Bow Drill How To For Beginners

Being self taught, I've learned from many trial and errors as well as failures. This is a compilation of tips and tricks that looking back may help those first starting out or struggling with friction fire via a bow drill find success in making all the various pieces fit together.

[CoastalBackWoods]

Very in depth.  I really enjoyed it.  By far one of the better video's teaching the bow drill I've seen! Thank you!

[TedsOutdoors]

I can't explain how much I love this video. This is so perfect. You covered everything needed I think. I will try your form next time I try the bow drill. I've gotten about ten coals from it now. I'm going to upload a video soon on the bow drill. Thanks for everything you do. I love your channel.

[survivewithout]

That has to be the best tips and tricks bowdrill videos I have ever seen. I didn't know resin or fatwood would work so great. Just an awesome job sharing your experience. So glad to see you put this out there.

[SurvivalSherpa]

Great tip on making the working end with a small point, Joe! Make total sense. Never seen that tip. If I did, it wasn't memorable. Excellent stuff!

[jmoutdoors]

Joe, this is a great video. I've been struggling with the bow drill and this gives me some instruction that I've yet to see anywhere else. This video makes me want to get out and try it again!

[SurvivoTek]

I don't know why it's taken me so long to find this! I've been working on my bow drill technique a long time and been failing each time. I'm definitely going to try getting some dry lumber and working out form before attempting a coal! Thanks so much, my friend!

[shannonbtanner]

Awesome Joe! Thanks for Sharing!...It's Great that a master like you would lay it all out and help others!!

[gundog]

Where were you when I was first learning this skill, ha ha? Nicely demonstrated. Thumbs up!

[VEFALFred]

I like you, had many trial and errors and now success. Thanks to great tutorials like this.
I have found paracord by far the best string, and cedar and cedar for spindle and hearth.
Conditions are important, wind, humidity, dead standing trees vs. those laying on the ground. Thanks again for a great video and I also subscribed to your channel.

[BlackChrome]

Great job as always Joe. This will help me out in my quest for achieving a coal in a friction fire this year

[Hamlocks]

I tried this a couple months ago, I think I'll try it again today, thanks for the video.

[prycewilkins]

ive never made a bow drill I have watched a few videos on it but this realy helped me a lot.thanks for the how to and tips.

[MegaWoodswalker]

Yea know I have never tried pine tar as a lubricant for a wood bearing block.Going to give that a GO! My deer antler is getting drilled though as well, On a side note a shot glass wrapped in duct tape (in case it breaks) make for a fantastic very very very very low friction bearing block. It's what I use when experimenting with something new and want every advantage. Great video.

[MrTatts]

Duly saved to my favourites, thanks Joe and off to the shop to buy some wood in a few hours.
Excellent video, thanks!!

[OutandAboutWest]

It is a pleasure to watch, definitely no need to apologise for the length.

[scoutingfreegermany]

Great video Joe, very good little detail tips! Thanks for sharing! Cheers, Marc

[BTeehanKnives]

Great video, I've never started a friction fire, I may have to try it now, thanks.

[LONEWOLF]

Professor Bow Drill... Well, guess I'll practice some more today. Excellent video, got some pointers to try. I can get the smoke and alot of it, no ember yet. 

[LeeRalph]

Joe, Thanks!!! I have  fought with learning this skill I have not practiced this in a while. I agree, form is the thing that killed me in getting my first ember. I did not get an ember until I used lumber yard wood, it does make a difference. Good tip on the point at the ember end!!!!   One of the best tutorials I have seen. Thanks for showing what you have learned, Lee

[vegasvato]

I use a roller skate wheel for a bearing block, and i buy cedar dow rods from the building supply center for hard straight spindles. I can make a Hearth Board, and a Bow from what nature provides but having a hard straight spindle and a friction free bearing block are absolutely worth their weight in gold.