German Tillering Gizmo

Eric Krewson · July 05, 2012, 09:22:00 AM

I saw a video on You Tube about making longbows where the guy was using a commercial version of a tillering gizmo.

Pretty neat how my idea for a gizmo and theirs evolved at about the same time. I did send a gizmo to Germany about 5 years ago, wonder if that helped their's evolve.

Looks well made and according to their website costs 18 euros.

SportHunter · July 05, 2012, 09:49:00 AM

I saw that online about 6 months ago. I thought they may have picked it up from your original idea as well. The overall concept is identical.

Johan van Niekerk · July 05, 2012, 01:35:00 PM

Should have patented it

BassBow · July 05, 2012, 01:49:00 PM

A great contribution to the bowyer world. Thank you! Too bad they took a charitable effort and are capitalizing on it.

Eric Krewson · July 05, 2012, 01:51:00 PM

I don't think they stole my idea, just came up with it at about the same time as I did.

Too easy to make to patent. I thought about selling them through one of the big archery supply houses but being retired I am done with actually "having to work" and would rather make bows, flintlock rifles and just give the gizmos away.

I have given away between 150 and 200 of them so far but don't give them to everyone who asks for one. I give most of them away unsolicited to people who post pictures of their first tillering job and it is obvious they need some help.

Early on I gave away a bunch to people who were"thinking" about making a bow. I suspect few of these gizmos ever got used.

Now I only give a gizmo to a person who is actively working on a selfbow and often to a young person who lacks the equipment to make their own.

BassBow · July 05, 2012, 03:41:00 PM

That makes sense Eric. It was a great idea. It is a surprise that it took so long for someone to create it.

Enjoy your retirement! I salute you for your charitable work to young bowyers. Have a nice weekend.

Roy from Pa · July 05, 2012, 03:48:00 PM

Eric, your a good man Sir.. ^5 Roy

monterey · July 06, 2012, 05:35:00 PM

I'm in the dark! :confused: How is the gizmo used?

Roy from Pa · July 06, 2012, 05:41:00 PM

Like this.

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000075

Eric Krewson · July 06, 2012, 05:53:00 PM

Here is the latest version.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=001047#000000

BigErn · July 06, 2012, 06:46:00 PM

Hey Eric,
Don't have a video of you using the gizmo,do you?
Ernie

Stiks-n-Strings · July 06, 2012, 10:13:00 PM

I was given a few by a friend and they never ever leave my bench. I almost always at least use it to check my tiller

WestTexan · July 06, 2012, 10:56:00 PM

Lots of reading when I first found this site and was lucky to find the thread on the gizmo and other than a hatchet and a rasp it was my third tool to have..... Really great tool Eric. Ernie click on that link Eric posted it well show you how it's used.

Osagetree · July 07, 2012, 04:12:00 AM

As far as I am concerned, it was Erics original idea & tool!

Shaun · July 11, 2012, 11:34:00 PM

Proud owner of an actual Krewson Gizmo. Like a sandwich - it tastes better if someone makes it for you....Here is a recent circle tiller helped out by this fine tool.

SEMO_HUNTER · July 16, 2012, 10:56:00 AM

Eric sent me a Gizmo and I've used it on every bow since I recieved it. It just plain works great on selfbows, no way to argue with that.

I also use Eric's method of applying snake skins, and bamboo backings.
So you've given away much more than gizmos Mr. Krewson and I thank you for it.