorance, but with just the router and bit, will I be able to control the depth of the cut and align the router to make sure it stays centered in the wood?  Would I need something like the plunge router attachment, referencing the router posted by Unstupid?

You don't need a plunge router.  You will be able to set your depth of the slot cut on the router.  check out this video for basics:

[mizzouman6]

Awesome.  Thanks for the video link.  Watching it now.

[PL1]

with just the router and bit, will I be able to control the depth of the cut and align the router to make sure it stays centered in the wood?  Would I need something like the plunge router attachment, referencing the router posted by Unstupid?

Both models Unstupid posted have a micro-fine depth adjustment. (highly desirable feature)

Ensure the bit is tightly secured in the collet before you begin cutting and check regularly to ensure it hasn't loosened.

Do test cuts on a scrap piece of MDF to align the depth before you start on the actual cab parts.

You can do almost everything you need to do with either a fixed base or plunge router.

Plunge routers can be locked in the down position, though sometimes that doesn't work so good for t-molding bits.   

Some routers even have swappable fixed and plunge bases like this one.

BTW the video above shows him cutting clockwise -- he should be cutting counter-clockwise.   


Scott