Yey! Got an ember with the bow drill!

[StDomingo]

I've been plugging away at this for a few days - sneaking off at each opportunity to practice some more. Until this morning I'd been getting lots of smoke, but no embers, just piles of dark brown/black dust. Finally got an ember this morning which was rewarding - haven't had a chance to have another go to see if it was just a fluke!!

I'm using hazel drill and hearth. Cheating a bit as I use a rollerblade wheel for the bearing block (it is literally a 'bearing' block) which I'm sure makes it quite a lot easier. Once I get consistent I'll ditch the rollerblade wheel and use something more traditional.

JC

 

[crosslandkelly]

It's very rewarding to get an ember, well done. Limpet shells make a good bearing block. That also reminds me to get out and practice some more.

 

[Tonyuk]

Very well done!

Tonyuk

 

[StDomingo]

Thanks both. I can now get them working regularly - time to teach the scouts!!!

 

[Tony]

Good job mate, a great feeling

 

[MegaWoodsWalker]

No such thing as cheating in firecraft success is everything. Congrats and welcome to the realm of the fire gods!

 

[phil1981]

Manage to get last night was so happy i ran into the house shouting. "I am man i made fire" wife just looked at me like i was nuts.... I've been trying to get it for about 3 weeks now but got it with goats willow for the hearth/drill.

 

[Kitharode]

Well done you. It's still on my 'to-do' list for this summer, but you can bet that I'll be doing the "I am man I made fire" routine if I'm lucky enough to succeed. Before that though I'm expecting a flint and steel set to arrive soon, so I'll be having a bash with that. Must remember to wear my gloves for that - Got a feeling it could be a painful experience else ... !!

Once again, congratulations on a job well done and a skill well learnt.

 

[phil1981]

thx m8. i hope you get to do it this summer, and let me know how you get on with your flint and steel i have been thinking about getting a set as well.

 

[Firelite]

Congratulations. You'll never forget that experience.