Hey there! If you’ve ever found yourself bitten by the wilderness bug, you might know a thing or two about the joys of a crackling campfire. But have you ever tried starting one from scratch? I mean, really from scratch—using a bow drill.
It’s like stepping into a time machine and grabbing hold of an ancient skill that connects you right back to nature. I’ve spent my fair share of nights out under the stars, and let me tell you, mastering the bow drill has been one of the most rewarding and, honestly, coolest skills I’ve picked up.
Today, I want to chat about a key player in the bow drill game: the bearing block. This little hero might not grab all the headlines like the bow or spindle, but it’s crucial for keeping everything running smoothly
Crafting the Bow
The bow is essentially a curved piece of wood that acts as the engine of your drill. It should be strong enough to withstand tension but flexible enough to curve without breaking.
A good length for the bow is about the length of your arm from shoulder to fingertips, which generally allows ample movement without being unwieldy.
Selecting the right wood is very important here here; green wood from a live tree tends to retain more flexibility and strength compared to dry, brittle branches.
uitable wood types include hazel, willow, or yew. Once you’ve chosen your wood, carve it into a slightly curved bow shape, smoothing any rough edges to ensure comfortable handling.
Alternative methods:
Recycled Plastic Pipe: For those in a more urban setting or without immediate access to natural wood, a piece of recycled PVC pipe can serve as a practical alternative. The inherent curve and flexibility of certain plastic pipes can work well. Simply cut a segment roughly the length of your arm and use cordage for the string.
Metal Rod: A thin, flexible metal rod can also be adapted into a bow. Metal offers durability and a consistent flex that can be advantageous in maintaining the tension required for effective drilling. Ensure the metal is not too heavy or rigid, which could make the drilling process cumbersome.
Curved Branches: While green wood is often recommended, in a pinch, curved branches found on the ground can be used. Look for branches that have naturally dried in a curved shape without becoming brittle. These can be effective, especially in areas where cutting live wood is not allowed.
Bamboo: Bamboo is an excellent material for crafting a bow drill bow due to its natural strength and flexibility. A section of bamboo with a slight natural curve or bent into a curve after heating it slightly can create an effective bow.
Ski Pole or Trekking Pole: In a survival situation, you can adapt what you have on hand. A ski pole or a trekking pole can be temporarily repurposed as a bow. Wrap the cord around the pole and use it as you would a wooden bow. This method is particularly useful in alpine environments where wood may be scarce.
Vehicle Equipment: In scenarios where you’re stranded with a vehicle, components like antenna rods or even wiper blades can be creatively used to form the backbone of a bow drill. The flexibility and length of these components can be quite effective.
Composite Bow: If finding a single perfect piece of wood or material is challenging, consider creating a composite bow. This can be done by binding several smaller, straight sticks together side by side to form a single, sturdy but flexible bow. This method increases the overall strength and flexibility of the bow, distributing the stress across multiple pieces.
Preparing the Spindle
The spindle should be a straight, cylindrical piece of wood about half an inch in diameter and roughly 12 inches long. The choice of wood for the spindle is vital, as it needs to create enough friction without wearing down too quickly. Ideal woods for the spindle include maple, cedar, or birch.
One end of the spindle should be carved to a point to reduce friction in the bearing block, while the other end should be slightly rounded to maximize friction against the fireboard.
Creating the Fireboard
Your fireboard should be made from a softwood that allows the spindle to create a depression and catch the wood dust that will eventually form an ember. The fireboard should be about half an inch thick and wide enough to comfortably sit on without tipping. Suitable materials include pine, cedar, or poplar.
Carve a small depression about an inch from the edge of the board where you will place the rounded end of your spindle. Next to this initial depression, carve a narrow notch that extends to the edge of the board. This notch will collect the hot wood dust produced by the drilling action.
Shaping the Bearing Block
The bearing block is what you hold in your hand to apply pressure to the top of the spindle. It can be made from a harder wood or even a bone or stone with a depression to hold the spindle’s pointed end.
The key is to ensure it fits comfortably in your hand and can hold the spindle steady with minimal friction.
The Technique of Using Your Bow Drill
With your bow drill components prepared, you’re ready to attempt starting a fire. Here’s how to proceed:
- Setup: Place the fireboard on a flat surface. Knead a small amount of tinder—like dry grass or leaves—into the notch on your fireboard. This tinder will catch the ember from the wood dust.
- Positioning: Loop the string of your bow around the spindle. Place the rounded end of the spindle into the depression on your fireboard and the pointed end into the bearing block.
- Action: Hold the bearing block with one hand to keep the spindle steady. Use your other hand to move the bow back and forth, spinning the spindle rapidly. Apply steady downward pressure through the bearing block.
- Ignition: As you work the bow, wood dust will accumulate in the notch and start to smolder. Keep going until you see a small, glowing ember.
- Creating Flame: Carefully transfer the glowing ember to a larger bundle of tinder. Gently blow on it to encourage a flame to catch, then nurture this with small twigs and progressively larger pieces of wood.