T-Molding - "V" shaped cut?

[Guywiththegun]

I decided to replace the T-molding on my old Kangaroo cab . . I've already ripped it out. Its the kind that goes all the way to the back, and down to the bottom. How many feet do you think I need to order, on both sides?

Also, in the wiki it mentions cutting "v" shaped slits when you come to corners? Can someone elaborate on this? I'm not sure what it means. Do you actually cut into the T-molding?

Keep in mind I am very new at stuff like this . . as in, VERY new - haven't done it since Woodshop in the 7th grade new.

[Franco B]

I can't help you with the amount of t-moulding you will need but it should be fairly easy to measure the the edges to determine how much you will need.

In regards to cutting v's you need to cut material away from the spine of the t-moulding to allow it to bend around corners. Have a look at the attached pic (paint skillz ahoy!  ):



For an external radius you need to cut v's to allow the t-moulding to bend. The tighter the radius, the more v's you will need and/or the larger v 'angle' you need to cut.

For internal radii's you can get away with just cutting slits into the t-moulding. Once again the tighter the radius, the closer the slits need to be.

[Chadwick]

I just use a utility knife and cut like the pics above.

[javeryh]

I just use a utility knife and cut like the pics above.

Same.  I'm not even all that careful.

[SavannahLion]

I decided to replace the T-molding on my old Kangaroo cab . . I've already ripped it out. Its the kind that goes all the way to the back, and down to the bottom. How many feet do you think I need to order, on both sides?

There are several ways to do it. The easiest, but not most accurate, is to measure the overall height x width of the panels needing T-Molding then to add a foot or two to accomodate curves. Add all the panel measurements together and you have your estimated total. This works well for simple cabinets, but not so well for complex shapes unless you're really good at eyeballing variances.

The next easiest is to ask someone who has the same cabinet and did T-molding. Works well for Pacman but not for custom cabs.

The next is a trick I learned from somewhere. Take a piece of string, twine, or even rope. Make sure it's not the stretchy kind (or you'll get an inaccurate measurement). Have someone help you or tape one end down and run the string around to the end. Then lay the string out flat and proceed to measure with your tape measure. Works pretty well in a pinch but takes a little patience.

Or you can let your feminine tendencies through and buy cloth tape (see below). They come in different sizes, but typical size IIRC is 6' or 8'. They do come in longer lengths, some as long as 66' or longer. You can find them at any place that sells fabric, including Michaels, some WalMarts, Kmart. If you're too much of a man, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, Sailboat supply stores, and probably Harbor Freight sells them in much longer lengths. Simply use the cloth tape to measure around the circumference of the panel, add it all up, add a foot or so for mistakes and variance and you have your footage you need.

I bought my cloth tape years ago (I lie, I stole it from my ex when the ---smurf--- left) and I've used it for everything from measuring my wife's bust size, curves in our new floor and cabinet T-Molding. I even used it to measure piping for insulation (and managed to nick it the process ). Oddly enough, I've never actually used it to measure fabric.

[BASS!]

yup, or if your really cheap:

ball of yarn / string
Tape it to the outside where your groove is
Pull it off and lay it on the ground and use your tape measure

[SavannahLion]

yup, or if your really cheap:

ball of yarn / string
Tape it to the outside where your groove is
Pull it off and lay it on the ground and use your tape measure

That was number 3

[BASS!]

ahh man I love when I just look at pictures LOL

[SavannahLion]

ahh man I love when I just look at pictures LOL

It's all good.