I made my first bow drill yesterday and learned a few things in the process.

1. Doing it in the sun is sweaty work
2. Hau (hisbiscus) wood is easy to work with
3. Don't make the notch too big
4. The bow drill works better for me with the notch facing away from me
5. Non-natural cords like accessory cords are slippery. The spindle slides a bit
6. The alox farmer's awl is fantastic for carving out the socket in seasoned kiawe (mesquite)
7. Once I was able to get all the pieces prepared, getting a coal was pretty fast. I didn't time it but I got a coal in under 30 seconds!

So I think I am making progress in my fire making skills. So far fire making success with:

lighter
matches
ferro rod
battery & steel wool
flint & steel
bow drill

Next up...the fire plow.