help with bowdrill set

Looking for help. (uploaded previously)

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[Hayden Gordon]

I am doing a homework assignment on you with our class.

[bushkrafft]

wow really? that cool whats it about?

[brandon saylor]

first of all fire by friction can be hard to master but it is possible to have success.you need to have soft woods such as popular basswood etc CEDAR is best from my exsperence. the bow can be made of anywood but hadwoods work best like oak ash and hickory.Now the baring block wich is what you hold to keep the spindle from slipping is best to use the bottom of metal container or like i use a shot glass.and make sure to breath because some people get so worked up they forget.GOODLUCK

[Ean Watkins]

I agree with this but I also think your strokes were too short just like Qezart said you should use the full length. Try making a set from scratch, but great shot and enthusiasm, you'll get it for sure.

[quercus417]

Look up bushclass usa.

[Jacob Norman]

also a lot of lumber is treated with fire retardants ,,if the wood is store bought that could be the problem,

[Jacob Norman]

if you are using a resinous wood you will never get heat,the rosin will lubricate it,,try poplar wood , or red cedar,what you are doing looks right, the big squeal at the the start tells me you need different wood ,,

[rabmarine1]

You could also use something like a metal shot glass, saucer, or candle holder for your block to help you get started. Be sure to wear gloves though.

[rabmarine1]

The best way I figured is to analyse each part of the bow drill:

Spindle: I use a spindle about 1 inch in diameter which drills a hole about the size of a quarter and make the spindle shaft in a hexagon shape to help the bow string spin it. Keep the end opposite of the hearth sharp to reduce friction (and lubrication like Vasaline, grease, snot, fine grit mud if necessary. The other end may need to be scraped of hardened charred wood to increase friction on the hearth.

[ethanstegall85]

first of all dont give up , and i foundout its better to use natural wood ,not the store bought,and if one think dosent work try somthing else change one of the variables, , just keep at it

[QuiChiYang2]

Hey kid shorten the spindle, so that you can apply more downward pressure, when you were doing it in this video, your drill was spinning way to good, without producing the familiar sqeeks and grinds. That should do the trick.