Sharp, Here's some pics of my primitive kit. A lot of the fire boards have been practically drilled through from use, but maybe the pics will help.

Enjoy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

RW,

Thanks,

See, those fire boards are were much more burned in than ours. And you have had a lot more practice than we do. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Well, my weekend are booked. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> (Cloak, ya with me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />)

Guess we need to keep the drill going for a longer time.

I see cottonwood might work. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> (if we can find some, that it)

We've been using mostly cedar wood, which Cloak has suggest is really good stuff. I don't doubt that cause we were able to get it smoking.

Also, did you make some of the cord? If so what did you use? I think our next little task, after we get a little better a bow-drilling, is going to try to make some cord using various natural fibrous materials. If you have any suggestion, please do tell. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Cloak,

Sure, I do have some shots that I can post here or on a different thread.

You should be using your camera more and uploading the pictures. Lazy Cloak... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Sharp, Cottonwood and Cedar are the two best woods I've found, I've actually used more Cedar myself because we are surrounded with Cedar trees. We have a local state park called Cedars of Lebanon. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Ours are Red Cedar though. I've experimented with several other woods, some like Pine are too soft, and others like, Peach, Oak and Maple are too hard.

Yes I have made some cordage from a few different fibers, like Thistle, Oak bark, Rafia, Milkweed, Cedar bark, and I've tried a few various grasses, vines and other innerbarks. It takes as much or more time finding the right materials as it does learning to make the cordage, but you learn a lot along the way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have to admit that I use leather or nylon strings on my bows most of the time. Most plant cordage just can't take the stress of the firemaking process.

It really does take a lot of time and dedication and stamina to get the coal going good, so don't give up to easily and make sure and take long level strokes on the bow.

Rainwalker,
That is quite the impressive gathering of gear!

Thanks, I've always enjoyed working on my skills, and I used to go to my kids school every so often and demonstrate firemaking and other skills. I just wish I had more time to spend on my primitive skills. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Time for that is really hard to come by these days... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

There was a time when I really considered moving off the grid, I don't think the wife and kids were really sure what to do with me back then. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I kinda miss those days though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Hand drilling can be done with a single person, with luck and endurance. But primal peoples commonly made it a team effort. One person would spin the drill till he got tired and started slowing down. Then another would take up the task. There are two of you. Try trading off on the hand drill and see if that helps.

That's a great idea! I've seen it done, but never done it myself.

Make it a team effort. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It's still quite a hard thing to do even with 2 people. Thought it would be pretty satisfying to get a fire from just your hands and a stick. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

RW,

You say Pine is too soft, and I don't disagree with that, it is, but have you tried using fat wood for the drill and/or board?

I think it would actually make everything nicer as the wood itself is a little sticky, even if the bow tension is too tight, the stickiness might help it.

I know the stuff burns really well... a little too well.

Sharp, The Fatwood is worth experimenting with, however I believe the dried sap in the Fatwood will cause the spindle to glaze over which will reduce friction and keep it from getting enough good hot dust. Glazing can be a major problem. The spindle needs to produce the friction that ultimately creates as much coal dust as possible.

Another thing about glazing that's worth mentioning, it can happen even with the right kinds of wood, sometimes from applying too much pressure. If you get glazing (a shiny polished look to the spindle or bowl/socket)take your knife and scrape off the glaze. I've even added a slight amount of dry dust or fine dry sand (just a pinch) to prevent glazing.

RW,

Thanks for pointing out glazing. This did happen to Cloak and I several times during our practice with the bow-drill. We got these really high pitched, not to mention really loud, noise coming from the fire board. We though it wasn't a big deal, but now we see what it actually is.

Thanks!!

Actually a high pitched squeaking is very common and lets you know your making some good friction. You can really stir up a good bit of noise when you get that spindle turning good and making some good smoke. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I usually start out with moderate pressure and good long strokes at a good even pace, and then when I start getting some good smoke, I lighten a little on the pressure and speed up a bit on the strokes. You want a lot of smoke before you stop.

Also, make sure and lock the hand with the handhold against your leg so that the spindle doesn't move around too much, that'll help you keep your strokes level and even too.

Just remember loooong even level strokes, it's very easy to go too fast at the start and make the strokes too short.

One of these days when I have time, I want to do a tutorial complete with step by step pics from making the parts all the way through to the fire itself. Maybe someday... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />