Components Needed:

1. Hearth Board/Fireboard
2. Spindle/Drill
3. Bow
4. Socket/Handhold

Anytime you are trying to start a friction fire the main thing that you will want is dry wood. I know that should go without saying but you never know. Some good wood to try and find would be Willow, Pine, Cedar, Poplar, Cottonwood, etc. Not only can you use these variations of wood as your materials to start the fire but also components to create your bowdrill.

Remember in survival you want to use as much of the resources on hand as you can. Always work smarter, not harder!

The spindle

• It should be about 3/4 of an inch in diameter, 8-12 inches long, and round. It should be made out of a piece of wood about the same hardness or harder as the fireboard. On one end, the top end, it should taper down to a point, then the point ground off
• 8-12 inches long, and round. It should be made out of a piece of wood about the same hardness or harder as the fireboard. On one end, the top end, it should taper down to a point, then the point ground off
• Make sure it's about the same hardness or harder as the fireboard.
• On one end, the top end, it should taper down to a point, then the point ground slightly to make sure it's dull.
• On the other end, the bottom, it should be pointed also, but not tapered down, more rounded.

The fireboard

• A medium-hard wood about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch thick and at least twice as wide as your spindle (length doesn't matter)
• Make sure the wood is extremely dry.
• On one end, make an indentation by putting the tip of your knife on the board (about one spindle away from the edge) and twisting to make a shallow hole.

The Handhold & Bow

• This is a stone (or piece of hardwood) that can fit comfortably in your left hand (lefties reverse from now on). Carve a hole in one end like in the fireboard. You can also use a stone with a depression in it. Just make sure it's big enough to keep your fingers from going
• Carve a hole in one end like in the fireboard. You can also use a stone with a depression in it. Just make sure it's big enough to keep your fingers from going under it because it gets hot!
• The bow should be a stick about as long as your arm and as thick as your thumb at the base. Make sure it's  flexible and slightly curved.
• Tie a strong string at the bottom using a permanent knot of your choice.
• Now bend the bow and tie the string at the top in an easily adjustable knot, since you will be adjusting it very often.
• Make sure the string is slack enough for your spindle to be twisted in but tight enough for it not to slip around it.

Now to put it all together we show you step by step how it's done! Check it out and let us know what you think!

 

Source: BlackScoutSurvival