Posted by: Tom_L
Managed to make fire with a bow drill! - 03/15/09 02:46 PM
Wo-hoo, I am a happy guy today! Just managed to make fire with a bow drill for the first time in my life!
On top of it, it was my first serious try ever. I may have fooled around with a bow drill when I was a kid but never thought I could make it work so I didn't really bother.
But I admit watching Survivorman made me jealous. Les Stroud seemed to be able to start a fire with a bow drill so easily I finally thought I should give it a shot myself.
And it really works! It only took me 20 minutes all in all to prepare everything (bow, drill, board and handhold). Hazel didn't make the best drill but a slightly smaller diameter ash stick worked like a charm. Just about 30 seconds actual drilling and I got enough coal to ignite my tinder (cotton ball).
I don't think I'll be using this method in the bush too often but the confidence boost is amazing. And it's surprising how easy it is, all you have to do is a little research.
On top of it, it was my first serious try ever. I may have fooled around with a bow drill when I was a kid but never thought I could make it work so I didn't really bother.
But I admit watching Survivorman made me jealous. Les Stroud seemed to be able to start a fire with a bow drill so easily I finally thought I should give it a shot myself.
And it really works! It only took me 20 minutes all in all to prepare everything (bow, drill, board and handhold). Hazel didn't make the best drill but a slightly smaller diameter ash stick worked like a charm. Just about 30 seconds actual drilling and I got enough coal to ignite my tinder (cotton ball).
I don't think I'll be using this method in the bush too often but the confidence boost is amazing. And it's surprising how easy it is, all you have to do is a little research.