Choosing The Right Wood For Bow Drill, 8 Things To Consider

1) How long has it been since the last rain? 2) What is today's humidity? 3) Are you familiar with the donor tree? 4) Is the wood well off the ground. 5) Has the bark fallen off? 6) Has it been exposed to plenty of sun and wind? 7) Is the wood degraded from years of exposure? 8) Does it have a long and straight enough piece on it for the spindle?
Let me explain how I chose this piece of Virginia for today's bow drill friction fire. It hasn't rained in 7 days, low humidity today, I used a piece of the donor tree last year successfully for a hand drill fire board, it's off the ground, bark is gone, exposed to plenty of sun and wind, tree's been down for years, and it has a long straight section that will make a good spindle.
Come see what a great choice of wood this was for today's bow drill friction fire. Please follow the LINKS below and SUBSCRIBE. Thank You!

Bow Drill Playlist
Bow Drill Is So Much Easier With A Black Walnut Bearing Block
ASMR, Otzi Was Probably Drying Out His Favorite Fire Making Materials Too!... Crepe Myrtle Bow Drill

[DavidWestBgoodppl]

1) How long has it been since the last rain? 2) What is today's humidity? 3) Are you familiar with the donor tree? 4) Is the wood well off the ground. 5) Has the bark fallen off? 6) Has it been exposed to plenty of sun and wind? 7) Is the wood degraded from years of exposure? 8) Does it have a long and straight enough piece on it for the spindle?
Let me explain how I chose this piece of Virginia for today's bow drill friction fire. It hasn't rained in 7 days, low humidity today, I used a piece of the donor tree last year successfully for a hand drill fire board, it's off the ground, bark is gone, exposed to plenty of sun and wind, tree's been down for years, and it has a long straight section that will make a good spindle.
Come see what a great choice of wood this was for today's bow drill friction fire. Please follow the LINKS below and SUBSCRIBE. Thank You!

Bow Drill Playlist
Bow Drill Is So Much Easier With A Black Walnut Bearing Block
ASMR, Otzi Was Probably Drying Out His Favorite Fire Making Materials Too!... Crepe Myrtle Bow Drill

[markstine]

You never disappoint David! Thank you for keeping the old way alive 🙏

[sambarnard]

Thanks for showing the build, not just the usage.

[lancedavis]

Thanks for the tip on using fat wood for the bearing block! Much appreciated!

[mikeguidotti]

I have never seen a guy so determined to light his tennis shoe on fire. 👍

[paultasker]

Thank you for the info! After trying for years I made the adjustments mentioned on this video and another video you made and it worked in just a couple mins.

[brooksto]

Just re-watched this video again, as I find myself doing on your site. I learn more about techniques, processes, patience, and persistence each time. Great demonstration David - thank you.

[jayjenkins]

Just discovered your channel and absolutely love the info... wood selection, building the tool, technique... 1000's of years it took our ancestors to figure this out, you presented clearly in a few minutes. I will practice this skill and master it, thank you!

[Haxxys]

This was extremely informative for wood selection. Nicely done. You make it look so easy.

[davidmcneil]

Thanks for all the good tips! I spied a branch hanging over the street. Dead, vertical, in the sun all day, no bark. I knew it was a winner. It finally dropped last weekend. I swear the dust was coming off the spindle already ignited. I love Eastern Cottonwood!

[charlesrooker]

I made a fire board and spindle out if rock hard dead crabapple
I couldn't believe how fast I got smoke, I mostly use tulip popular but thanks to you I tried something different.
Thanks for your tutelage.

[A_Meek_lake_Dweller]

Fatwood bearing block.
Genius!
Thank you!

[bowdiersackett]

Thanks for the great information, still chasing that ember, this will definitely help

[bobball]

Great job Mr.David!
Thank you so much for the insight of bow drilling, you have helped my neighbor and I actually start a fire from your tutorial. Great stress reliever from our daily lives. By the way, your hands look as rough as mine!

[kullcraven]

Hello David, if you remember a couple years ago i had done a video on using fatwood as a bearing block. Well today you inspired me to go shoot another video using a new piece of fatwood. If you get time drop by and check out the vid man. I gave you props on the idea, thanks again for sharing your knowledge bro. ATB.

[bayouflats]

Always good info. Thanks. I recently found a whole 20foot section of fallen tree about 1&1/2 foot across, tapering to 1 foot across that’s all fat pine! I personally have never happened upon this situation. Just amazing. 😁🔥

[GodBearOutoors]

Love the idea of using a piece of fatwood as your bearing block.
It provides the added benifit of a built in lubricant and BONUS, It looks cool 😎.
That one looked to have been one of those "shark fin" pieces you spoke of in your other video about what to look for when trying to find fatwood..
Awesome video David.
Thanks.

[Micscience]

you have good technique. You did it really good. good job sir.

[smokyriverbushcraft]

I also have that corona saw and for the price it is a beast! Great video

[ronthomas]

New viewer. Thanks. Guess I have a few to catch up on.