tweaking the fire bow

DWK2 said:
I found a palm-sized piece of fatwood that fit my hand really well. I carved an indent in it for the top of the drill and gave it a try. The dry resin seemed to act as a lubricant and it worked well.

DancesWithKnives
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+2. It almost gets waxy.
 
I initially tried some fatwood for the lower friction plate. I thought I'd get some sort of self-igniting super ember.:D That didn't work worth a damn.:o But the fatwood was good for the upper piece of the kit.

DancesWithKnives
 
I made my handpiece out of the butt end of a 36 oz ball peen hammer handle (hickory) . I can use the handpiece as a mini hand mallet, the wood is so hard. Dual purpose. Might drill a hole in it so i can field expedite a stick handle (by inserting the spindle) for hammering things....
 
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The best bearing block I've ever used was a small, thick shot glass. Not very wildernessy, but it works great for starting a fire with a bow drill (and for the celebratory libations around said fire). Snitched it from grandpa's china cabinet many, many years ago.

Also can be broken for knapping a point or otherways used for sharp edges.

Steve
 
Talfuchre said:
Joe,

I don't get it - you tie a clove hitch in AROUND your spindle and then drill?

It actually works?

TF
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Of course, but it's a different set up than what you've been used to - it's used with the Egyptian bow drill. Personally, although I think it's cheating (too easy - Egyptian bow drill, that is), I prefer a single constrictor. Some people also drill a hole through the spindle and tie the cord through there.

Just when you thought you had a grip on it, eh TF? :D

Doc
 
Look forward to seeing the oics BBushman !! I think I get what you're saying with the wax ..

Never gave it a thought about using a fatwood bearing... Great idea !!:thumbup:
 
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