Main > Main Forum
Best way to cut a perfect circle?
<< < (2/4) > >>
smalltownguy:
Thanks for the cool looking tool, but I'm just looking to cut my control panel overlay -- the adhesive backed vinyl itself.

I've already got all my holes cut perfectly to size in my panel, I'm just looking to get a nice circular hole cut in the overlay for my trackball opening. I'd stick it on my control panel and trace cut the opening from underneath, but I'd get a bit of overhang, which is unacceptable.

bkenobi:
Have you considered installing the overlay first, then cutting across the opening a bunch of times (basically a bunch of x and + cuts).  If you cut enough, you can fold the art down and fix it on the bottom of the CP.  It won't give you a 100% perfect circle, but it will give you a nice looking edge that should do what you want.  The more cuts you make, the better the edge will look within reason.
Bender:
your first idea is the the way to go, there are compasses or compass attachments that hold a #11 exacto knife
as long as you can find the exact center(which is easy with a regular compass) it should come out perfect
use a brand new blade
do it after the CPO is already stuck down to the CP
smalltownguy:
In the end, I was able to take a 'low tech' approach with acceptable results:

The dirty deed:





And the results:



B/C my hole was nice and smooth, I was able to drag the razor blade right around the circle.
Thanks for the help, folks!  :cheers:
bungy:
Great job, looks real clean.

I have tried the same technique when trimming the vinyl on the sides of my cabinet and it doesn't always work so well.
Navigation
Message Index
Next page
Previous page

Go to full version