legal issue with home made jigs etc

[Alan m]

hi there.

i have bought a few jigs that worked well for the tool they were designed for. ie small router with 8mm bars over a large router with 10 mm bars and different spacing

i would like to replicate these jigs but for other tools . i have a few changes i want to make to the designes as i re do them.

one jig i want to redo is the trend pivot frame jig. i has the trend standand 8mm bars and spacing. i would like to make a way bigger version (maybe 2.5 times bigger and use my of2000 with its spacing and 10mm bars. i will end up probably using there parts for the jig.

do you think there is any way i could get in trouble. i know there is apatent issue but i am not copping it but changing it to a bigger job. also the fact that i bought their jig and will be using most of it in my one , will mine not be just an adaption of theirs rather than a new one.

what do you think.

 

[BobKovacs]

Are you talking about just making one for your own use, or taking their stuff, modifying it and then selling it?

 

[Alan m]

only for my self.

selling it would get my in hot water fast

 

[waho6o9]

If it's for your use you should be okay.  [blink]

 

[Alan m]

thats what i thought but wasnt sure

 

[JeromeM]

If it's for your use you should be okay.   [blink]

Technically no.

If the jig is patented that patent prevents anyone making a copy even if it is modified. That you don't sell or give it away is not important. 
However practically if you don't show your jig widely then the patent holder can't find you.

Also you would be very unlucky to find a company that would spend the money to stop you using your home made jig.

Of course as you say if you start selling or even giving away an unlicensed copy of a patented thing that is a very different case.

So in practice most of us, who make jigs etc., will be copying someone's patented device to some extent. I probably do and as it is for my own use I don't spend any time bothering about patents.