Pondering and puttering.
Im coming to the end of the hall cabinets project. I have one last hurdle to clear. Looking for ideas to cut a slot (3/32” x 1/4” deep) in the end of this shelf to install T molding.
The traditional answer is a slot cutting bit in a router, but the cabinet sides are in the way. I can’t get within about 3” to 4” of the ends, depending on which router I use.
I poked around with various saws, none of which are going to work. I considered cutting the slot with a chisel, but I don’t have one that small, and I wasn’t relishing the idea of cutting a 24” slot with one if I did.
Looking at my oscillating tool, the blades are too narrow, and it’s hard to freehand a long straight cut with a blade that’s only 1” wide. I took a couple of old worn blades, and cut one off. They cut easily with shears.
Then a couple of holes and some screws:
The washer is for depth. Crude but effective:
Still hard to guide it straight, but the width and depth work. These blades are worn, with some bent and missing teeth, so I’ll pick up some new ones to repeat this with. I think these were cheap Masterforce from Menards. The nicer Milwaukee and even Bauer blades are thinner, and I actually need the thicker blade for this to work.
To guide the cut, I‘m thinking a sheet metal strip, bent over 90* at a little under 3/8” to centre the cut on the board.
I can’t remove the shelf, though that would make the slot cut a lot easier. It is nailed and glued in to the cabinet.