T-molding is used to transition flooring of the same height between different rooms.
Wooden T-molding is used as a transition in the flooring between two rooms. The horizontal portion of the T is designed to rest on top of the flooring. The vertical part of the T is designed to rest down in the joint between the flooring materials. It is important to have a 1-1/4-inch gap between flooring materials to allow for expansion and contraction. The vertical part of the T is 1/2-inch wide so that it can accommodate expansion and contraction between the flooring materials. Take your time and set up each cut carefully when routing T-molding.
Instructions
1. Place the round over bit into the router in the router table. Tighten and lock the bit in place. Adjust the height of the bit so that it will cut the full profile of the bit into the 2-by-96-inch edges of the boards. Adjust the fence on the router table so that it will allow you to guide the 5/8-inch width of the board through the router to cut the full profile of the bit into the board.
2. Lay the boards, one a time, flat on the router table. One 2-by-96-inch side should be flush against the fence. This is side A. One 5/8-by-96-inch side should be flush against the table. This is side B. Turn the router on and guide the board through the router just fast enough for the bit to cut the wood. Turn the board over so that it will rout the opposite side. Side A should still be flush against the fence. Side B should be facing up as you guide the board back through the router to rout the second edge. Repeat this process for each board. Turn the router off.
3. Remove the round over bit and insert the 5/16-inch straight bit. Tighten and lock it in place. Adjust the height so that it will rout a 3/4-inch deep cut. Leave the fence in the same position as in steps 1 and 2.
4. Turn the router on. Place the boards, one at a time on the router table. Side A should be facing the bit. The side with the rounded over edges should be flush against the fence. Guide the boards through the router to rout a 3/4-inch slot that is 5/16-inch wide. This will create one side of the vertical and horizontal part of the T. Turn the board over so that side A is still facing the bit and the opposite 5/8-by-96-inch side is flat against the table. Guide this side through the router table on each board to complete the vertical and horizontal portions of the T. Turn the router off.
5. Sand the surface of the routed T-molding boards with fine-grit sandpaper until they are completely smooth. Always sand in the same direction as the wood grain.
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