Hello,
I am new to this forum, and wanted to say that I enjoy reading all the posts. I am about to start a new project and wanted to get some thoughts from others

My family room is currently carpeted (18x19) the carpenting butts up to the existing hardwood(bruce 2 1/4 x 3/4 pre finished) the tongue was removed so the carpet would fit tight and flat to the hardwood.

I would like to remove the carpet, cut a slot in the existing hardwood and glue in a tongue and just start adding boards. sounds simple but I just want to make sure it will last and thats why i am asking before I start

my questions,
1) is there a particular slot cutter I should get for my router(1/4 " shank)?
2) will a ripped down piece of pine be ok to use for the new tongue or should it be hardwood? should I liquid nail the tongue in and should it be a tight fit on the slot side of the new board?
3) I live in the Philadelphia area and it's the winter now? is 1/2 a good perimeter gap or should it be more?
4) building felt or red rosin? the area below is unfinished basement
any other thing I would need to know
Thanks
Bob

Well, if practical, I would just remove that one board and replace it with a board with the tongue still attached. If for some reason this cannot be done, here are your answers:
1:you need a 1/4 inch slotting bit that doesn't have a guide bearing under the cutter, or over, depending on your perspective. The subfloor will prevent the use of this type of cutter.
2:you could use the pine you have at hand, I prefer 1/4 inch fir plywood, or a scrap of just about anything. Use a bit of glue if the piece is loose, not need if snugly fit, but nail it as though it came with the board.
3:1/2 inch expansion is probably less than your geographic region calls for, but in all prctical senses, if you maintain proper humidity levels in your home, that shouldn't be an issue.
4: can't help you there, I don't use either one so one of the American guys will have to help you with that.

Thank you for the info Dennis. I checked and it is possible to remove that course since it falls into the family room side walls.
When I replace the baseboard (5/8") and then add the quarter round(1/2) that gives me 1 1/8" so I guess I can go 3/4 around the perimeter for expansion.

What would the best way to remove that single course if it was stapled into 3/4 plywood?

Thanks
Bob

I always use a chisel at the location the staples are to cut the staples. Dont use your best chisel but works great.

Keith