After several hours of practice, I did finally manage to get a live coal with a bow-drill. It needed some awareness of finicky details in the shape of the drill and the baseplate. Also, touching the tip of the drill too much will lubricate it with oil from your skin and prevent it from generating enough friction. Who knew?

My wife managed to get the hand-drill to work, but I never did. Her advice, by the way? Wear gloves. It's rough on your hands. Even better advice? Have some matches.

Oh. And make sure that tinder's ready. Nothing worse than FINALLY getting a coal, just to have it burn out before you can fumble your tinder into place.