Trackball Questions before I drill

[shredso]

I've searched through a bunch of posts and i think I have my answer but i figured I would double check.  I'm installing a trackball from the X-Arcade enclosure.  I think someone said it's the same as a 3" Betson.  I want to mount it in my control panel the same way it's installed in the X-Arcade.  The bolts showing don't bother me and I don't have a mounting plate.  I'm thinking all I need to drill the 4 mounting screw holes, the large hole for the trackball and rout out the bottom.  Some questions:

I'm assuming the hole for the ball would be best cut with a hole saw.  I measured the hole and it measures 2 7/8"  Does that make any sense? shouldn't it be 3"?   
If I decide after the fact to go with a plate, i will just need to recess the plate?
If I use a mounting plate it's much more forgiving as far as neat cuts?

thanks

[BobA]

It is not 3 inches because that is the diameter of the ball.   Your ball does not protrude 1/2 way so the hole is smaller.  You will have to make the routed part mach the x arcade for the ball to match the opening the same way.  A mounting plate is easier because it holds the trackball at the right height so that the hole in the mounting plate is perfect for the trackball.   It is not however a necessity and alot of people mount their trackballs without it.

If you use a mounting plate you need recess it if you want your CP to have a flush surface.  The hole cutting and mounting is alot easier because the mounting plate positions the tb and holds it in place alll in one operation.

[shredso]

Am I correct in thinking I won't need a perfect circle if I have a mounting plate?

[BobA]

Depending on the type of trackball you have to make room for the assembly but the circle is in the mounting plate and you do not have to make the circle cut.

[shredso]

Does 2 7/8" sound right for the hole for a 3" trackball?

[scotthh]

This thread, especially U_Rebel's posts, is very helpful. I grabbed a picture of the X-Arcade from their website (see below). The trackball lip shows through. I would think that means you need a 3" hole. I would cut a 2 7/8" hole and see if it works properly. If it doesn't, it's easy enough to turn a 2.875" hole into a 3" hole, whereas if you make a 3" hole, it's pretty darn near impossible to make it a 2.875" hole later.