bow friction lighting

[pag_3833]

i think once you learn the correct technique then it becomes easier but to start with i think its an absolute killer.

 

[rich59]

I still don't think it a traditional UK skill mate.

This thought got me doing a fair bit of surfing to see what I could find about any tradition of friction fire in the UK. And I was fascinated with the result - the ancient tradtion of the "Need fire" or "Force fire". See other thread.

 

[Mike Ameling]

Yes, I found it hard when I started learning. After now getting about 3 dozen coals, it's getting easier. But that was with a good proven kit. Now I have been experimenting with finding/making my own hearth boards and drills. Now THAT'S when the HARD PART really kicks in!

So I struggle on in my journey. The Hand Drill is next!

Mike Ameling - yee ol' grumpy German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands

 

[pataviking]

A friend at work and I were just talking about this. he went with his son on a trip thru school to a small theme park called Frontier Land or something like that. anyhow he is an more of a buckskinner and at the park they should how they used to do it using a bow drill and tinder, fire in 10 seconds. the drill and base were made of yucca stalk and charcloth with cedar bark tinder. a few days later he was reading an old book he has am I want to borrow and it says yucca stalk is #1 to make bow drills from he forgot #2 something he never heard of, #3 is red cedar. maybe knowing what works best for others might help you. now I am looking at little old ladies flower beds for yucca plants. Pat

 

[Gwhtbushcraft]

I have succeeded but i find that often my drill and my notch get too polished affer a few goes.