Recent content by InspirationToolworks

David, my understanding was that you can't enforce a provisional patent. You can only go back and sue for infringement after the regular patent has been granted. You can mark your goods "Patent Pending" though, until a year runs out, or you file a regular patent application. Am I missing...

I agree, that getting a patent is something to evaluate, not just jump in and do. Often it's just not worth it. One of the most interesting offensive capabilities of the patent to me, is supposedly you can ask the customs department to seize imports of your invention. Does anyone know exactly...

I'm all set on this for now. I found a local shop who was willing to reduce the rates if I gave them a longer lead time. Thanks! -Jeff

I ended up getting a CNC machine, so no longer need this punch. Thanks! -Jeff

Hi All! I just wanted to say that this job was completed by Todd at http://www.innovative-accents.com/. Todd was able to do the job when he said he would, to the tolerances stated, and for a reasonable price! He did an excellent job with keeping me informed and making suggestions for...

I would like rough quotes on a three hole punch die set. I need to punch three 3/16" holes through 1/8" x 1/2" brass bar. The holes would be 1/2" on center. I would need a stand alone die set that would work in a small arbor press or foot press. I would like to get a rough idea of what I am...

I think I've got one part of it figured out. I've been accepting bids that were *too* low. The job shops bid low as they aren't busy, but as soon as better paying jobs come in, they ignore me, and my parts never ship. Of course, I can only know it's too low when I'm working on a part or...

Sigh, that vendor bailed on me, so I am again looking for a CNC routing shop. Thanks! -Jeff

I can see that where I am paying a small amount per part, but there have been times where I felt I was paying a premium and still get crap. Oh well... I am just going to have to find good shops and make sure I keep ordering from them. I just didn't think it would be this hard. -Jeff

So I've had a rash of issues with various suppliers... People who don't ship, don't ship when they say they will, or when they do ship, ship crap. I've stopped taking COD orders, and I've started asking for quality samples before comitment. I'm now sending e-mail like "Either I get a tracking...

Quote had been awarded to a vendor on mfgquote.com. Between the low quantity and high tolerance I didn't get many bids. Thanks! -Jeff

There was a good article in Mechanical Engineering magazine a couple of months back. It came down to offering something different. You needed custom work, fast turn around, small batches, or specialized processes to survive and thrive. If you were competing on basis of price for large volume...

You need to e-mail me for the RFQ package. Thanks! -Jeff

(There is no CNC routing forum, so I'm dropping this here... feel free to move to a more appropriate forum) RFQ: CNC routing of plywood, specifically 1/2" Apple Ply plywood. 10 sets of 19 parts each. Sets are pre-nested to fit 5 sets per 48" x 96" sheets. Mostly through-cut, some dadoes...

Depending upon the tolerances, especially edge taper and surface finish tolerances, this might be made cheaper on a waterjet. If you end up accepting quotes from both waterjet and milling houses, it would be great if you would post the *rough* range of quotes you get for comparison. -Jeff