Next up is to make a template of the aluminum plate on top of the laptop cooler. Using some tape and some paper make a template by tracing around the edge where the aluminum touches the plastic. Then cut out the pattern with some scissors. Accuracy here is very important if you want the rest of the project to go easily.

With the top tracing done remove the aluminum panel carefully by taking a small flat head screw driver and prying the panel out. Use caution not to damage the motors or fans as you do this step.

Using your template tape it to a section of the mesh you have cut out. Using your heavy shears cut out a rough shape of the tracing and refine it with a second pass. Doing this extra step will insure there is less extra material to get in the way and should help with a more accurate cut.

Once you have cut the mesh out with the pattern we have made take a pair of pliers and go around the edges and bend any rogue wires flat so as to prevent any pokies in the pad.