So today I did my weekly bowdrill practice. I practice weekly for two reasons. 1} to keep my muscle that are used in working the bowdrill in condition. 2} I want working the bowdrill to be fun not a chore. If you practice then it becomes easy and second nature,where as if you don't practice then you will struggle and it will be hard work. I also go to the woods atleast once a month and make a bowdrill set from start to Finnish,I do this for the same reason,so it is second nature to me. I will say this though,When I make a bowdrill I tend to make the fire board big enough so that I can use it a number of times and have found that I can use the same socket 2 or 3 times and some times more. What I do is find a small stone and use this as an abrasive and rough up the inside of the socket and the end of the spindle which helps create more friction from a socket that has been used.
YES. Somehow, I don't think it ever will be fun. I recently tried the notch at the top of the spindle with a string looped with thumb holes as a technique, but I gave up after 15 minutes. The only thing in worse shape than my hands is the fingers when they lock up on me. Freaking painful. Let me know when you decide to try this method. I was going to make a list of the wood types in this area that work best, but I will save that for another time.
I hate bowdrilling too...The best method for me is the thumbs loop method...most pressure and control, but if there's another way, I always avoid bowdrilling...
I think your talking about the hand drill method to. The bowdrill method is much easier than the hand drill.
Me doing the bowdrill method,it took a little over a minute from start to flame. YouTube - Making fire using the bowdrill method Hand drill by Miloslavjmp,very quick using this method. YouTube - Hand friction fire drill
It is, man! Well, for my little fingers and nearly girl-like hands...okay that's enough modesty. Hey, I subbed you on the Tube.
