bow drill success

N

NB16

Joined
Jul 22, 2006
Messages
98
For the past few weeks I've been trying the bow drill. I have went through about 2 sets of bow drills, about a bottle of aspirin for all the headaches:grumpy:. I almost quit all together but today i didn't have work, so I
decided one more time. I followed step by step instructions then on the first notch with my new bow drill I got an ember. So to follow up my lengthy post:foot: Just saying how helpful this forum is and sharing my success!
 
I used different wood than last time and I was able to make just better components. The set was made out of cottonwood.
 
NB16 said:
For the past few weeks I've been trying the bow drill. I have went through about 2 sets of bow drills, about a bottle of aspirin for all the headaches:grumpy:. I almost quit all together but today i didn't have work, so I
decided one more time. I followed step by step instructions then on the first notch with my new bow drill I got an ember. So to follow up my lengthy post:foot: Just saying how helpful this forum is and sharing my success!
Click to expand...

Congratulations! They say you never forget your first time. :rolleyes:

Now, practice a lot. You'll be surprised how easy it gets.
And then, of course, there's always the Egyptian bow drill....................

Doc
 
Congrats NB16, I know how you feel. I'm still playing with different sets myself. I'm starting to learn what works and what doesn't...all fun:)
 
I thought I'd continue this thread instead of making a brand new one. . . hope no one minds.

I just made my first attempt at making fire with a bow and drill. I was surprised at how quickly I got smoke, but it was at the hand hold instead of on the fire board!:eek: I need to experiment with some different woods apparently. I'm just using some unknown wood from an old pallet that I busted up last weekend. I think my bow and drill are fine though. I was surprised at how quickly I got it smoking, even if it was at the wrong end. I'll keep trying and hopefully find success before too long! I have to agree with NB16. . . This forum has been a tremendous help in this and several other endeavors. Thanks to everyone!
 
That was my big problem too. to fix lighten up on pressure and lubricate the handhold more. do this with your skin oils then really rub the two pieces together until it gets a sheen on it. Another method to use is soap. A little cheat that works good.
 
Guys,

Make the part that goes into the handnotch more pointed then the part that goes into fireboard. The fireboard needs a more blunted end (gives more friction area) to operate at maximum performance.

CZ
 
A small steel tack inserted into the hole in the handpiece (AKA "Thunderbird") reduces friction -- as do skin oil or ear wax. You can also use a harder wood for the handpiece - something your fingernail can't dent.

It ain't easy, but I had a friend years ago who never took more than ten strokes to get an ember. Go figure. (He used yucca wood for the hearth and spindle.)
 
Has anybody used Lignum for the handpiece? Just thinking about its natural lubricity, and as I want to try the technique soon (have wanted to since a young boy but never got around to it- always used flint& steel, matches or my favourite a single ember from the night before). Just to be more precice it is lubed handpiece, hardwood shaft, soft fireboard right??
 
I'm beginning to learn the bow drill method and was wondering is there an easy way to know what wood to look for besides actually being able to recognise the species.
 
nick-nack said:
I'm beginning to learn the bow drill method and was wondering is there an easy way to know what wood to look for besides actually being able to recognise the species.
Click to expand...
>Noting that you are in OZ, I did a Google search for: australia wood OR woods "fire by friction." Lots of hits. Here's one: http://www.ssrsi.org/ods/fire.htm

>One general rule is to select a wood that you can just dent with a fingernail -- and one that yields sawdust that feels like flour (not gritty).

>There is always "trial and error."

>Since aboriginal peoples were masters of fire-by-friction, you could seek out such expertise.

>The bottom line is that, for useful survival purposes, you DO need to recognize the suitable woods in your area(s) of wilderness operations.
 
I am by no means an expert but was watching OLN the other day, program of white guy out hanging in the kalahari with the last bushmen , (Extreme Survival was the show)

They werent using bow drill just hand spinning , they dropped a pinch of sand and i believe charred wood dust into the "fireboard" hole to create more friction/heat quicker, they seemed able to get things going pretty quick. The host of the show took a while to get an ember however.

A
 
Thomas Linton said:
>Noting that you are in OZ, I did a Google search for: australia wood OR woods "fire by friction." Lots of hits. Here's one: http://www.ssrsi.org/ods/fire.htm

>One general rule is to select a wood that you can just dent with a fingernail -- and one that yields sawdust that feels like flour (not gritty).

>There is always "trial and error."

>Since aboriginal peoples were masters of fire-by-friction, you could seek out such expertise.

>The bottom line is that, for useful survival purposes, you DO need to recognize the suitable woods in your area(s) of wilderness operations.
Click to expand...


Thats great! Thanks.
 
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