New Windshield cutting tool

[Duke55]

I have design, fabricated and tested a tool for cutting windshields. I done this after trying the typical methods (root-zip with diamond bit, die grinder with diamond blade and sand blasting). After performing the previous methods I felt it was a huge gamble to use one of them on a new windshield so I designed the new one. I have tried several complex cuts (name in cursive, parallel cuts within 1/8" of each other) and extreme scenarios (no water at fast cut rate) with the new tool and have not been able to make the windshield crack. The tool will cut the entire length of windshield in less then 10 minutes.

My question is - how many shops/individuals would be interested in buying a tool like this if it was in the $500-1000 range (all USA components and high quality build). Just trying to decide what I should do with this tool.

 

[neophyte]

Fein already manufactures and sells tools for removing windshields that cost $500-$1000 or more. I've seen used ones turn up on Ebay as well so there must be a market for this type of tool, at this price range.

 

[Danglerb]

I can't imagine cutting vs decal. What about cracks forming days, weeks, months later?

 

[Duke55]

I should have been more specific. This tool is for cutting windshield down for chopped vehicles.

 

[kunkernator]

I should have been more specific. This tool is for cutting windshield down for chopped vehicles.

I understand what you are saying. I also understand that you may not want to share much because you plan on patenting it? Is there any pictures you can share? Maybe of a finished product vs original.

 

[Duke55]

Here are the first couple of cuts I made before figuring out what works best. These cuts also used the coarse cutter. This glass also shows the two cuts I did about 1/8" apart. I have switch to a medium cutter and and increased the tool rpm to significantly clean up the cut. I will have to take pictures of my latest cuts.

Very first cuts


Later the same day I cut along the bottom of this piece of glass and wrote my name. The upper right cut started with a roto-zip and diamond bit (very slow and fairly rough)and then was switched to a die grinder with diamond wheel (very fast and very rough)

 

[HAP]

What's the throat limit on the tool?

 

[Duke55]

Current throat depth on tool is 6.75" (limited by currently commercially available components). I have another design that could have an 11" throat.

 

[Zeke]

Every major area has at least one shop the customizers go to for glass. That's your market. Might not be the easiest people to find. I'd say you could sell a couple hundred of those with some leg work.

 

[Duke55]

Every major area has at least one shop the customizers go to for glass. That's your market. Might not be the easiest people to find. I'd say you could sell a couple hundred of those with some leg work.

That is exactly what I was thinking. I do not think a couple of hundred would justify getting a patent. I think it may make more sense to make a few to take to car shows along with my truck when it is done.

I could open up the make substantially by doing some minor additions to the tool and advertising for cutting complex shapes out of tile, stone etc, but I am not very interested in that. I like the thought of supplying a quality tool to a nitch market that shares similar interests with me (obviously I am not a very good business man).

 

[tc-cad]

I have done design work for a guy who invented the windshield installation tool called "Little Buddy". His name is Kent, nice guy. Google "Little Buddy", he relocated near the Wisconsin Dells. Maybe he can steer you in the right direction? I can't imagine there is a very large market for this type of thing, but who knows.


TC-CAD

 

[Farmall450]

It seems like a good idea, and can probably be modified to help others as you said.

 

[trebomb]

That is really impressive work! I think the customizers are going to be stoked to get their hands on this if it's as stable as you say. Congrats man!