cutting the CPO

[clickhea]

when you guys cut your cpo button holes did you actually cut a circle out or can u just slice an X and place the buttons in like that?


also how do you cut perfectly around the trackball without screwing it up :|

[Ginsu Victim]

I simply cut an X and pushed my buttons in, however I'm just using a poster, not a real CPO.

[AcidArmitage]

i cut a double X... or an X and a + sign if you wanna be a bastard about it   

[clickhea]

same thing for the trackball?

[Ginsu Victim]

For the trackball, just take an exacto knife and start in the center. Cut from the center until you hit an edge, then work slowly around the hole staying against the edge.

[fjl]

The more slices you add the better it will look.

[fatfingers]

I used X-acto knife for all holes -- worked really well.  I didn't use the X method.

[Turnarcades]

x-slicing and folding can be good if done right, but make sure to make many slices. As the edges fold into the hole, there is less chance of shrinkage exposing the edges around the hole over time and it will also prevent minor rubbing from catching those trimmed edges and potentially tearing the overlay.

[DaveMMR]

when you guys cut your cpo button holes did you actually cut a circle out or can u just slice an X and place the buttons in like that?

also how do you cut perfectly around the trackball without screwing it up :|

I actually cut out the full circles for the buttons but only because, with the button bezels, there's a bit of room for error (it hides it).  Slicing will work too (at least four slices I'd guess) if you'd like, but you're not saving a heck of a lot of time if you're using a semi-decent Exacto.

The trackball is where you really have to take your time.  I used the mounting place hole as a guide.   Also add the "joystick hole" to the "careful list" if you're hiding your washers.

[clickhea]

any tips on cutting out the trackball iam really nervous

[DaveMMR]

Read about 3 inches up from your last post. ;-)

[clickhea]

oops totatly missed that somehow

[miles2912]

I believe with i just free handed it with a brand new sharp blade.  Your tb overlay should be mounted already and you can feel where the circle should be.  Might be easier to flip the entire cp over.  I remember sweating over the tb hole too.

As far as the buttons are concerned, i cut out a hole pretty close to the edge and just pushed the buttons the rest of the way.