Cutting out holes

[Tarkade]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to cut out the holes for the buttons, joysticks, and trackball on the control panel printout?  Like most of you, some time and money is spent in getting a nice printout.  I don't want to tear the printout in doing this.  

I figure at worst, I can do it freehand with the exacto knife set, but I would like to hear how you folks tackeled yours.

Thanks

[TalkingOctopus]

I drilled the lexan and cp holes before I cut the artwork up.  Then sandwhiched the art between the cp and lexan, clamping it down.  I cut it with an exacto knife using the lexan holes as a guide and it worked great!  There were no mistakes and no tears are visible.

[Tarkade]

That's what I was planning to do.  Can't be too careful with this!  Thanks for the reassurance.

[Stingray]

Use an exacto knife, just be sure to use a nice new blade. I changed mine a couple times befoe I was finished when it seemed to be dulling.

-S

[fredster]

I lay it down on the control panel that has been cut, then trace the outline with a knife, like an exacto.  

If you have Plexy, cut thru the wood or metal plate first, then the plexy.  Put down your control panel and burst thru the middle of the holes first, then saw cut to the edges.  

IF you make a small mistake, you have the buttons to cover it up, except with a track ball, they are a pain.