machined fab parts

[dezerts10]

I am going to start machining my own bungs, uniball cups, and misalignment spacers for my personal project. But my real intention is to see what the cost of doing it my self is going to be then use that information to possibly start mass producing the parts.

I guess my question is there are not many ways to change the design of a bung,cup, or spacers. So what is the ethical way to go about doing this if i was to try to start a little side business. I know camburg, and kartek/pro am make there own and they all seem to be VERY VERY similar. I know i will not be able to compete with them in in short term but if something happend and my business takes off I do not want to be labeled a ......... I also am thinking about some other types of machined tools and parts I could make.

At first I will have a friend machine all my parts so it will not cost a ton of money at first. I also have a friend who is an engineer who will be helping me out

any insight is apprieciated.

thanks,
Gregg

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[151fab]

Design follows function on these parts. The function is very specific. My point is that even if you try to come up with a differant shape you'de be very limited, so I don't think any of the current producers have an unspoken claim to these designs. However,Camburg, Kartek and a few other places do have some parts that are definitly their sole design, such as their tubing clamps. You might catch some flack for copying those for profitable purposes and they might even be patented. Good luck.

[dezerts10]

I know all about the camburg tube clamp. I know The guys at camburg very well and I know not to try to duplicate that for profit deffinately not worth the hassel they put there time and money into it and I dont see any way to make it better or different so why try. Plus its easier to buy something like that.

[CRAIG_HALL]

Eliminate the tendency to "copy" the other parts by simply not having them on hand when designing your own. Many "new" parts are improvements on older items, but the ones that stand out are the ones that are different and are that way for a reason.

[Ron_Burgandy]

A wise man once told me "Orginality is great, but plagerism is faster"

[CRAIG_HALL]

Also heard of it as the finest form of flattery

[Scott_F]

Hey Gregg, since you are ethically aware, don't forget about my designs that I shared with you, and our earlier discussions and gentlemen's agreement.

[dezerts10]

Yup I remember that.

Haven't got anything made yet.

Gregg

[rubberbiscuitt]

i used to work for a hot rod shop that has survived over 30 years of reverse engineering.

[Brandon_Charley]

Why try and compete with the big established shops? Their is only one way to make a bung for round tubing, getting someone to choose you over Kartek, McKEnzies, etc. will make profiting a lot harder. I would spend my time coming up with parts that aren't readily available for a decent price, for example, a lot of people could use a square heim bung, but don't need the pinch bolt that all of the available ones have making them cost twice as much as a regular one would cost. Either way DGAF on the haters who would bash saying your round tube bungs are just like Kartek's, their is only one way to make a part like that and stupid people will call you out either way, I know.