Bow & Drill : Chapter 1 "close but no cigar"

From what I recall, the local Indians used to use soft woods, or even the woody stalks from plants like agave, yucca, or sotol, for fireboards. I've never made fire this way (I vaguely intend to try soon), but I'd imagine that hardwood would be much more difficult to use.

I'm interested in trying out some bone-dry yucca stalks for my first try. Very soft, fibrous, woody material. Added advantage is that here in the Sonoran Desert, tinder bursts into flame if you think unkind thoughts about it.
 
PROBLEM: The char dust is spilling, or "leaking" downward, "through" the notch onto the paper, like all of it. Think of an hour glass leaking sand.
That's why I say I have to start a new hole, with new Vee notch. As you guys said, the hole was probably too close to the edge. And I think my notch was too fat at the top. I'm thinking that the board is not sitting flat on the paper, so allowing the char to run every which way. If it was just building up in the V notch, it should accumulate in a pile. Maybe a picture? BTW, Mike's idea to locate the hole is a good one. I usually just 'eyeball' it but sometimes I do get it too close :( Also it would be a good aid when teaching because beginners need a base line.

TECHNIQUE: As far as down pressure, I'm starting slowly, with very little pressure for the first 10 seconds, developing "rhythm", then speeding up to generate that heat, then finally applying some pressure, not tons of pressure, but, until I feel the force beginning to affect the spinning movement. Anything beyond that would probably result in a trade-off between pressure/friction vs. speed/heat. Sounds good.

It's dry and windy today, so I may be able to make a modest tinder bundle.. think bigger, maybe the size of a softball. It's not normally necessary to make it this big, but we're still working on that first one. The larger tinder bundle will do 2 things. First of all, it will probably protect your hands more (some people hold the bundle between 2 pieces of bark) and if you're not blowing it quite right; the bundle is not compacted properly (too tight or too loose) if may give you some room for error.. if i get a coal, it would be a shame not to celebrate by lighting a tinder bundle.

Crud, I have got neither Cottonwood nor Basswood, even if I do, it's live.

No dead cedars around either...that I know of.

Choices:
How bout tulip poplar?? have tons of it. Never tried it.
Locust [x] got that. Never tried it, but probably too hard as it is a good bow making wood.
wild cherry/mulberry [x] got that too. Never tried it, probably too hard.
white oak [x] on the wood pile, seasoned and dry. Never tried it but I'm sure this would be way too hard. Being too hard doesn't mean that it can't work, it's just that it would take a ton more work.

So stick with the Box Elder. It's probably as good as any other wood in your neighbourwood. (pun intended :) )

Doc
 
Here is a really good link I found about bow drilling, good diagrams.

http://www.natureskills.com/bow_drill_fire_making.html


bow_dr3.gif
 
Thanks Doc. I keep hearing tulip poplar is good. Think of maple, but a bit lighter and whiter. It's still in the deciduous/hardwood family,but I like to think of it as among the lightest/least dense of the hardwoods. "Maple light" ;)

First things first. I have to see a live coal, either smoke or glow, then I'll worry about a tinder bundle. I normally make mine the size of a birds nest.
Once I have a confirmed living coal, it's all downhill, shame on me if I destroy it. I'd rather know I can get a fairly consistant coal, then move forward in the process.

Liam, thanks, I have read all the Google links to Results Page 10. :barf:
My only comment is all of the conflicting info provided, however, I'll err to the side of Doc and RescueMike since I know they have done it, and speak from experience.

We're close.

Hey Doc, maybe it's the hearth moving a little? maybe it's a little uneven, etc. etc. I'll tend to that little piece of the puzzle to ensure it's not a hinderance. The Dust isn't "going every which way" , just I had the idea that the dust had to clog the hole and the coal had to form right there, in the Vee, right at the top. As I saw everything "spilling" down toward the base, I thought I was doing something wrong.

I have the concept down firmly, up to the creation of good smoke. :thumbup:
Still making sure I understand what it is I am looking for beyond good smoke output.

Coldwood, you better be taking notes :D
 
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