A patent wouldn't do anything--all a competitor has to do is make some
slight changes and the patent no longer applies. Develop something unique,
forget about the patent, sell them for a reasonable price, then move on to
another product as competitors come.

"azotic" wrote in message
news:WTlce.180$%p.103@fed1read04...

"AL" wrote in message
...
Look on the bright side. With so much business going overseas, high
quality manual and cnc machines can be had for cheap, at least in my
area.

I can't comment on how to make money from a machine shop, but I agree
with others about developing a unique product and selling that.

If the product has a potentialy large market the folks in china will copy
your
product and flood the market before your pattent is approved.

Best Regards
Tom.