Solo Fire

[Biddlesby]

Got my first solo bow drill ember (five today actually!). Last time I only managed it in tandem (thanks Fenlander!) but have been trying again for the past two weekends. For those who are getting nothing but smoke, like me, perhaps this will help:

1) Try a different combinations. I managed success with hazel on poplar but nothing but smoke with other combinations (e.g hazel on pine, hazel on hazel)
2) Try a straight bow (so it knocks against the edge).
3) Make sure your notch isn't too big.
4) I found that after a decent amount of smoke, 30 more strokes pretty much guaranteed me a nice big ember.
5) Make it easy for yourself; seasoned wood that is bone dry.

 

[Ranger Bob]

Well done Harry! Thats great .....keep on praticing!

 

[Stuart]

nicley done harry :You_Rock_

you'll now have that warm glow of sulf sufficancy where ever you go

 

[rich59]

Excellent Biddlesby!!!!!!!!!!!

To get confident do it regularly, try lots of different woods and sizes of wood, do it in different locations, show it to other people. Finally take the oak on oak challenge (I can only do that one with a power drill).

 

[Fenlander]

Got my first solo bow drill ember (five today actually!). Last time I only managed it in tandem (thanks Fenlander!) but have been trying again for the past two weekends. For those who are getting nothing but smoke, like me, perhaps this will help:

1) Try a different combinations. I managed success with hazel on poplar but nothing but smoke with other combinations (e.g hazel on pine, hazel on hazel)
2) Try a straight bow (so it knocks against the edge).
3) Make sure your notch isn't too big.
4) I found that after a decent amount of smoke, 30 more strokes pretty much guaranteed me a nice big ember.
5) Make it easy for yourself; seasoned wood that is bone dry.

WELL DONE Harry!!!!

I think I've seen a "straight bow" used before somewhere

 

[Ogri the trog]

Well done Buddy,

Great feeling isn't it?

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Topcat02]

Nice one Biddlesby. Keep it going.

 

[Biddlesby]

Thanks all. Have been practising today. Lit somebody else's cigarette with an ember, instead of going upstairs and getting the lighter!

(and yes, credit to fenlander for converting me to a straight bow )