Hidden wooden hinge jig / Cosman hinge jig

[Harmek]

Hello all,

I saw a video on youtube of Rob Cosman making a lovely box with a hidden hinge. He used a little jig for putting holes in the dead centre of the dowel used to make the hinge. I have a metal lathe so I figured Id make a jig myself. It wasnt too hard so perhaps I should make some to sell on here.

I have ordered a few parts and have some material on hand but I would like to find out what preferences you all have if you would like to buy this jig. I have ordered grub screws to retain the drill bit, the drill bit, tig rods, router bits (cheapies but they dont need to do much work) and I will make a little case on my cnc. I planned on making 1/4" and 1/2" sizes for small and large boxes. The tig rods are the hinge bolt and the 1/4" takes a 1.6mm while the 1/2" takes a 3.2. These size rods are readily available at welding shops or hardware stores. I plan on including a few in the kit. Each takes me about 2 hours all said and done. Turning, altering the drill bits to appropriate size, tapping and prepping the box. I am hoping to provide a ready to go kit but without the dowel making jig.. maybe.


So, I would like to ask you the following - If you were interested in purchasing would you prefer

1. Metric or Imperial?

2. Sizes? 4, 6, 8, 10, 12mm? or 1/4- 3/8 - 1/2" I would prefer to stick to two sizes only. Or charge extra for custom sizes.

3. What would be a fair price? Cosmans jigs are awfully expensive and the shipping is a killer. I imagine shipping will be $10 Australia wide and parts around $10. It would be around 2-3 hours work per jig everything considered.

4. What else would be nice to have included? I thought about a dowel making jig. There are a few 3D printed designs I could print or make my own but it would be around $30 or so extra depending if I go with a planer blade or router bit as the cutter.

5. Are there any other tools that people are after that could be made on a lathe?

Thanks all,
Paul

[mic-d]

Making one for your own use is one thing, selling them is quite another. Have you checked with Rob that you’re not violating some IP?

[Harmek]

It isnt patented or copyrighted.

It isnt novel or non-obvious. Its the technique that is novel and even then its a twist on traditional wooden hinges. Its a tool that enables a technique to be used.
He tells you how to make one in one of his videos. This is a bit of metal with two holes drilled in it. Its not a Festool Domino.

His is designed differently than mine even though it is ostensibly the same principle. A short piece of round bar stock with two holes drilled in it. I didnt reference or copy his design. I looked for a way for me to accomplish the same outcome. Looking at his now it has interchangeable heads which is quite clever but again, not something that can be patented.

I see Bridge City and Woodpecker copies on Aliexpress and TEMU. The infringement there is not that they both shave wood or measure. Its that they seek to encroach on innovation and aesthetic of the established brands. There are many other options to achieve the same ends. Aliexpress and TEMU seek to hijack the brands reputation and in turn damage their company as a whole.

I am not trying to sell these as Cosman replicas.

I am making my own solution to the same problem which is not novel and is obvious.

As such, I dont feel it necessary to get permission to make and sell something like this.

I understand your concern but I dont consider this unethical. The maker community is just not like that. How many dovetail hand saw jigs are there out there? People sell plans for obvious and easy things if they want to make money solely off the idea. If youd like to purchase his then you are very welcome to do so. If you think me selling my version of the jig is unethical then you are welcome to contact Rob regarding this matter.

[mic-d]

Chill out mate, I was posing a simple question. No need to jump down my throat. Your post was written very much like you were replicating Rob’s jig. And in previous threads where you’ve suggested selling them whether or not you would be replicating them exactly, you refer to making ‘Cosman hinge jigs’. Would you like me to link those threads here?

[Harmek]

I gave your post a lot of thought and posted my reply. There was no personal attack or jumping down your throat. This thread is titled with Cosman in the name too so I understand the confusion. I should have titled it Cosman style hinge jig or just not mentioned his name at all.

Anyway. I don’t want to derail this thread. If mods deem my plan to be unethical they can close this down without protest.

[Bucky]

I have the Cosman one in metric. i bought it before Covid and the large increase in freight cost. It was still expensive. I have the full set but have only used the smallest one so far. Sounds like a good idea. It’s not like you would be competing with Rob. I would be interested in a dowel making jig.