Main > Main Forum
Best way to cut a perfect circle?
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.