Have you had much success with the fire plough technique? I used (no expert) what appeared to be a hardwood stick no bigger in diameter than my index finger and cut a gorge through a piece of pine. The best I could do was to produce a slight smoke toward the end, but I couldn't even get lint to burn. This brings me to my next question (may sound dumb): what is suitable tinder that fine coal or sparks can light? What would you use in a pine forest in, say, Northern Arizona or Colorado?
@123rajgurung The dust is what you're after. The accumulating dust will eventually glow and stick together. This is the "coal" you are after. Depending on the materials you use, you normally want your dust to be black. A lighter color dust indicates a need for more downward pressure primarily, or, in some cases, more speed or rotations per passes across the spindle. What are the materials you are using and what color dust are you getting?
Making the ember? NO PROBLEM. I can make it every time with goldenrod and cedar, but only like 12% of the time with the ember ignite into flame in the bundle.... no, the ember is big enough for sure. sometimes I make it enormous, but the reason it doesnt ignite is because when I put it into the bundle the ember just burns through it and out the other side..... this almost always happens when I the bundle is left on the ground sometimes while I hold it too. help!
It sounds like one of two things or both things at the same time. Make your tinder bundle the size of a robin's nest and compress it like a taco shell on the sides of your ember as you blow directly on the exposed top. This will minimize the dead air space between the fibers of your tinder bundle and allow the heat to transfer from the coal to the tinder.
You'll develop your own preferences but as a start, once you burn in a hole equal to the diameter of your spindle and about a nickles thichkness in depth, it is good to cut or abraid your notch.
@ADERRICKHAND This set and all that we do is/was gathered moments before the demonstration. Your skills will improve the the poing of gathering the best materials as your eye gets seasoned to how to spot good materials (spindles and fireboards) as you move through the landscape. Glad to know you are out there practicing the skills. Good luck and don't get discouraged, each blockage is really a call to growth in the skill set.
@OooHesGood The notch gathers the dust in a single location and allows it to retain the heat. This later becomes the "coal". Picture a piece of pie cut neatly out of the whole pie and that is the rough design of the notch. I flare out the bottom to provide more space and air for the falling dust and stop carving just short of going to the center of the circular divit you burn into the fire board with your first few tries down the stalk.
We do it every day. The "nice little set up" you mention was gathered off the landscape 30 min. before the video was shot. It only takes a developed eye for the right materials. After that, the next challenge is shaping them w/o a knife. The skills are available to anyone who wants them. It's not a badge of prowess/ contest to see who is better. It's a vehicle that connects people to their landscape & offers a deeper sense of independence and self reliance. We look forward to YOUR vid.
True, the flowers are also useful medicinally, w/ several medically active polyphenols, terpene, mucilage, saponins, and tannins it reduces inflamation stimulates fluid production in the lungs as a valuable expectorant, and sooths coughs. Infusions and smoking the dried leaves and flowers are the traditional way to adminster this plant and I have used both succesfully for coughs & cold induced asthma. Oil based infusions of arial parts are also useful antimicrobrial drops for ear infections.
@primitiveskills It is invasive to the US, or maybe introduced is a better word, I actually don't know I have ever heard of it being a real problem. Anyway it sure makes starting a fire much easier.do you know what plants were most commonly used by the Native Americans before mullien was introduced? I am just curious, I assume that the bow drill was probably more prevalent than the hand drill.
i know this might not get answered, but i hope it does. How does poplar work. I find that it is super soft, and i passes the thumbnail test, as far as an amateur can test. I have gotten a coal and alot of smoke, with the bow drill, so can i use it for the handrill method. Btw i mean the base board / fireboard.
@kingspade350 Poplar works great. The challenge is finding a dead peice in the wild. If you harvest it and dry it at home, no problem, but in a living off the landscape situation poplar degrades quickly once dead and holds moisture too.
@primitiveskills ok thanks. If its ok i will post a video of my attempt and would you be willing to help me. Thanks also for the comment, and will get started soon.
@TheHornyGorrilaz Excellent job! Do you know what species of wood you used? Many of the same spindle plants used for fire are also serviceable arrow shafts, food, and/or medicine. Keep up the great work. Hope to see you on the trail.
@primitiveskills don't know what type of wood , i'm a novice at this but i'm from Ireland so there's not as many types of tree so things can be narrowed down and i hope to know my wood types in time , thanks for the quick response .
@trevor6744 It has been some time since this video was made. It was either mullien or horseweed as the spindle and cedar or basswood as the fireboard. These are the species most common and most effective in our area.
Can you suggest me what can i use as spindle and baseboard? i have those types of woods in my country: acacia, poplar, birch, linden,willow, wicker, oak, beech, elder, cattail....lots of this i have try but work just elder as spindle and linden as baseboard(where am i wrong?).....thanks for your help!
@LostInTheGroove100 More important than the species is the condition of the wood. In most conditions, oak is either too dense or too punky to get fire from. In it's dense state it is a great "work out" wood. Every once in a while you can find a dead standing oak that has degraded just enough to pass the finger nail test and make an excellent bow drill set. As far as hand drill, maybe as a fireboard, but in this region it just doesn't have the characterisitics for a spindle. Good Luck.
AND...something else I have been thinking about [going back to my previous ones]...just to "put a cap" on this whole "Quest for Fire" thing...another reason why I said I know how to make a fire like how they did, is that I used the same position as what was on the movie...both feet on the board with the knees up [which is how I got my first coal]. Now, every time I attempt the hand drill, for that reason, it just makes me think of that movie.
So, yes...back again! From what you said before, that should help me, since I always went for speed, and not downward pressure [wondering why I was always so tired after attempting and failing...], since that's how I've always seen it done on other vdeos. But, the main reason for this one, is that I found some sunflower stalks, and was just wondering what types of boards [if any], they would be good to use on.
AND...before people say "but you said you know how to make a fire by hand drill", and keep on going about that, since in the one before this I said what I did...what I mean, is that I know the steps on how to construct the whole thing. As far as the rest goes and getting a coal...not yet, but I know the more I practice, the better I'll get, until I know how to get a coal. For the last time...what PrimitiveSkills said, gave me more understanding of how it works!
I like what you said, and it's true! That's how I got it, and why it took me nearly 2 years before I got my first coal...trial and error. Also, you're right about the perception, since I don't know HOW I got that coal...it just happened. I did think that because I got it once, I could EVERY time, but WOW was I wrong! What PrimitiveSkills said, gives me a better understanding of how it works. It's like I said before...I know a lot, but I know I have a lot more...to learn!
...I am a survivalist, and go out into the "woods" [the trails], to practice survival skills there. I have made shelters, fires [most were started with a magnifying glass], traps, and my own weapons. I have learned a lot about survival from this site, as well as my parents, and "Man Vs. Wild". I'm not known all over the world for what I do, but around where I live, I am, but WHATEVER...I don't want to turn this into something big. I'm just saying what I know about survival, and that movie.
Oh, yeah...as far as freezing to death, even if I DID have fire...I'M FROM MAINE, and used to the cold [and un-predictable weather]. I'm not saying that I can go out with just shorts and a t-shirt when it's like -30 and survive, but... ...my point is, is that I have the skills and the smarts, to know how to survive in the wild, and to know that they didn't get it their first time. My whole point of saying that, was just to say that I know how to make a fire by hand drill, and that is ALL...
No wonder why I thought it didn't work! I didn't know that! Thanks for the info., and what you said about my first coal. I don't know about being at any events, though. Maybe when I get better, or something. I know a lot, but I know I have a lot more to learn.
Back @ "falsomknapper":
I never said that they got it the FIRST time. I know that they didn't get it the first time. AND, I write about my life, past present and future, so when I die, all will know of my life.
Hmmm...not sure I'm understanding the question. For the video, yes, got the coal on the 1st attempt. In real life, it's rare that someone gets a coal their first time trying it, but it happens. In seeing students develop through the skills over 25 ys, I 'd say it better to struggle through the mistakes than to become an instant "expert" with 1 coal. Humility & passion for the skills keeps us sharp. Percieved mastery makes us soft. Getting a coal every time=practice w/ green oak.
for some one just starting out you can make a mouth bering and use it for downward preshure.this also helps you from starting and stopping.good job to the teacher maybe he will make us a vid for everyone.I dont have a cam.
deecollector must be a science fiction writer if he/she thinks they got it right the 1st time the kind of person that would freeze to death even if they had a fire.
i tried it with a dead schefflera branch and a board from a coconut palm all i managed was a heat burn on my hands and a small dent any advice for types of woods in southern florida?
@GuamKomudo We did cheat and use a knife for the video. Having said that, the only difference between rock tools and metal tools is time. The bowdrill and handdrill techniques covered are done with materials gathered from the immediate landscape and shaped on location.
I did the TOTAL OPPOSITE of what you say to do in your "bow drill" video, and I FREAKED when I got the coal, since it was my first one ever, and totally un-expected!! It is an image [and a day and moment], that is now forever etched in my head! Now I know how to make fire, like on the "Quest for Fire" movie. Pretty exciting! Next one to learn now...BOW DRILL [yeah, I said a lot...but I'm a writer, so it just is a natural thing, for me to do. But now...here it finally ends]!!
@DeeCollecter Nice Job! The cedar here works well, but there are also many other local alternatives. With cattail, the dust stays that vanilla color, right up to the point where you get your coal. A Burdock spindle is impressive. You should have no prob. now w/ mullien or horseweed! Handrill technique is diff. because w/o the bow, there has to be more emphasis on downward pressure, NOT speed. Great work! Hope to see you at an event!
... ...to my surprise, I GOT A FRICKIN' COAL, and the worst part...IT WAS IN THE HOUSE!! So, here I am with a coal going, on a WOOD FLOOR, just speech-less, since it was my first time I ever got one since I first started, back in April of '09! Luckily, I had just bought a camera, so I took a picture, and then put the coal out. My theory is that since the cedar came from a different state, it is a lot stronger than that of Maine. Just a thought...what do you think...is it that, or WHAT??
I couldn't believe it when it happened, but it did! I tried the cat-tail/white cedar combination, but wasn't getting the right color dust [too light]. I also live in Maine, and I ordered the cedar off-line. It came from Michigan. I noticed that with a burdock spindle, I got the right color dust. It was midnight of the 24th when I just decided to try it, just to show my mom. As of what I have been getting just practicing, I only expected to get smoke, and that's it, BUT... ...
@ultrasuperpaperman Assuming the species you listed or local to your area and are all there is, the two best woods mentioned are Balsam Fir (Abies balsamifera) and Willow (Salix Ssp.) With these, a willow spindle on either a willow fireboard or an Abies fireboard would be a great place to start. Once you get smoke, let us know and we can figure out what herbaceous bianuual plant stalks might work once available.
@camcamalot That's way outside our backyard ! I hope my friends in the Primitive Skills and Bushcraft world might have some insights for ya. The basic characteristics for a spindle is that its straight, has a pithy center (spong like) and won't shatter from the downward pressure. Willow, cedar, and cottonwood should be in your area to use as a fireboard. Let me know what you come up with, I'd love to learn what I can use in the South!
Hi again. So, I got some good dead pieces of wood that I could use for a fireboard. However, it's hard to work with because it's not flat. How would I be able to shape or cut it to make it flat?
@UrbanTrickzter13 A rock used to score around the spindle base until it snaps cleanly works just as well as a knife, and just as cleanly, the only flat part essential to getting a coal is the part of the fireboard that makes contact w/ the spindle. Abraid it flat w/ the same rock (this may take a litlle longer w/ more effort than carving). The notch can also be abraided in and is usually quicker/easier than carving it out w/ a knife.
@alraider100Here are some of the spindle woods local to Maine that we find work well; Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis syn. Conyza Canadensis), Mullien (Verbascum Thapsus), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), Golden Rod (Artemesia ssp.), Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Willow (Salix ssp.), and Cedar (Thuja occidentalis). Hope this helps. For a fireboard, start with dry willow, basswood, cedar, or poplar. Remember, downward pressure is the most important element in technique. Good luck!
@UrbanTrickzter13 Anything you pick up off the ground will be too wet. A dead, suspended branch that you can put a dent in with your thumb nail works best. Higher is dryer, and on facing south to get the full exposure to the sun works best. In damp Environments you may still have to dry out your set before using it.
Hi, so I just picked up some cattail near a river. It's adds a lot of moisture to my fireboard when I try to use it as a spindle. How do I get rid of the moisture? Or is there something I should do to prepare my cattail?
@UrbanTrickzter13Cattail harvest in these parts is now, but I set them up to dry in the sun, bound and hanging high for at least two weeks before using them. They degrade rapidly if left to harvest later, so getting them now is crucial, and even then, they tend to be brittle. It takes practice, but once you get it, you won't want anyone else using your cattail stalks, as you know they will most likely crush them on you. Remember, dwnwrd pressure is more imprtnt than inwrd pressure or speed.
My own experiences and watching others on You Tube indicate that if your spindle and block doesn't squeak with light pressure at the beginning, you're wasting your time with a hand drill. I believe the moisture in the air is acting like a lubricant.
@hunt458 I actually have experienced the opposite. I practice the hand drill a lot, and if I hear the slightest squeak when I begin, I immediately stop and abrade the tip of the drill with a rock and sprinkle some dirt into the hole. The squeaking is caused by the wood being already polished, or becoming polished. You can save yourself a lot of muscle energy not having to overcome this handicap if you try what I suggest. Again that's my experience, but it makes physical sense to me.
Friction fire is a humbling endeavor. The part tht escapes a lot of folks is tht it isn't even the fire that becomes important, but the journey toward understanding what makes it work. Matches/Lighters make it too easy. We lose awareness of the gift, the elements on landscape that offer the materials, weather, directions, the way our physical being has to interact w/ it all in order to create fire. Anyone who hand drills can work a lighter, but not the other way. It's about reconnecting.
@sirchristian12 They are available through out North America. A decent field guide is the Newcomb's Guide to Wildflowers, as it will train your brain to recognize plants by the same taxanomic features botanists and herbalist's use to identify plants and trees. Where are you at geographically, we could help with a species list to start you out.
@sirchristian12 Then you will have to do some research to see what the local people used. You will also have to just experiment and hope for the best. Look for forums and see if people in your area can recommend a species. Good luck!
Great video! Its easy to become frustrated with these techniques, but for you to show what is possible in terms of time with practice (and dryness conditions) will prevent people from reaching for the matches too quickly and giving up. Thanks!
With handrill, it only takes a long time in the beginning or when moisture is an issue. There are folks out there who can "bust a coal" in under five seconds. That said, they are all humbled by native elders who use technicue over force and have relied on this method for sixty or more years. They are the true masters.
@LoneHerper Yes, this was done i real time. Just a rented camera on a tripod and very primitive editing. This was made before we got the high speed Mac and knew anything about how to use it.
@LoneHerper With handrill, it only takes a long time in the beginning or when moisture is an issue. There are folks out there who can "bust a coal" in under five seconds. That said, they are all humbled by native elders who use technique over force and have relied on this method for sixty or more years. They are the true masters.
A quick tip if you are learning this for the first time, use your WHOLE hand. If you use very short strokes and try to go fast, you will get tired before you make the coal. Using long strokes may hurt your hands at first, but they will quickly condition. I finally succeeded this way
I have the perfect materials, seep willow and sotol, and I still can't do it. I exert all my energy and tire myself out and still only get dark brown dust and smoke, but I can't get it to ignite. Is it maybe because I'm not focusing my energy at a more moderate pace?
It's frustrating because I did this about a year ago with sotol on sotol and yucca on yucca, but I haven't practiced in forever and I seem to have lost it.
whoa, nice. I can make a fire from bow drill but the hand drill method is much more difficult for me than it is apparently for you. That was quick and I will copy your method, maybe it was just something I was doing wrong. I think I was using too much energy in the beginning when creating dust. Thanks for the heads up
Ok so for the spindle do I cut all the bark off? When I make a dpression in the wood, do I sharpen the spinlde? If so then how long should the point be? Please answer back. john
@TheM40A3beast If you make a "hang loose" sign, the spindle would touch from extended pinky to extended thumb. The points would be short, like a pencil, but with a very abrupt taper, like the tip of a thick drill bit. Don't carve the bark off, but remove it using yer knife like a plane. Holde the blade perpinicular to the spindle and scrape back and forth. This prevents creating flat areas (carving creates a flat spot), and removes bark without compromising the cylindar shape of the spindle
Great video but I have a question about the wood how can you tell which wood is the right type? For both the spindel and the base board. Can you use any two peices of wood or just a few kinds?
For the fireboard, you can use most any wood you can imprint a thumb nail into. Basswood (Tillia americana), Cedar Thuja occidentalis L.) and Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea L.) are the dominant "go to" woods in our region for being so common, ease of getting a coal, and personality of the wood. Like Bow Drill, however, you don't want to limit yourself to a species list. Maple will work old enough and your skills are good. Spindle=any pithy plant w/ a straight stalk. Try mullien & horseweed.
do you carve the tip of the drill into a blunted point like the bow drill spindle, or do you want to hollow out the pith? I'm practicing this with mullein and the spongy core doesn't seem conducive to firestarting, so I've hollowed out the core so just the hard outer bark is making contact with the baseboard. I am yet to come across a detailed explanation of how to prep the spindle of a hand drill, especially for different woods. Anyone know where I can read up on such information?
Sounds like your right on with your experimentation. Burn a small depression in before removing 1/8 inch or so of the songy material and make sure you don't have any nodes (leaf scars) as part of the rim of the end that makes contact with your fire board. If smoke "hugs" the spindle, keep twirling gently until it disperses before "pouring it on". Remember dark to black dust, or no coal. Light dust means you need more downward pressure.
It depends on your skill level. Thats like asking, how long does it take to run a mile. But if you cant get one withen a few minutes, your should change your technique or materials. The fastest coal is under 3 seconds but ive seen people take there time and take two whole minutes to create an ember.
I went to the local hardware shop, and i bought a pine rod thingy, its cylindrical and i wouldnt say its that hard. Its bendy and yeah.. I dont know what board i have but i also bought that at the shop.
I created a hole in the board with a drill and i dug out a nice little hole. And i can see that both the board and the long drill stick is a little roasted. But i cant seem to get any amber and now i got a blister on my hand.
dont use pine, fir or spruce... drill the hole with the spindle... gather materials yourself... oh yah and enjoy the process this is not a an easy skill to master!
mr0bear, you most likely won't get a fire with a pine spindle from the store.
You might ought try mullein, cattail, goldenrod, the best is horseweed. Try different straight stem stalks from the wild that are dry and not hollow. Stop when you feel a blister coming, let your hands toughen up before continuing :) Hope that helped some. Tamar
When using a wood like white cedar the coal sticks togather so nicely that it almost never falls apart. However, your right sometimes coals can be brittle (basswood coals for example) and these coals need a little extra love and care.
Great video! I was able to start a fire on my second try. Not everyone would admit to that (2nd try thing) But it did take me 2 trys. Thanks for your videos, Joseph T (fly200jtb)
I am also from Maine and have lived here all my life. I watched this video, and this was the one that taught me how to do the hand drill. I have practiced a lot and I think that I am finally ready to try it for real now. I just got cedar not too long ago, and while on my search, I also found oak. I was wondering if oak could be used as a board to do the hand drill
well i made a spindle. Made a bowdrill with a runner shoelace and then used a small 2inch by 4 inch curved board with some bark underneath it. Try as i might i could get a piling of coal. It all seemed to spread out. Any tips? Also what should i look for in board material
Scotch broom on itself, yarrow on ceder, horseweed on fir inner bark, common mullien on ceder or fir and ect... I like ceder for the hearth and horse weed for the drill. These can all be used on different hearth boards and there are alot more drill materials that can be used but these are my favorites.
I should have watched the whole vid before I posted, he mentioned a couple of the same ones. I am from Oregon and the easiest one is scotch broom on itself in my opinion anyway.
ive seen some people make embers along the hole (look for a channel called learnbushcraft) but that takes more effort. Usually though a bit of a sharp rock (doesn't necessarily have to be flint) should be sufficient since most hand drill materials are quite soft.
time is relative to how fast you are able to spin the drill and how much pressure you can achieve. Go untill the hole turns brown or black and grows to be the same diamater at the drill.
Very good & thorough video.
NilezII 3 weeks ago
Hi would it help to put a little bit of wood dust or another burable in the hole to help start it? thanx rob
1robbie55382 3 weeks ago
that's what you call a good video. a lot of info and great tips.
Saintsofgrove18 3 weeks ago
Great video, a lot of info.... Thanks...
jorge325 1 month ago
Any tips on how to go about making the board?
LightDragon777 1 month ago
whats' creating the black dust the spindle or the paper underneath?
dialectical44 1 month ago
how deep do you suppose to burn the hole in the board
Countryboy8244 2 months ago
@Countryboy8244 Just burn in deep enough to equal the diameter of your spindle before cutting your notch, then go until you have an ember.
primitiveskills 2 months ago
3:06 looks like he's smoking a badass joint :D
AwesomeOngka 3 months ago
what are you using as a spindle and is cedar good for the board
Texasoutback 4 months ago
Mullein spindle, and box elder for a hearth is my all time favorite for a hand drill in Iowa.
michaelallsup1 4 months ago
bad spelling soz :L
joseph6505 5 months ago
im actualy trying this its too hard i keep trying its im putting sal into the base and giving it all ive got but nothing happens any tips ?
joseph6505 5 months ago
Chuck Norris can make a fire by rubbing two ice cubes together
TheMachinimaFilms 5 months ago
Have you had much success with the fire plough technique? I used (no expert) what appeared to be a hardwood stick no bigger in diameter than my index finger and cut a gorge through a piece of pine. The best I could do was to produce a slight smoke toward the end, but I couldn't even get lint to burn. This brings me to my next question (may sound dumb): what is suitable tinder that fine coal or sparks can light? What would you use in a pine forest in, say, Northern Arizona or Colorado?
Lennybird91 5 months ago
@Lennybird91 Also, should I put more strength in speed, or pressure? Where is the balance of the two? Thank you.
Lennybird91 5 months ago
Just out of curiosity, if you were stranded on an island, how would you make your board?
Great video, by the way!
Shapow.
AsianMunnyMan 5 months ago
Lol 4 people couldn't make a fire
0GamerLord0 5 months ago
the wood became dust and it didn't burnt after all i tried for1 hour
123rajgurung 6 months ago
@123rajgurung The dust is what you're after. The accumulating dust will eventually glow and stick together. This is the "coal" you are after. Depending on the materials you use, you normally want your dust to be black. A lighter color dust indicates a need for more downward pressure primarily, or, in some cases, more speed or rotations per passes across the spindle. What are the materials you are using and what color dust are you getting?
primitiveskills 5 months ago
Comment removed
123rajgurung 6 months ago
Hey nick,
I have one problem...
Making the ember? NO PROBLEM. I can make it every time with goldenrod and cedar, but only like 12% of the time with the ember ignite into flame in the bundle.... no, the ember is big enough for sure. sometimes I make it enormous, but the reason it doesnt ignite is because when I put it into the bundle the ember just burns through it and out the other side..... this almost always happens when I the bundle is left on the ground sometimes while I hold it too. help!
zepliveson 6 months ago in playlist survival skills
It sounds like one of two things or both things at the same time. Make your tinder bundle the size of a robin's nest and compress it like a taco shell on the sides of your ember as you blow directly on the exposed top. This will minimize the dead air space between the fibers of your tinder bundle and allow the heat to transfer from the coal to the tinder.
primitiveskills 6 months ago
@primitiveskills im going to try that.
tonight I had two more easy embers, but failed miserably with the lighting of it.
ill let you know
zepliveson 6 months ago
very nice! I'm still working on the hand drill, bow drill I got down!
romeodelta1178 6 months ago
You'll develop your own preferences but as a start, once you burn in a hole equal to the diameter of your spindle and about a nickles thichkness in depth, it is good to cut or abraid your notch.
primitiveskills 6 months ago
how do you know when to cut the notch?
TheBoogaloohoo 6 months ago
@ADERRICKHAND This set and all that we do is/was gathered moments before the demonstration. Your skills will improve the the poing of gathering the best materials as your eye gets seasoned to how to spot good materials (spindles and fireboards) as you move through the landscape. Glad to know you are out there practicing the skills. Good luck and don't get discouraged, each blockage is really a call to growth in the skill set.
primitiveskills 6 months ago
What I dont understand is the notch and how that works, what size the hole should be and everything......
OooHesGood 6 months ago
@OooHesGood The notch gathers the dust in a single location and allows it to retain the heat. This later becomes the "coal". Picture a piece of pie cut neatly out of the whole pie and that is the rough design of the notch. I flare out the bottom to provide more space and air for the falling dust and stop carving just short of going to the center of the circular divit you burn into the fire board with your first few tries down the stalk.
primitiveskills 6 months ago
@primitiveskills awesome thank you very much!!!
OooHesGood 6 months ago
We do it every day. The "nice little set up" you mention was gathered off the landscape 30 min. before the video was shot. It only takes a developed eye for the right materials. After that, the next challenge is shaping them w/o a knife. The skills are available to anyone who wants them. It's not a badge of prowess/ contest to see who is better. It's a vehicle that connects people to their landscape & offers a deeper sense of independence and self reliance. We look forward to YOUR vid.
primitiveskills 7 months ago 2
Mullein is actually a very pretty plant, especially with the yellow flowers.
dragonamt 7 months ago
True, the flowers are also useful medicinally, w/ several medically active polyphenols, terpene, mucilage, saponins, and tannins it reduces inflamation stimulates fluid production in the lungs as a valuable expectorant, and sooths coughs. Infusions and smoking the dried leaves and flowers are the traditional way to adminster this plant and I have used both succesfully for coughs & cold induced asthma. Oil based infusions of arial parts are also useful antimicrobrial drops for ear infections.
primitiveskills 6 months ago
@primitiveskills It is invasive to the US, or maybe introduced is a better word, I actually don't know I have ever heard of it being a real problem. Anyway it sure makes starting a fire much easier.do you know what plants were most commonly used by the Native Americans before mullien was introduced? I am just curious, I assume that the bow drill was probably more prevalent than the hand drill.
dragonamt 6 months ago
What kind of wood do you use?
Nomadbushman 7 months ago
i know this might not get answered, but i hope it does. How does poplar work. I find that it is super soft, and i passes the thumbnail test, as far as an amateur can test. I have gotten a coal and alot of smoke, with the bow drill, so can i use it for the handrill method. Btw i mean the base board / fireboard.
kingspade350 7 months ago
@kingspade350 Poplar works great. The challenge is finding a dead peice in the wild. If you harvest it and dry it at home, no problem, but in a living off the landscape situation poplar degrades quickly once dead and holds moisture too.
primitiveskills 7 months ago
@primitiveskills ok thanks. If its ok i will post a video of my attempt and would you be willing to help me. Thanks also for the comment, and will get started soon.
kingspade350 7 months ago
lol i just got my lmf 2 and shaved a stick and cut out a hole in a lump of wood and got it !! lol
TheHornyGorrilaz 7 months ago
@TheHornyGorrilaz Excellent job! Do you know what species of wood you used? Many of the same spindle plants used for fire are also serviceable arrow shafts, food, and/or medicine. Keep up the great work. Hope to see you on the trail.
primitiveskills 7 months ago
@primitiveskills don't know what type of wood , i'm a novice at this but i'm from Ireland so there's not as many types of tree so things can be narrowed down and i hope to know my wood types in time , thanks for the quick response .
TheHornyGorrilaz 7 months ago
What did you use? Please respond!
trevor6744 8 months ago
@trevor6744 It has been some time since this video was made. It was either mullien or horseweed as the spindle and cedar or basswood as the fireboard. These are the species most common and most effective in our area.
primitiveskills 8 months ago
Maybe if one stick was coated in sandpaper and the other in white phosphrus I could light the thing!
samj5664 8 months ago
I live in Alaska, and there is mostly spruce and pine. What can i use for this type of fire making?
thenofxer 9 months ago
so far the best video i've seen about firemaking, very detailed thanks
andresrojas22 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Can you suggest me what can i use as spindle and baseboard? i have those types of woods in my country: acacia, poplar, birch, linden,willow, wicker, oak, beech, elder, cattail....lots of this i have try but work just elder as spindle and linden as baseboard(where am i wrong?).....thanks for your help!
alraider100 9 months ago
how does oak work?
LostInTheGroove100 10 months ago
@LostInTheGroove100 More important than the species is the condition of the wood. In most conditions, oak is either too dense or too punky to get fire from. In it's dense state it is a great "work out" wood. Every once in a while you can find a dead standing oak that has degraded just enough to pass the finger nail test and make an excellent bow drill set. As far as hand drill, maybe as a fireboard, but in this region it just doesn't have the characterisitics for a spindle. Good Luck.
primitiveskills 10 months ago
Thanks man :D
kayra97 11 months ago
AND...something else I have been thinking about [going back to my previous ones]...just to "put a cap" on this whole "Quest for Fire" thing...another reason why I said I know how to make a fire like how they did, is that I used the same position as what was on the movie...both feet on the board with the knees up [which is how I got my first coal]. Now, every time I attempt the hand drill, for that reason, it just makes me think of that movie.
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
So, yes...back again! From what you said before, that should help me, since I always went for speed, and not downward pressure [wondering why I was always so tired after attempting and failing...], since that's how I've always seen it done on other vdeos. But, the main reason for this one, is that I found some sunflower stalks, and was just wondering what types of boards [if any], they would be good to use on.
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
great video! i just learned something.
121293g 1 year ago
AND...before people say "but you said you know how to make a fire by hand drill", and keep on going about that, since in the one before this I said what I did...what I mean, is that I know the steps on how to construct the whole thing. As far as the rest goes and getting a coal...not yet, but I know the more I practice, the better I'll get, until I know how to get a coal. For the last time...what PrimitiveSkills said, gave me more understanding of how it works!
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
Back @ rabidmonkeygirl:
I like what you said, and it's true! That's how I got it, and why it took me nearly 2 years before I got my first coal...trial and error. Also, you're right about the perception, since I don't know HOW I got that coal...it just happened. I did think that because I got it once, I could EVERY time, but WOW was I wrong! What PrimitiveSkills said, gives me a better understanding of how it works. It's like I said before...I know a lot, but I know I have a lot more...to learn!
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
...I am a survivalist, and go out into the "woods" [the trails], to practice survival skills there. I have made shelters, fires [most were started with a magnifying glass], traps, and my own weapons. I have learned a lot about survival from this site, as well as my parents, and "Man Vs. Wild". I'm not known all over the world for what I do, but around where I live, I am, but WHATEVER...I don't want to turn this into something big. I'm just saying what I know about survival, and that movie.
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
Oh, yeah...as far as freezing to death, even if I DID have fire...I'M FROM MAINE, and used to the cold [and un-predictable weather]. I'm not saying that I can go out with just shorts and a t-shirt when it's like -30 and survive, but... ...my point is, is that I have the skills and the smarts, to know how to survive in the wild, and to know that they didn't get it their first time. My whole point of saying that, was just to say that I know how to make a fire by hand drill, and that is ALL...
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
Back @ "PrimitiveSkills":
No wonder why I thought it didn't work! I didn't know that! Thanks for the info., and what you said about my first coal. I don't know about being at any events, though. Maybe when I get better, or something. I know a lot, but I know I have a lot more to learn.
Back @ "falsomknapper":
I never said that they got it the FIRST time. I know that they didn't get it the first time. AND, I write about my life, past present and future, so when I die, all will know of my life.
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
Hmmm...not sure I'm understanding the question. For the video, yes, got the coal on the 1st attempt. In real life, it's rare that someone gets a coal their first time trying it, but it happens. In seeing students develop through the skills over 25 ys, I 'd say it better to struggle through the mistakes than to become an instant "expert" with 1 coal. Humility & passion for the skills keeps us sharp. Percieved mastery makes us soft. Getting a coal every time=practice w/ green oak.
rabidmonkeygirl 1 year ago
for some one just starting out you can make a mouth bering and use it for downward preshure.this also helps you from starting and stopping.good job to the teacher maybe he will make us a vid for everyone.I dont have a cam.
falsomknapper 1 year ago
deecollector must be a science fiction writer if he/she thinks they got it right the 1st time the kind of person that would freeze to death even if they had a fire.
falsomknapper 1 year ago
Always enjoy your vids.
adaman04 1 year ago
i tried it with a dead schefflera branch and a board from a coconut palm all i managed was a heat burn on my hands and a small dent any advice for types of woods in southern florida?
infinitepossibilitz 1 year ago
Where do you find these perfectly cut boards in the wild from??? =P
GuamKomudo 1 year ago
@GuamKomudo We did cheat and use a knife for the video. Having said that, the only difference between rock tools and metal tools is time. The bowdrill and handdrill techniques covered are done with materials gathered from the immediate landscape and shaped on location.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
@primitiveskills .........
junkrat1 1 year ago
awesome. thanks for the instruction.
bizzarrogeorge 1 year ago
PART 3 [FINALS]:
I did the TOTAL OPPOSITE of what you say to do in your "bow drill" video, and I FREAKED when I got the coal, since it was my first one ever, and totally un-expected!! It is an image [and a day and moment], that is now forever etched in my head! Now I know how to make fire, like on the "Quest for Fire" movie. Pretty exciting! Next one to learn now...BOW DRILL [yeah, I said a lot...but I'm a writer, so it just is a natural thing, for me to do. But now...here it finally ends]!!
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
@DeeCollecter Nice Job! The cedar here works well, but there are also many other local alternatives. With cattail, the dust stays that vanilla color, right up to the point where you get your coal. A Burdock spindle is impressive. You should have no prob. now w/ mullien or horseweed! Handrill technique is diff. because w/o the bow, there has to be more emphasis on downward pressure, NOT speed. Great work! Hope to see you at an event!
primitiveskills 1 year ago
PART 2:
... ...to my surprise, I GOT A FRICKIN' COAL, and the worst part...IT WAS IN THE HOUSE!! So, here I am with a coal going, on a WOOD FLOOR, just speech-less, since it was my first time I ever got one since I first started, back in April of '09! Luckily, I had just bought a camera, so I took a picture, and then put the coal out. My theory is that since the cedar came from a different state, it is a lot stronger than that of Maine. Just a thought...what do you think...is it that, or WHAT??
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
PART 1:
I couldn't believe it when it happened, but it did! I tried the cat-tail/white cedar combination, but wasn't getting the right color dust [too light]. I also live in Maine, and I ordered the cedar off-line. It came from Michigan. I noticed that with a burdock spindle, I got the right color dust. It was midnight of the 24th when I just decided to try it, just to show my mom. As of what I have been getting just practicing, I only expected to get smoke, and that's it, BUT... ...
DeeCollecter 1 year ago
what can i use better fir-tree, pine tree, maple, lime- tree, plum tree, oak tree or willow
ultrasuperpaperman 1 year ago
@ultrasuperpaperman try it just see what you come up with
Pockets1989 1 year ago
@ultrasuperpaperman Assuming the species you listed or local to your area and are all there is, the two best woods mentioned are Balsam Fir (Abies balsamifera) and Willow (Salix Ssp.) With these, a willow spindle on either a willow fireboard or an Abies fireboard would be a great place to start. Once you get smoke, let us know and we can figure out what herbaceous bianuual plant stalks might work once available.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
Great info
Survivemich 1 year ago
I am from Mississippi, and I would like to know what combination of wood I can use to start a fire.
camcamalot 1 year ago
@camcamalot That's way outside our backyard ! I hope my friends in the Primitive Skills and Bushcraft world might have some insights for ya. The basic characteristics for a spindle is that its straight, has a pithy center (spong like) and won't shatter from the downward pressure. Willow, cedar, and cottonwood should be in your area to use as a fireboard. Let me know what you come up with, I'd love to learn what I can use in the South!
primitiveskills 1 year ago
Hi again. So, I got some good dead pieces of wood that I could use for a fireboard. However, it's hard to work with because it's not flat. How would I be able to shape or cut it to make it flat?
UrbanTrickzter13 1 year ago
Oh yeah, if I happen to not carry a knife with me in the woods, what could I use to cut it?
UrbanTrickzter13 1 year ago
@UrbanTrickzter13 A rock used to score around the spindle base until it snaps cleanly works just as well as a knife, and just as cleanly, the only flat part essential to getting a coal is the part of the fireboard that makes contact w/ the spindle. Abraid it flat w/ the same rock (this may take a litlle longer w/ more effort than carving). The notch can also be abraided in and is usually quicker/easier than carving it out w/ a knife.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
@primitiveskills Thank you again. I'll try that.
UrbanTrickzter13 1 year ago
can you write all wood types you are useing?...i am romanian and i don't understand all words that you say...
alraider100 1 year ago
@alraider100Here are some of the spindle woods local to Maine that we find work well; Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis syn. Conyza Canadensis), Mullien (Verbascum Thapsus), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), Golden Rod (Artemesia ssp.), Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Willow (Salix ssp.), and Cedar (Thuja occidentalis). Hope this helps. For a fireboard, start with dry willow, basswood, cedar, or poplar. Remember, downward pressure is the most important element in technique. Good luck!
primitiveskills 1 year ago
@primitiveskills
cool video man. Does you really need a hard wood spindle/soft wood board - can you do it with the same type of wood. Just asking out of interest.
safefromharm1 1 year ago
awesome vid
tstockt 1 year ago
Hey, so for the fireboard, is it something I could just pick up off of the ground while walking in the woods? Or is there something else I should do?
UrbanTrickzter13 1 year ago
@UrbanTrickzter13 Anything you pick up off the ground will be too wet. A dead, suspended branch that you can put a dent in with your thumb nail works best. Higher is dryer, and on facing south to get the full exposure to the sun works best. In damp Environments you may still have to dry out your set before using it.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
@primitiveskills Thank you again. I'm working on gathering my materials right now, so this helps a lot.
UrbanTrickzter13 1 year ago
@primitiveskills Thank you very much.
UrbanTrickzter13 1 year ago
Hi, so I just picked up some cattail near a river. It's adds a lot of moisture to my fireboard when I try to use it as a spindle. How do I get rid of the moisture? Or is there something I should do to prepare my cattail?
UrbanTrickzter13 1 year ago
@UrbanTrickzter13Cattail harvest in these parts is now, but I set them up to dry in the sun, bound and hanging high for at least two weeks before using them. They degrade rapidly if left to harvest later, so getting them now is crucial, and even then, they tend to be brittle. It takes practice, but once you get it, you won't want anyone else using your cattail stalks, as you know they will most likely crush them on you. Remember, dwnwrd pressure is more imprtnt than inwrd pressure or speed.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
My own experiences and watching others on You Tube indicate that if your spindle and block doesn't squeak with light pressure at the beginning, you're wasting your time with a hand drill. I believe the moisture in the air is acting like a lubricant.
hunt458 1 year ago
@hunt458 I actually have experienced the opposite. I practice the hand drill a lot, and if I hear the slightest squeak when I begin, I immediately stop and abrade the tip of the drill with a rock and sprinkle some dirt into the hole. The squeaking is caused by the wood being already polished, or becoming polished. You can save yourself a lot of muscle energy not having to overcome this handicap if you try what I suggest. Again that's my experience, but it makes physical sense to me.
MrVoiceofreason123 1 year ago
You make this look too easy...
antsmasherjack 1 year ago
Friction fire is a humbling endeavor. The part tht escapes a lot of folks is tht it isn't even the fire that becomes important, but the journey toward understanding what makes it work. Matches/Lighters make it too easy. We lose awareness of the gift, the elements on landscape that offer the materials, weather, directions, the way our physical being has to interact w/ it all in order to create fire. Anyone who hand drills can work a lighter, but not the other way. It's about reconnecting.
primitiveskills 1 year ago 9
@primitiveskills well said.
cwood1311 1 year ago
How do you make the boards? Do you manually make it with a knife to cut the creases by the whole? or do you just drill?
sirchristian12 1 year ago
does clematis have a pink flower ?????
firebyehand 1 year ago
Yeah what if I can't find any of these kinds of spindles and boards in a common woods?
sirchristian12 1 year ago
@sirchristian12 They are available through out North America. A decent field guide is the Newcomb's Guide to Wildflowers, as it will train your brain to recognize plants by the same taxanomic features botanists and herbalist's use to identify plants and trees. Where are you at geographically, we could help with a species list to start you out.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
I live in Indiana. Thanks for your help!!!!
sirchristian12 1 year ago
@sirchristian12 Then you will have to do some research to see what the local people used. You will also have to just experiment and hope for the best. Look for forums and see if people in your area can recommend a species. Good luck!
MrVoiceofreason123 1 year ago
I cant seem to get any smoke.....but still u make it look real easy Nice Vid
A3Xmania51 1 year ago
how long does it take in a dry place like desert for ur first time
buttayhahahaahahah 1 year ago
Thank you for this! I've been trying to read/watch a simple instruction on how to start a fire with just sticks for days! Youdda best
blizzaire08 1 year ago
Thanks for the video - great job!
liteofmylife 1 year ago
o love this video and you have great manners :)
firescopex9 1 year ago
Great video! Its easy to become frustrated with these techniques, but for you to show what is possible in terms of time with practice (and dryness conditions) will prevent people from reaching for the matches too quickly and giving up. Thanks!
polymythic 1 year ago
With handrill, it only takes a long time in the beginning or when moisture is an issue. There are folks out there who can "bust a coal" in under five seconds. That said, they are all humbled by native elders who use technicue over force and have relied on this method for sixty or more years. They are the true masters.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
Was this done in real time?
LoneHerper 1 year ago
@LoneHerper Yes, this was done i real time. Just a rented camera on a tripod and very primitive editing. This was made before we got the high speed Mac and knew anything about how to use it.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
@primitiveskills Awesome. I always thought it took a long time to get an ember.
Macs rule Btw.
LoneHerper 1 year ago
@LoneHerper With handrill, it only takes a long time in the beginning or when moisture is an issue. There are folks out there who can "bust a coal" in under five seconds. That said, they are all humbled by native elders who use technique over force and have relied on this method for sixty or more years. They are the true masters.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
great vid man
romeodelta1178 1 year ago
Great Demonstration!!! Very informative.. Thanks
goldgeter123 1 year ago
A quick tip if you are learning this for the first time, use your WHOLE hand. If you use very short strokes and try to go fast, you will get tired before you make the coal. Using long strokes may hurt your hands at first, but they will quickly condition. I finally succeeded this way
MrVoiceofreason123 1 year ago
I have the perfect materials, seep willow and sotol, and I still can't do it. I exert all my energy and tire myself out and still only get dark brown dust and smoke, but I can't get it to ignite. Is it maybe because I'm not focusing my energy at a more moderate pace?
It's frustrating because I did this about a year ago with sotol on sotol and yucca on yucca, but I haven't practiced in forever and I seem to have lost it.
MrVoiceofreason123 1 year ago
Cool
xauru 1 year ago
whoa, nice. I can make a fire from bow drill but the hand drill method is much more difficult for me than it is apparently for you. That was quick and I will copy your method, maybe it was just something I was doing wrong. I think I was using too much energy in the beginning when creating dust. Thanks for the heads up
Caveman0713 1 year ago
@Caveman0713 Keep up the practice man. Remember how hard the bow drill was when you started out? (or maybe it wasn't for you haha)
MrVoiceofreason123 1 year ago
would a leylandii tree or ash tree spindle work aswell?
Leevancleff 1 year ago
@Leevancleff There's an easy way to answer your question. Try it! :)
MrVoiceofreason123 1 year ago
thanks, last time i carved the bark off and it just didnt seem right
TheM40A3beast 1 year ago
Ok so for the spindle do I cut all the bark off? When I make a dpression in the wood, do I sharpen the spinlde? If so then how long should the point be? Please answer back. john
TheM40A3beast 1 year ago
@TheM40A3beast If you make a "hang loose" sign, the spindle would touch from extended pinky to extended thumb. The points would be short, like a pencil, but with a very abrupt taper, like the tip of a thick drill bit. Don't carve the bark off, but remove it using yer knife like a plane. Holde the blade perpinicular to the spindle and scrape back and forth. This prevents creating flat areas (carving creates a flat spot), and removes bark without compromising the cylindar shape of the spindle
primitiveskills 1 year ago
Ok so for the spinlde do cut al the bark off? When a make a depression in the wood do a sharpen the spindle? Please answer back. john
TheM40A3beast 1 year ago
Great video but I have a question about the wood how can you tell which wood is the right type? For both the spindel and the base board. Can you use any two peices of wood or just a few kinds?
Thanks
ZormVideos 1 year ago
For the fireboard, you can use most any wood you can imprint a thumb nail into. Basswood (Tillia americana), Cedar Thuja occidentalis L.) and Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea L.) are the dominant "go to" woods in our region for being so common, ease of getting a coal, and personality of the wood. Like Bow Drill, however, you don't want to limit yourself to a species list. Maple will work old enough and your skills are good. Spindle=any pithy plant w/ a straight stalk. Try mullien & horseweed.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
do you carve the tip of the drill into a blunted point like the bow drill spindle, or do you want to hollow out the pith? I'm practicing this with mullein and the spongy core doesn't seem conducive to firestarting, so I've hollowed out the core so just the hard outer bark is making contact with the baseboard. I am yet to come across a detailed explanation of how to prep the spindle of a hand drill, especially for different woods. Anyone know where I can read up on such information?
pts2410 1 year ago
Sounds like your right on with your experimentation. Burn a small depression in before removing 1/8 inch or so of the songy material and make sure you don't have any nodes (leaf scars) as part of the rim of the end that makes contact with your fire board. If smoke "hugs" the spindle, keep twirling gently until it disperses before "pouring it on". Remember dark to black dust, or no coal. Light dust means you need more downward pressure.
primitiveskills 1 year ago
Very nice. You explained all I need to know. Hey, I can now get lost in the woods :)
00Neven 2 years ago 8
i learned how to make a hand drill fire when i was 9 and it gives blisters on your hand if you don't stop for a while.
KenneyXBD 2 years ago
also you can clap your hands together really hard. it hurts a little but it sends blood rushin back to your skin and you will not get blisters.
alex1bg 2 years ago
Oh and the spindle, and the board, its not charred black. How did you get it so black??
mr0bear 2 years ago
Great video bro.
tim3jones 2 years ago
what kind of woods do you use for the drill and board
terrelldcarter 2 years ago
he says it at like 4m in or something
ripsyd 2 years ago
he nice video man
keep up the good work !!
GRTZ
peterarras 2 years ago
i hope i can find a good hand drill but how long does it roughly take to get enough coals
lightningedge5 2 years ago
It depends on your skill level. Thats like asking, how long does it take to run a mile. But if you cant get one withen a few minutes, your should change your technique or materials. The fastest coal is under 3 seconds but ive seen people take there time and take two whole minutes to create an ember.
primitiveskills 2 years ago
I went to the local hardware shop, and i bought a pine rod thingy, its cylindrical and i wouldnt say its that hard. Its bendy and yeah.. I dont know what board i have but i also bought that at the shop.
I created a hole in the board with a drill and i dug out a nice little hole. And i can see that both the board and the long drill stick is a little roasted. But i cant seem to get any amber and now i got a blister on my hand.
Any tips??
mr0bear 2 years ago
dont use pine, fir or spruce... drill the hole with the spindle... gather materials yourself... oh yah and enjoy the process this is not a an easy skill to master!
zapyote 2 years ago
smack your hands together so the bood goes back in to them this will help the blisters
livelongpartyhard 2 years ago
mr0bear, you most likely won't get a fire with a pine spindle from the store.
You might ought try mullein, cattail, goldenrod, the best is horseweed. Try different straight stem stalks from the wild that are dry and not hollow. Stop when you feel a blister coming, let your hands toughen up before continuing :) Hope that helped some. Tamar
soarntam 1 year ago
how was this done with stone tools
5tonyvvvv 1 year ago
Beautifully done nice large coal. I feel your coal transfer dumping method a bit rough. Still hard to argue with this excellent video.
Tossdart 2 years ago
When using a wood like white cedar the coal sticks togather so nicely that it almost never falls apart. However, your right sometimes coals can be brittle (basswood coals for example) and these coals need a little extra love and care.
primitiveskills 2 years ago
Oh and it makes a kind of squeeky noise when i rotate it really fast with pressure.
mr0bear 2 years ago
nice vid, love watching survivor contestants fail at this every time :p
ballm0use 2 years ago 2
how do you burn the hole or whatever you said
potato5mash 2 years ago
Great video! I was able to start a fire on my second try. Not everyone would admit to that (2nd try thing) But it did take me 2 trys. Thanks for your videos, Joseph T (fly200jtb)
fly2000jtb 2 years ago
Never mind...I found out from other sites and stuff...that oak CAN be used! I guess it's always a good thing to figure stuff out yourself...,.
DeeCollecter 2 years ago
that's what i was thinking!
youseemreallybored 2 years ago
how do you cut the notch
wempem 2 years ago
I am also from Maine and have lived here all my life. I watched this video, and this was the one that taught me how to do the hand drill. I have practiced a lot and I think that I am finally ready to try it for real now. I just got cedar not too long ago, and while on my search, I also found oak. I was wondering if oak could be used as a board to do the hand drill
DeeCollecter 2 years ago
Yeah he's right, the hand drill is much easier to assemble then the regular bow drill, plus the idea is much simpler.
Arcamea 2 years ago
5/5 Really enjoyed your video, was a really good demonstration & im sure it'll help me when I try my hand at the hand-drill. Cheers!
NaturalBushcraft 2 years ago
yea so do i. the only problem i hav is i liv near loads of bush but its all nature reserve : (
MrStorky14 2 years ago
Awesome video! I want to learn to live off the land!
Carlsarv 2 years ago
What spindle and board material should i use in British columbia canada?
kingboru121 2 years ago
I live in Saskatchewan and here we use any type of willow for the bow drill, I dont know if that is any help by I tried.
skills4survival 2 years ago
well i made a spindle. Made a bowdrill with a runner shoelace and then used a small 2inch by 4 inch curved board with some bark underneath it. Try as i might i could get a piling of coal. It all seemed to spread out. Any tips? Also what should i look for in board material
kingboru121 2 years ago
I am personally not very good with the bow drill but I am okay with a hand drill. You can use the same type of wood for the base and spindle though.
skills4survival 2 years ago
Scotch broom on itself, yarrow on ceder, horseweed on fir inner bark, common mullien on ceder or fir and ect... I like ceder for the hearth and horse weed for the drill. These can all be used on different hearth boards and there are alot more drill materials that can be used but these are my favorites.
imanatural1 2 years ago
I should have watched the whole vid before I posted, he mentioned a couple of the same ones. I am from Oregon and the easiest one is scotch broom on itself in my opinion anyway.
imanatural1 2 years ago
I'm wondering what you'd advise if you have no means to make the notch?
I've seen a two-stick hearthboard before.
SpawnofHastur 2 years ago
ive seen some people make embers along the hole (look for a channel called learnbushcraft) but that takes more effort. Usually though a bit of a sharp rock (doesn't necessarily have to be flint) should be sufficient since most hand drill materials are quite soft.
RafTheGuitarMan 2 years ago
good video, five stars. Do you know to use any certain type of wood?
survivorman92 3 years ago
he explains that in the video
gtjohnnycake 3 years ago
very comprehensive and informative. hopefully i can pass the skills of the hand drill onto my scouts. thank you for the great video
01Richie1984 3 years ago
very informative video, nice job. i liked the information of the different types of spindles you can find in the wild in order to use. thanks!
gumbysheetz 3 years ago
I'm having trouble selecting proper wood types and characteristics for the spindle and fireboard. If you have any advice, I would appreciate it.
371t3 3 years ago
how long should it take to "burn in" ur hearth board?
Utillitarian 3 years ago
time is relative to how fast you are able to spin the drill and how much pressure you can achieve. Go untill the hole turns brown or black and grows to be the same diamater at the drill.
primitiveskills 3 years ago
I'm drilling but it doesn't turn brown, but its getting shiny, and its close to the size of the spindle...
what do u think I may be doing wrong?...
Utillitarian 3 years ago
Ok...i figured it out, my board was too moist...;P
Soon as I changed the board it went up like a match...thanx 4 the help...
(okay, I have the spindle, board, and technique down...but how do U cut such perfect slots?)