An Instructional video on the bow drill fire lighting

[Buzzardbushcraft]

It's important to show people that you can fail to get an ember every now and again and thats OK, too many "names " seem to get it every time when we all know thats not true and sends the wrong impression, well done for making a video that shows what really happens, other could learn from that!

[mrmacbeth1970]

Thanks! This was an awesome instructional video. I appreciate you taking the time to demonstrate all of the pitfalls and problems that can happen.

[97ruben]

ok thank you

[97ruben]

thanks alot for this imformation it seems really helpful and i will use it when i escaped from my fosterhome and got into the wild. i subscribed :) by the way, how do i get the hole? and do i need the V shape ? or can i just make a little hole and get coal from there?

[seanmulhall]

@97ruben

Your start the hole with the tip of a knife or a sharp stone, and yes you do need the 'V'. The v is where the black dust gathers and gets hotter until is starts to smoulder.

[dannyjspence]

@seanmulhall thank you for taking the time to upload this video of how to make fire with a bow drill. i have to say that due to your unselfishness and willingness to show us all the trials as well as the errors, that i have learned much more from this video about this technique compared to all the other videos. i am yet to get that ember to stay myself, but i am using some plain old timber board for my hearth and drill. will be out to find some willow though i think! thanks again!

[97ruben]

4 peoples got shot.

[inagorange]

4 people use matches

[genetrumbo]

I can see why friction fire starting can be frustrating, but this video carefully explains the process. Thank you very much for your unselfishness in sharing your experiences. I see from YouTube that bushcraft is quite popular in Britain. A lot of the really good videos come from your country.

[seanmulhall]

@genetrumbo

In the UK we have a lot of very talented instructors who are willing to share their knowledge.

[Val0n]

i was trying this in my yard for the first time, Pennsylvania USA. and i thought a small shaft like a flag pole would do, and blocks of 2 by 4. but my virtical stick wasnt thick enough. i was trying with shoe string (that might still work) and my notches werent right. its dark now and have a job interview tomorrow. ill sharpen my knife. and give it another wack tomorrow! ill check in with results thanks mate

[seanmulhall]

@Val0n

It just takes practice until you get the technique right. If you know anybody who can talk you through it, it may help you.

[Val0n]

@seanmulhall its been raining for like 3 weeks going on 4 weeks in pennsylvania so i havent been able to do it. -.-

[MrStogieMonster1988]

@seanmulhall show us the fire saw method plz

[starless2112]

what an excellent instructional video

[BigTVideos]

Great job, very helpful. Its good to see some reality on this subject.

Big T

[miguelbinha]

Good demonstration with all the frustration that one is to expect. Not the ready made videos where all happens easily and lead you to believe that it is straight foward or a skill only for some. Thank you for your time.

[Ikefis]

Thanks Sean. Good tips

[wncranger]

Good job, Silver Fox, and as always, thank you!!!

[theboarman]

buddy awesome voice, you should have your own tv show

[Chapaz21]

Thats the best demonstration and explanation ive seen mate , No need to watch anymore . Keep the vids coming

[dk0403]

So thanx to you I finally got my fire built with a fire bow!!! Im pretty excited man, thanx alot!!!

[phubans]

Gareth Keenan: The After Years.

[SluggySlugworth]

Wow I never realized it would smolder that long.Thanks for this video!

[skyahn83]

Great video! Thank you for making this video. :)

[seekertrth]

I have a question. Have you ever tried the Egyptian bow drill method? I just started playing with it and it really does seem to help keep hand-made cordage from snapping as much. Still happens but it takes more 'effort.'

[seanmulhall]

@seekertrth

I saw it once in Scotland but I couldn't get an ember with it. I would like to get hold of another and practice with it more.

[1916Saoirse1922]

Thank you for this great vid. As always i come away having learned a lot.

One question.

Apart from Willow harth and drill is there any other combinations of woods you find works well?

[seanmulhall]

Sycamore. Hazel drill into a ivy hearth, but I have not tried this myself.

[seekertrth]

I don't know where you are but I'm in western NY, USA and here I can usually find cedar, my personal preference. I have found that if I can find white pine that is dry but not rotted, that works fairly well. You can also try basswood. Just experiment and have a fun day!

[JimboJitsu]

I am getting ready to do some more practicing and had a question I hope you can help me with...

I collected some tender/moss and bracken ferns and have them drying in the carport. Will I be able to start them with flint and steel or will I need to make some char cord first?

Thanks and have a nice one!

[seanmulhall]

If you are using a ferrocium rod you should be fine. If you are using the traditional flint and steel you may need something finer. But first try and crush up some of the tinder to make it into a fine dust and fibreous. This will help the cooler sparks to catch. Then treat it the same as I have in my video 'Blowing and ember into flames'. Lichen works well.

[JimboJitsu]

Thanks, I think it is ferrocium... I will try both ways to find out. I watched the videos I really like how you go into the hard parts, so many people go through it making it look so dang easy! Esp your bow fire starting stuff!

Thanks a lot for making such cool videos!

[JimboJitsu]

nicely done, thanks for sharing! I just used flint for the first time... took me 40 min to figure out how to use it and get a fire started...

[seanmulhall]

I too find it tricky getting the flint sparks to land on the tinder of charcloth. But I believe its the same issue that our early ancestors would have come across too. Keep practicing, I am.

[JimboJitsu]

Thanks, I will send a response with the video I made as I tried to figure it out... not sure if I made the 40 min of effort show in the video...

I agree, I first heard it while watching John Campbell. You have to practice... If you wait till an emergency you are betting your life on it. So I got out my Urban Disaster Survival kit and started going through it.

[FixedByDoc]

@seanmulhall hold the blade still above the charclothe. now slide/draw back the flint keeping the blade still and just above clothe. the sparks will fall right where you want them to everytime. many ppl draw the blade towards the clothe and sparks fly everywhere cause the flint wiggles around.

[Bornacentury2l8]

Thank you for the information! I have had troubles trying this method. I will try again tomorrow.

[stienthor]

like usual sean your style of videos are the big difference from you and others , and at least in my case understanding what the heck I am doing wrong

[scarz1951]

Howdy Sean! The end grain of the spindle is actually harder than the hearth even tho made of the same wood from the same branch. Have you ever tried cotton wood outer bark as a hearth? Works a treat. Have a go some just for chuckles. Root wood works very nicely too. I love going into the bush and doing it all the old way. My people, the Cherokee, teach us from an early age to respect the earth mother and live with her rather than against her. Good to see others are learning too.

[seanmulhall]

We dont have cotton wood in the UK. I am coming to the states in the summer so will try it then. Thanks.

[HCDDWarhero]

Great video man. Is there a gunshot at 1:54

[lesrap]

my problem is i can usualy get an ember but it tends to burn thrugh the tinder with out catching flame.

[seanmulhall]

My guess is you are blowing too hard. Once the ember is good and strong place it in your tinder bundle and blow really gently on it. Almost like you are breathing on it. You are trying to build up heat and dry out any moisture in the tinder. Gradually blow harder and harder. Dont rush. Only blow really hard when you have lots of smoke coming from the tinder. I'll make a video on how to build a tinder bundle. This may help you also. Good luck.

[jdkaram]

Another enlightening video, Sean. I appreciate that you let us observe even when things don't go absolutely perfectly. Actually, that's the most instructive part because then we know what mistakes to watch out for. Also, I am one who prefers no music in videos - especially outdoors videos because that way we can hear the sounds of the environment, and in this case, the sounds of the whittling and friction- all which make us feel like we are there with you .

[seanmulhall]

Thank you for your comment.

[PHARRAOH]

great vids. merry Christmas

[TheRedHawk123]

Thank you very much Sean for the great demo.

5/5

[ESAPOWER]

As for mistakes, why don't you think through the thing that you're demonstrating, and at each stage, try to think of EVERY mistake that a person might be likely to make, and then, while you're teaching or demonstrating, simply run off a list of mistakes, and how to avoid them.

That'd work okay, wouldn't it? Just list it all on a piece of paper at home when you're planning the video.

[HuhaMaza]

I like how he's not a know-it-all jackass, I will say I have learned something after seeing this, even though he is not the best at public speaking

[seanmulhall]

Most of my videos are not planned and certianly not scripted. I think that way they are more real. I dont want to edit them too much either. I will take on board the idea of having a plan written down. Thank you.

[ESAPOWER]

I don't mean for you to script it, perhaps I'm not wording it right. I'm just trying to think of it. Well, why don't you carry a notepad or something? And then when you do spontaneously do a video, you can refine it just a little, so it's more helpful. You're doing a great job though, Sean, keep it up.

Just watched your video about... Defecating in the woods. You're a legend, man. Absoloutely legendary. LoL!

[seanmulhall]

I do get your point and my intention is to make my videos a little more professional looking yet still keeping it real. Thanks for your comments.

[quearbitch]

great vid cant wait to try it

[akhenatten]

Excellent video Sean! I miss the music intro though :-(

Love the technique, I have yet to try this method but I think I will now.

[orcaluv]

excellent!

[CdnJackHunt]

Most excellent video my friend! Very informative. I have been trying to use this method for a bit now with no success, I am going to try again with your information!

[findingusernamesux11]

Great video Sean, like always!!!

Happy holiday!

[Detsteve]

Very very thorough Sean. Thank you. Would you do more like this on the basics series you plan please!

[seanmulhall]

No problems. Thanks

[Ghostkamo]

Wow, this was probably the best bow - drill instructional that I've seen. Great job.

I rarely watch vids this long but, it was worth it.

Kamo

[seanmulhall]

Thank you Kamo. I really respect your opinion and love the videos you have on your channel. Always looking forward to what else you have to teach.

[riverratbushcraft]

Great info!!!

Great vid!!!

[CZBOHUNK]

Once again awesome job Sean, Thanks

[MrNishi]

Sean, this is by far one of your best posts, packed little hints and tips all learnt by trial and error, now I've seen this demostration I'm keen on giving it a go and see what results get using naitive woods up here in the north of Scotland, I also think the black powder is called "punk" its a term I have heard of in the past

[seanmulhall]

Someone else commented that it is called 'Punk'. I have not heard this term before. But from now on I have a name for it thanks to my subscribers. Thank you.

[knifeguyeddy]

5/5m8

[bushcraftbartons]

Great demo Sean...nice work! 5/5

[godsend420]

great vid sean that fire board is well used you know whats up ★★★★★

[seanmulhall]

It was twice as long and as this was going to be the last fire I was going to make with this half I decided to cut it in half and burn what was left of this half. The other half can be seen in the video in the blanket.

[Nufriend3]

As I've said before nothing is redundant. there was much to be learned from your demo. thanks for sharing Sean! Look forwards to more vids. Happy Holidays.

[wanderinggibbon]

Sean, I was impressed with your straight stick, it's the first time I've seen it; I was taught to use the bow, because it helped grab the spindle tighter, but I can see how using the straight stick, with your foot on the other side, can really help with maintaining stability. Most impressive, keep up the good work. Long live North Essex.

[seanmulhall]

Choose a stick about 2 feet in length, and try to use the full length of the bow. This will help increase the heat in the drill. Good luck.

[anthony9thompson]

Good Vid. BTW where I come from the 'black dust ' is called "punk". Its important stuff it needs a name lol.

[seanmulhall]

You are so right, and from now on its called 'punk' to me too. I hope no one miss hears what I call it though. LOL.

[hobbexp]

good job,  5/5

[mreisma]

does the type of wood matter?

[seanmulhall]

Not really. Some woods are easier than others. Willow is one of the softest. Hazel is another good one. Try a hazel drill into an ivy hearth.

[rmt0523]

Does the diameter of the spindle matter? I've seen this done with smaller spindles also. Great Video. I appreciate the fact you keep it honest. If it doesn't work the first time you try again until it does without editing out the failure. Thank You !!

[seanmulhall]

Although I can get a coal in around 30seconds I have on demonstrations failed to get a coal at all. Its not a preferred method of fire lighting but it is a useful skill to have. As for the spindle size, no the size does not really matter. I find if the spindle is too thin it bends and flexes when I apply pressure. Also the thicker spindle I am able to get tighter in the bow.

[JohnsSurvival]

Awesome! Thanks Shawn! Just what i needed cause iv had so many failures making friction fire. I'll remember this next time

[seanmulhall]

I have had many years of failures and was shown this technique in January this year. It was until the summer when I became confident with it. I was told that once you have been shown the technique the rest is your state of mind. Be calm and patient and dont rush. Good luck.

[ashthegreat]

Great job and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into making your really benefitial videos.

[seanmulhall]

Thank you.

[KickRocks5000]

Best vid Ive seen yet on this subject. Good job showing the trial and error that most people go through trying this. For being one of the "most basic" form of fire lighting, There is a big learning curve.

[seanmulhall]

So true.

[lesrap]

thank you, been trying to make a bow drill, i think i know what ive been doing wrong.

[seanmulhall]

Hope it works for you. If you are still struggling make a video and post me the link. I'll watch it and try to help you.

[ldmak90]

Great Vid Sean!! Missed you. Hey at 1:55 why does it sound like a plane got shot down? LOL ... keep up the great vids! This cleared up a LOT for me. Going to have my son watch it now. Thanks again.

[TheXroadr]

Good vid.

[littlegreenwon]

great video. I was about to ask if you ever tried to hand drill, and you answered right at the end. I tried a bit of this today, but I think my wood is wrong. Are the best kind of wood for the fireboard on the bottom softwoods?

[seanmulhall]

It does not matter which way round they are. One is going to wear away quicker that the other. Im using willow, but hazel is another good one. Try a hazel drill into an ivy hearth. Good luck.

[PHARRAOH]

where exactly is it you go out? looks to be neer some of your other vids.

[seanmulhall]

I have permission to use 30 acres of farm land with about 6 acres of woodland. So now I make most of my videos there, especially while the shooting season is open.

[cheeselyman]

i know im off topic but can you tan hide with eggs?

[haha48]

well if you have a bag.. you can pee in the bag.. then let it sit for a few days after cleaning the fat of the hide.. that will tan a hide if you dont have brains and stuff to tan it just wash and strech it out adn you done..

[seanmulhall]

Cool, I did not know that about tanning with urine. Thanks for the tip.

[haha48]

you can use the brain but small animals dont have enough brain to tan there own hide.. some do some dont

[seanmulhall]

Yes you can tan hides with eggs. Not 100% sure of the techinque but im sure there will be someone on here showing how to.

[Detsteve]

Dave and Tam at Bushcraft On Fire have some videos on it.

[RDPproject]

Doesnt matter how many of these videos there are...always good to have more. Thanks for posting Sean.

5*s