Bow drill materials

[Quixoticgeek]

Bearing block wise, I personally use a set of measuring spoons or a shot glass with some duck tape around it to prevent shattering. But if going old school and want to use wood, anything harder than the spindle! Use your thumb nail and poke it in the wood for your drill, then do the same for a few others. Whichever is the hardest to poke your nail in you can use! (Not an exact science )

It's a nice idea to use something like the measuring spoons, and I saw a nice bearing block (I think it was an MCQ bushcraft video) which was a piece of Antler with a 15mm copper pipe end cap embedded in it.

But the reason I want to learn this skill is in case I need to use it as I have no other means of making fire. So while it might be beneficial when learning the skill, I don't want to be dependant on it.

J

 

[Drain Bamaged]

Personally I use a 2p coin sunk into a comfortable piece of wood the coin having been formed with a ball peen hammer, some people use a shell, other leaves, shot glass as mentioned or even a set of bearings from a skateboard…..the main thing is to be able to hold the spindle steady causing as little friction as possible. My bearing block is well over 20 years old but the bowdrill is not a method I use very much at all, I actually find the hand drill to be easier but I have back and shoulder problems and simply find it more comfortable to be able to sit square on to the hearth board and literally use only my arms and hands……Equally as important as all the parts is technique and practice. A silly little trick I often use with regards the hand drill is to roll a pencil between my palms each time I see a thread or article on the computer about fire lighting, I don’t know if it actually does any good but blisters is something I have never suffered with when using a hand drill even if I go several months lighting the fires the easy way with a lighter.

DB

 

[forrestdweller]

Cordage wise I am going to try with my 2mm polyester braided dyneema cord, if that doesn't work, I'll have to unravel one of my paracord bracelets and use that instead.

Do you have any advice on bearing block choice?

Thanks

J

The toughest stuff for the cordage I know of is lawnmower/chainsaw starter cord...
My bearing block is a ball bearing set in a piece of walnut-alternatively you could try finding a skateboard wheel...

 

[Chaard]

For bearing blocks I had success with a limpet shell that was in my garden for some reason. I also had success with a stone with a dimple in it. I've seen people make and carry purpose made bearing blocks and I understand it can help encourage beginners or kids but I'm of the all or nothing mentality. I felt like a cheat by using a knife so next time ill try with a piece of flint or sharp stone.

 

[Quixoticgeek]

Went for a wander this afternoon and chanced upon a fallen willow branch of about the right size, as well as a piece of Ivy and some Hazel. It's all a bit damp from the recent heavy rains, but should dry pretty quick.

The Ivy I found is only about 30mm wide, is that going to be wide enough ?

J

 

[Firelite]

Hi Q,

I'd say 3cm wide is doable so long as its not too much bark (it can be q. thick). It might not be ideal for your first practice, so if it doesn't work don't be hard on yourself. Well done for having what I think is the correct attitude, and seeking to be able to create fire without anything out of the ordinary to hand. There have been purist/pragmatist arguments forever, but its not a challenge if you make specialist concessions. If you have to carry a skateboard wheel with you, you might as well remember the matches...(!?) and speaking personally I see no freedom if you just become chained to a skateboard bearing instead. It isn't easy, but it is worth learning well. If you need artificial aids to correct technique, then fine, but don't stop there - keep going until it is entirely your own, then it is real and forever. I'm with Chaard on this one. Enjoy the process, and good luck.

 

[Quixoticgeek]

Hi Q,

I'd say 3cm wide is doable so long as its not too much bark (it can be q. thick). It might not be ideal for your first practice, so if it doesn't work don't be hard on yourself. Well done for having what I think is the correct attitude, and seeking to be able to create fire without anything out of the ordinary to hand. There have been purist/pragmatist arguments forever, but its not a challenge if you make specialist concessions. If you have to carry a skateboard wheel with you, you might as well remember the matches...(!?) and speaking personally I see no freedom if you just become chained to a skateboard bearing instead. It isn't easy, but it is worth learning well. If you need artificial aids to correct technique, then fine, but don't stop there - keep going until it is entirely your own, then it is real and forever. I'm with Chaard on this one. Enjoy the process, and good luck.

The 30mm is after I've stripped the bark off. I agree with you on not wanting to need anything special beyond a length of paracord (or a shoe lace.) In the long run I'd like to be able to perfect the hand drill as well, cos then I don't need anything bar 2 bits of wood and a bundle of tinder.

J

 

[Gcckoka]

Hello , I want to make my first bow drill fire can you tell me what woods are best for what woods (spindle , hardboardand so on) which ones is best to use to which one ? Thanks

 

[ateallthepies]

I have had success with a Willow board and Hazel drill.

 

[ammo]

Lyme, Ivy, Holly, Sycamore, Cedar, make great boards. I find Hazel make the best spindles. You can make the whole set from the same wood. Bearing block, shell, antler, flint, also lube the top of spindle, it will greatly reduce friction. Speed and pressure, are essential.