Removing Outer Pinkie Column

If you would rather have five columns per side instead of six, you can remove the outer pinkie column. If you already soldered switches on, removing some of the inner pinkie column will make this easier.

USE EYE PROTECTION WHILE DOING THIS.

After removing the outer column, you can touch up the new board edge with a file and marker.

Using a pair of flush cut pliers, and cutting near the joint of the pliers for leverage, the recommended steps are:

Hillside 52 and 56

1. Cut along the two lines marked 1. Cutting in the tab's center and then later filing down any remaining nub is the cleaner method. Cutting very close to the main board edge often creates splinters in the main board surface and edge. Adding a second cut closer to the outer pinkie column opens up a larger gap and will make the later bend step easier.
2. Bend and break off along line 2; this removes the lower third of the outer pinkie column.
3. Cut along the two lines marked 3, similar to how it was done for 1.
4. Bend and break off along line 4; this removes the upper third of the outer pinkie column. Now your cutters can reach the two middle tabs.
5. Cut along the two lines marked 5; this removes the middle third of the outer pinkie column.
6. File or sand down any excess nubs along the new edge of the board.

Hillside 46

For many of the cuts there is a hole mid way throught the cut so that the cut can be done in two smaller steps. If needed, you can also make two cuts to the hole forming a V and then cut from the hole to the slot.

1. Cut along the two lines marked 1. The cut by the part of the board that will remain will be part of the final board edge, so you want it in line with the slot.
2. Bend and break off along the -br- line that can now bend. This gives access to two of the three lines marked 2.
3. Cut along the three lines marked 2, similar to how it was done for 1.
4. Bend and break off along the -br- line that can now bend. This removes the lower third of the outer pinkie column.
5. Cut along the two lines marked A. Again, the cut by the column that will remain will be part of the final board outline.
6. Bend and break off along the -br- line that can now bend. This removes the upper third of the outer pinkie column.
7. Cut along the two lines marked Y and Z. This removes the middle third of the outer pinkie column.
8. File or sand down any excess nubs along the new edge of the board.

Hillside 48

1. Cut along the two lines marked 1. Cutting in the tab's center and then later filing down any remaining nub is the cleaner method. Cutting very close to the main board edge often creates splinters in the main board surface and edge.
2. Score and then bend the center tab along line 2 until it breaks. The center break-off connector does not always break straight. It can sometimes break in toward the two vias there. This is functionally fine, but not aesthetically good. I would reinforce the 'board' side of the center connector with say some pliers with some paper between them and the board.
3. File or sand down any excess nubs along the new edge of the board.