My triumph over the Bow Drill!!!

N

NB16

Joined
Jul 22, 2006
Messages
98
Today I had nothing else to do, so I decided to try out the bow drill.
It is an awesome feeling when you know that you created fire with just a knife and some sticks. I took some pics to share with you guys my experience.!!
sorry about the crummy photography

The tool for today
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The spindle and hearth which were both poplar
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The bow and handhold...hand hold was just scrap wood and did not take the time to make nice and neat
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Getting into Position
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The coal
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Now finally Fire!!!
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It took about 15 mins to male the set....which was surprisingly easy. On the other hand it took me four different notches in the board to get a coal and blow it into fire.It is awesome now I have to keep practicing to become an expert. I encourage everyone to learn this skill....hey if I can do it so can you.:D
 
Congrats,:thumbup: I remember last summer @ the wilderness Learning Center, the look of pride and achievement on everyones face when they finally got their coal and blew it into flame. Its really pretty easy to master with the right wood and conditions. Not so easy after agood rain though.

John
 
jdhoward315 said:
Congrats,:thumbup: I remember last summer @ the wilderness Learning Center, the look of pride and achievement on everyones face when they finally got their coal and blew it into flame. Its really pretty easy to master with the right wood and conditions. Not so easy after agood rain though.

John
Click to expand...

:thumbup: Same exact experiance at the W.L.C., also last summer
:)
 
Did you use that leaf you show to collect the char? Some collect it to pour on the tinder and some put the tinder under the slot/notch.
 
Congrats!! I have yet to sucessfully complete a bowdrill fire. I can always get it smoking real well but can never manage to get an ember. Maybe I'll try this weekend when I met up with people in MA. Who better to get advice from that a bunch of W&SS guys.
 
I have yet to try getting a fire going with a bow and drill, but it is on my list of things to do this year. Somehow I don't feel someone is a complete outdoorsman without this skill. Sounds a bit nutty, I know.
 
go2ndAmend said:
I have yet to try getting a fire going with a bow and drill, but it is on my list of things to do this year. Somehow I don't feel someone is a complete outdoorsman without this skill. Sounds a bit nutty, I know.
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:thumbup: Same here & I agree!
 
go2ndAmend said:
I have yet to try getting a fire going with a bow and drill, but it is on my list of things to do this year. ... Sounds a bit nutty, I know.
Click to expand...

Sounds more like evidence of a working brain than nutty. If you think you might actually need to start a fire one day with absolutely nothing, then this is a great skill to practice. Whether it's piano flourishes or judo pins, you don't want the first time you attempt a new skill to be one one that Counts.

Let us know how it goes. BTW, is that a Buck Nighthawk in the picture? How is it?
 
it was a satisfying day when i first got the bowdrill to work. i find that it is easier to use a rock for a handhold rather than wood. it diminishes friction on the non-business end and you wont have to worry about burning through.
 
Stick a thumbtack in the bottom of your candle stub. If it comes to making fire with a bow and spindle, stick the tack into the hole in the handpiece to reduce friction. Lubricate with ear wax or nose oil.
 
Thomas Linton said:
Did you use that leaf you show to collect the char? Some collect it to pour on the tinder and some put the tinder under the slot/notch.
Click to expand...

Yes I used it under the notch...but the wind had other ideas!!

Thermocline...yes that is a Buck nighthawk...I love this knife. It is extremely tough, but since its so thick I had to thin the edge a little. Ever since then it has been
surprising joy to use even fine carving. Although I would still prefer something like a mora for carving.
 
I love the tack idea for a wooden top bearing.

The notch is important - not critical - but it makes life a LOT easier with a well made notch.

May I suggest scribing a line with your knife that is accurate and then using a SAK saw to cut it out. Take your time and you should have a very accurate notch that you can then clean up.



TF
 
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