Question: Correct Tools For Laminate Covered MDF

[D_Harris]

I just needed confirmation on what the common consensus is as far as bits to use on laminate covered MDF.

For squaring the control panel top: Flush trim bits in a router.
For making button holes: 1-1/8" spade bit in a drill press.
For T-molding in the MDF: 1/8" slot cutter in a router.

Does this sound right?

Thanks.

Darren

[nuka1195]

t-molding should be 1/16" slot cutter

[D_Harris]

t-molding should be 1/16" slot cutter

My error. I just want to make sure that I am getting the correct tools.

Thanks.

Darren

[ChadTower]

Slot cutter shouldn't matter anyway unless for some weird reason he is cutting a slot in the laminate.

If I were going best bits for laminate specifically I'd get a forstner bit for the button holes rather than a spade bit.  Much cleaner holes and less chance of the bit jumping out and gouging the laminate. 

[Franco B]

Helps if you read the whole post Chad

For T-molding in the MDF: 1/8" slot cutter in a router.

I second using a forstner bit.

[shmokes]

I think Chad means that the slot cutter he uses won't be any different on a laminated board than on a painted board.  Regardless, it was an important correction to be made, though.

[ChadTower]

I think Chad means that the slot cutter he uses won't be any different on a laminated board than on a painted board.  Regardless, it was an important correction to be made, though.

Yep.

[Franco B]

My bad 

[Chadwick]

I'd go with either a forstner or at least a hole saw... I would NOT use a spade bit.

I'd also use a 3/32" slot cutter.

[mountain]

It would be best to cut the holes in the MDF before laminating. Then just use your flush trim but to open them up.

[D_Harris]

It would be best to cut the holes in the MDF before laminating. Then just use your flush trim but to open them up.

I'm using discarded sink cut-outs I got from a cabinet shop, so the laminate is already on them.

They are 3/4 inches thick, so I need to make sure I have the right bits.

Thanks.

Darren

[ChadTower]

Are they 3/4" thick or are they 3/4" + 1/8" of laminate thick?

[D_Harris]

Are they 3/4" thick or are they 3/4" + 1/8" of laminate thick?

3/4" + 1/8" of laminate.

Darren

[Franco B]

Its a shame 7/8" isn't a common size, 13/16" t-moulding wont be wide enough, you will have a 1/32" section of uncovered material either side. If you use 1" t-moulding you will have 3/64" hangover either side.

It apperas to be that you will be limited to black t-moulding. Happ Sell [7/8" black 'leather' t-moulding] and arcade-equipment.com sell [7/8" Black Smooth T-Molding]

Damn I hate imperial measurements. Ive been working with them for 10 years but there are still a PITA. 1975 was a long time ago. If it wasn't for those pesky cabs! 

I wonder if imperial measurements will ever disappear?

[ChadTower]

People have had good results applying 1" and then trimming it down with a utility knife.  Can't see why that wouldn't work if you're careful with the cut.

[D_Harris]

People have had good results applying 1" and then trimming it down with a utility knife.  Can't see why that wouldn't work if you're careful with the cut.

I guess I can also route down the under-sides 1/8" all the way around.   

BTW. Would a 5/8" or 3/4" long straight bit along with two passes be adequate for making the panel "perfectly" rectangular.(I used my circular saw to get the initial pieces).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[D_Harris]

Its a shame 7/8" isn't a common size, 13/16" t-moulding wont be wide enough...

Wait. isn't 3/4 + 1/8 equal to 13/16?

Why wouldn't it be wide enough?

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[nuka1195]

3/4 = 12/16
1/8 = 2/16

is the laminate really 1/8 thick? that's thick laminate

[D_Harris]

3/4 = 12/16
1/8 = 2/16

is the laminate really 1/8 thick? that's thick laminate

My error. It is 1/16th. 

The total thickness is definitely 13/16th.

I'm still wondering what slot cutter to get.

I have a Craftsman Router. Model #315.175040, so I assume I can use any 1/4" shank bits.

(Outside of getting 13/16" T-molding, I'm also trying to figure out what T-molding I'll need to get for a Donkey Kong cabinet).

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[D_Harris]

Here it is: http://www.t-molding.com/store/home.php?cat=24

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.