Router bit for t-molding

[Fitznab]

Hello All,

First off I have NO woodworking experience at all.

I have tried to find a slot router bit to make the slot for the t molding.  Depending on the source, I need a 3/32" or 1/16" slot bit, does it matter which?

I cannot find anything smaller then 1/4".  Any suggestions on a quality online site?

[korbitz]

check out this thread

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=93591.0

[Franco B]

It depends on the spine width of the t-moulding you are using.

If you are buying from t-moulding.com they show the spine width and tell you the reccommended cutter width. They also sell the correct cutters and arbours which tend to be quality whiteside bits.

I would reccommed buying from t-moulding.com I have ordered from them a few times and shipping has been fast, even across here to the UK.

You may be able to buy the cutters etc slightly cheaper elsewhere (although they are much more expensive over here in the UK) but once you take shipping from multiple places into account you may as well just buy it from one place.

[Fitznab]

Thanks for the help.

[Haterot]

I got my t-molding form tmoulding.com Great service and way fast. also check out
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html
for slot cutter bits.

[Squid]

One word of caution about working with MDF.  I built a prototype control panel to get my feet wet, including the t-molding.  I purchased the exact sized router bit and the correct sized t-molding.  Everything was going well until I went to put the t-molding into place.  Granted, I'm a novice at best, but when I was pushing in the t-molding, it was so snug that it pushed the sides of the MDF outward causing a bulge (thankfully it was a prototype ).  Anyhow, it's just something to be aware of.

I purchased my router bit and the ball bearing sleeve from Rockler Woodworking.  Fairly good price.  I think I found it at Amazon.com.

[Epyx]

Was your slot deep enough? I haven't noticed any bulging and I use MDF exclusively.  I would ensure your slot was deep enough so the spine wasn't bunching? Or perhaps it just compressed and bunched in some spots?

[javeryh]

One word of caution about working with MDF.  I built a prototype control panel to get my feet wet, including the t-molding.  I purchased the exact sized router bit and the correct sized t-molding.  Everything was going well until I went to put the t-molding into place.  Granted, I'm a novice at best, but when I was pushing in the t-molding, it was so snug that it pushed the sides of the MDF outward causing a bulge (thankfully it was a prototype ).  Anyhow, it's just something to be aware of.

I purchased my router bit and the ball bearing sleeve from Rockler Woodworking.  Fairly good price.  I think I found it at Amazon.com.

Was it 1/2" MDF?  I could see that happening with 1/2" but if it was 3/4" it shouldn't have happened unless your slot was WAY too thin.  I use a 1/16" slot cutter.

[Paul Olson]

I was in a hurry, so I just bought the set at Harbor Freight. Comes with, I think, 6 cutters. I am sure the other ones mentioned are better, but for cutting a slot in MDF and particle board like we are doing, this worked fine.

[miles2912]

I was in a hurry, so I just bought the set at Harbor Freight. Comes with, I think, 6 cutters. I am sure the other ones mentioned are better, but for cutting a slot in MDF and particle board like we are doing, this worked fine.

+1 here and you cant beat the price.

[Franco B]

One word of caution about working with MDF.  I built a prototype control panel to get my feet wet, including the t-molding.  I purchased the exact sized router bit and the correct sized t-molding.  Everything was going well until I went to put the t-molding into place.  Granted, I'm a novice at best, but when I was pushing in the t-molding, it was so snug that it pushed the sides of the MDF outward causing a bulge (thankfully it was a prototype ).  Anyhow, it's just something to be aware of.

I purchased my router bit and the ball bearing sleeve from Rockler Woodworking.  Fairly good price.  I think I found it at Amazon.com.

Was it 1/2" MDF?  I could see that happening with 1/2" but if it was 3/4" it shouldn't have happened unless your slot was WAY too thin.  I use a 1/16" slot cutter.

Just keep in mind that not all t-moulding has the same spine width. The 5/8" black/chrome pin stripe moulding for example needs a 3/32" slot.

As javeryh said your slot must be too thin. You can set your cutter at center height and then offset it slightly and run the slot cutter down the slot again from both sides of the MDF. This will give you a slightly wider slot whilst still being central. Adjust the cutter height gradually and you should be able to get a nice fitting slot.