What's your method of channeling for T molding?

sohchx

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I don't have a router but am looking at getting one to do channel on some cabs for molding. Anyone have a cheap alternative? Dremel ain't workin lol
 
If you get one soon, let me know if you'd like to cut some grooves on the cabinet I'm working on. I'm close enough for a quick trip up to Hagerstown.
 
A router is a very useful tool for any amount of woodworking. You don't need a 3HP monster, but a cheap Ryobi or Craftsman with only a 1/4" collet would 'do' for the occasional job.

T-molding dot com sells the slot cutter and all, but you can buy a comparable product at MLCS for much cheaper and they always have free shipping. A lot of woodworkers use the stuff, it's not junk. Here's a link:
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html#anchor_slotct3w

What you want is this:
slotct3w.jpg


1/2" shaft router bits are preferable, if you buy a router that has both sized collets - will be less prone to vibration and feel a bit more solid. 1/4" shaft will do ok also.

If you even attempt to cut a slot with a hacksaw blade, Dremel, etc..you're wasting your time and will end up with a sloppy job, at best.
 
I'm in the same situation and a friend at work is going to let me borrow his router, I buy the cutter of course.

Ask around to borrow one, or possibly Harbor Freight tools and get a cheapo overseas made one.
 
Thanks for chiming in guys!! I appreciate it. I will be in the vicinity of a Harbor Freight tommorow.

What router on this page would you recommend?

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=router

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend anything from HF with an electric motor. I have had great results with air tools from there, for the money. I've read where some people have been lucky, but many have bought things that don't work out of the box.

If you're going to use it for a few projects, buy the cheapest one at Sears or Lowes. For one time use, HF might work, since you could return it if it's DOA.
 
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend anything from HF with an electric motor. I have had great results with air tools from there, for the money. I've read where some people have been lucky, but many have bought things that don't work out of the box.

If you're going to use it for a few projects, buy the cheapest one at Sears or Lowes. For one time use, HF might work, since you could return it if it's DOA.

For a cheap router, I might go with this: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=100485419.

But for not much more, I'd definitely choose this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_118359-67702-M12VC_4294857535_4294937087_?productId=1122335
or
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917541000P

You want a nice tight depth-adjustment. Otherwise, you wind up with a ruined cab.

Routers are a great tool to have on-hand, even if you only need them occasionally.

-Jim
 
For a cheap router, I might go with this: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=100485419.

But for not much more, I'd definitely choose this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_118359-67702-M12VC_4294857535_4294937087_?productId=1122335
or
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917541000P

You want a nice tight depth-adjustment. Otherwise, you wind up with a ruined cab.

Routers are a great tool to have on-hand, even if you only need them occasionally.

-Jim

Good info.

As far as what other bits you might use - I'd recommend a 1/4" upcut spiral cutting bit, a slot cutter, and a good flush trim bit with bearing at the bottom.
 
I've read where some people have been lucky, but many have bought things that don't work out of the box.

I've never had this luck myself but then again, HF will take the tool back and give you another. I'm sure you could even try before you buy there too.
 
Good info.

As far as what other bits you might use - I'd recommend a 1/4" upcut spiral cutting bit, a slot cutter, and a good flush trim bit with bearing at the bottom.

The Home Depot link ain't working... :confused: But the other two are only running $80 here in Phoenix, not bad at all!
 
I've never had this luck myself but then again, HF will take the tool back and give you another. I'm sure you could even try before you buy there too.

Currently, HF doesn't appear to have any non-plunge routers. Otherwise, I'd say give em a try. But slot cutting with a plunge router seems like a bad idea to me.

The Home Depot link ain't working... :confused: But the other two are only running $80 here in Phoenix, not bad at all!

Well, I didn't really like the look of the cheap ryobi from HD, anyway. ;) Though it did have some okay reviews on the site (albeit only 5 or so total). Try this link, instead: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...n.endeca.EndecaDataBean@65840a8b&ddkey=Search
I'm not a fan of this style of height/depth adjustment, it's pretty course.

I'm tempted to pick up one of those others, even though I really don't need another router right now. But I might be building a CNC router in the near future.

-Jim
 
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Wooooooo!! Got me a router today!! Stopped at a pawn shop and they had nice little Craftsman for $20. Now that thats done I have another issue. WHy the hell can't I find a 1/16 bit in any store!!!??? Anyone have any online suggestions??
 
Wooooooo!! Got me a router today!! Stopped at a pawn shop and they had nice little Craftsman for $20. Now that thats done I have another issue. WHy the hell can't I find a 1/16 bit in any store!!!??? Anyone have any online suggestions??

Nice score. I got mine off of craigslist a while back.

The 1/16" slot bit isn't common at all, FYI. I think there's a link above. (Yup - Post #6) You're probably gonna spend at least $20 just for the bit. ;)
 
A router is a very useful tool for any amount of woodworking. You don't need a 3HP monster, but a cheap Ryobi or Craftsman with only a 1/4" collet would 'do' for the occasional job.

T-molding dot com sells the slot cutter and all, but you can buy a comparable product at MLCS for much cheaper and they always have free shipping. A lot of woodworkers use the stuff, it's not junk. Here's a link:
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html#anchor_slotct3w

What you want is this:
slotct3w.jpg


1/2" shaft router bits are preferable, if you buy a router that has both sized collets - will be less prone to vibration and feel a bit more solid. 1/4" shaft will do ok also.

If you even attempt to cut a slot with a hacksaw blade, Dremel, etc..you're wasting your time and will end up with a sloppy job, at best.



My collet can only hold a 1/4 shank. What should the width of my cutter be?
 
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