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Starting a Fire with a Bow Drill
Master the bow drill — the most reliable friction fire method. The bow multiplies speed and reduces fatigue. Fire provides warmth, water purification, cooking, and protection.
Àárín
30-45 minutes
Ìlànà
1
1
Select Wood
Select Wood
Fireboard & spindle: dry, dead softwood (willow, cottonwood, cedar). Should dent with your thumbnail. Spindle: 2cm diameter, 30cm long. Both must be bone dry.
Materials for this step:
Dry softwood board1 ẹyọ2
2
Carve Components
Carve Components
Fireboard: flat, 2cm thick. Carve a small depression near one edge. Bow: curved branch ~60cm with cordage tied between ends. Handhold: hardwood block or stone with a socket.
Design
Diagram showing fireboard with notch dimensions and spindle placement
Materials for this step:
Dry softwood board1 ẹyọ
Straight dry stick (spindle)1 ẹyọ
Curved branch (bow)1 ẹyọ
Cordage1 mítà
Hardwood/stone handhold1 ẹyọ
Tinder bundle1 ìdìTools needed:
Knife3
3
Burn In & Cut Notch
Burn In & Cut Notch
Bow the spindle slowly to burn a round socket. Then cut a V-notch into the socket — 1/8 of the circle. Place bark underneath to catch the ember.
4
4
Create the Ember
Create the Ember
Long steady strokes, firm pressure. When thick smoke pours from the notch, 10-15 more fast strokes. Lift spindle carefully — glowing coal in the notch.
5
5
Ignite Tinder Bundle
Ignite Tinder Bundle
Tip coal into a nest of dry grass/bark shavings. Fold loosely, blow gently with steady breaths until it bursts into flame. Transfer to fire lay.
Àwọn ohun-èlò
6- 1 ẹyọPlaceholder
- Placeholder
- 1 ẹyọPlaceholder
- 1 ẹyọPlaceholder
- 1 ìdìPlaceholder
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