Bow drill

I've been thinking about using a bow drill to start a fire been picking up some cedar. what I want to know is will that be the right kind of wood for the job. I've done the flint and steel with char cloth got a good hold of that. I want to learn all I can. thank you. Shotgunpapa.

 

I have been told to make the hearth and spindle from the same wood for friction fire...

 

Bushcrafter forum, you can get tons of info on friction fire the best and worst woods

 

thanks all I tried today and failed but I will not give up, just need a new bow the one I had broke lol. the dog kept stilling it from me and I broke it taking it away.

 

It takes a very soft wood.
Pithy but not too fragmented internally.
the drill and hearth are the same wood , but that's not carved in stone .,, variations are possible...
the bearing block needs to be hard enough so it is not creating any drag while working. .
this material process is not for making flame but making a coal, nothing more.
I was using poplar the other day and the drill developed the coal and kept burning like a punk. .
I found a trick worth a look

I was actually able to make a coal several time from the same hole.
give it a try.

 

I will have to try that looks good Thanks arleigh and thanks to every one else you have all been helpful.

 

Been thinking about making a pump drill, and cheating it a little.

 

I did this today . working out on the end grain it came much faster.

 

cut little vertical notches in the end and it will help with friction and a pinch of dirt or sand will help with friction too

 

I tried the notches, the hole works best. for me.
I have also rekindled coals 2-3 times on the same hole.

 

I was referring to notching the drill small notches in the drill help

 

I use the serrated edge of my knife for making the drill and it provides a nice corrugated surface to grab the string ( it would also provide a better grip on a hand drill as well) .
As far as using the serration on the dill point ,initially it is good for forming the bowl but it will go away quickly as they are both forming/mating against one another.

 

Anyone doing this in the PNW on the wet side of the mountains?

I've studied it but unless it's in the middle of a hot summer, I've never found ideal wood/conditions during the fall, winter & spring.

So I'm still stuck on a zippo, bic, weather proof matches and a fero rod with tender in the kit and char cloth box.

 

yep yep im in grays harbor lolbeen doing it since I was a kid. do what is comfortable for you but challenge yourself to master your weaknesses

 

I've got a lot of skills to polish before I practice this but you have a point.

 

hell hit me up some time I like teaching

 

I have to agree that is why I am testing myself on not just that but all things to make my life better in the woods and at home.

 

well hit me up if you have any questions im pretty good at it lol

 

for sure I will do that and thanks.