[mbauer]

On one of the other sites I visit, created a thread about designing an airplane jack for emergency use.

Once I had a working model, I tried to advertise on the site. It is related to my type of airplane.

The site owner was contacted, after sending in a check by snail mail, I was never allowed to advertise. Now one of his buddies is selling a similar jack, using the same principle as mine. He did modify it quite a bit with machined parts. I don't have machining technology available, mine are simple construction using welding only and off the "shelf" parts. His is more than 1/2lb in weight more than mine.

After over 6,000+ views of my project, the guy selling them is now getting congratulated for the design. Yep, I'm real happy.

I have sold mine on eBay for far less than the new guy is selling his, he has a dedicated customer base, while mine is eBay, unless you know what to look for, hard to find.

My only satisfaction is: At least I know the design works, they say copying is the best form of a compliment!

Not to say anything bad-I do have another plan for mine that he can't duplicate, allowing a much larger customer base.

I sell mine for $125 which includes shipping, his are at $225, the kit he sells has other parts from the airplane kit maker to make it work, it will not "lift" all of the particular airplane models mine will.

Mike