primitive fire starting methods.

**PT945** · 04-26-2011, 03:07 PM

I am working on and trying to perfect fire with the bow drill I will be posting pictures and a video when I perfect my technique.
what is your primitive method of fire starting that you've perfected.
The methods i know of are bow drill, hand drill, fire plow , and fire thong .

**slowz1k** · 04-26-2011, 03:16 PM

Not sure I want to see picture of the fire thong.

Sounds... um well... painful

**PT945** · 04-26-2011, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by slowz1k

Not sure I want to see picture of the fire thong.

Sounds... um well... painful

Lmao well looking at it that way, yeah ouch.

**bcauz3y** · 04-26-2011, 03:55 PM

Here is a partial video of myself and my old man getting a bow drill going.

**PT945** · 04-26-2011, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by bcauz3y

Here is a partial video of myself and my old man getting a bow drill going.

Cool thanks for posting the video.

**TheLastMountainMan** · 04-26-2011, 04:01 PM

I've used magnifying glass or lens. Battery and steel wool. Oh yeah, and matches.

**Spacer_smurf** · 04-26-2011, 09:24 PM

What's the best way to make a bow?

**bcauz3y** · 04-26-2011, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Spacer_smurf

What's the best way to make a bow?

The more experienced guys can chime in and correct me, but I think you want to make it from an already curved piece of 3/4"-1" hard wood that doesn't flex.

Make sure you that your twine isn't stretchy or too thick. (para chord works well)

When you attach the rope, be sure you leave some slack (not much) so you can loop around the drill.

Does that make sense?

**PT945** · 04-26-2011, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by Spacer_smurf

What's the best way to make a bow?

Best way I found to make a bow is find a semi curved stick about 2½ to 3 feet long and have a little flex to it. Best wood I've found so far has been willow. Tie your string so you have little Slack after you wrap it around the drill if it is still too loose you can adjust tention with your fingers by squeezing your fingers tighter pulling the cord into the bow. I will try to get a video up in the next day or two on constructing the bow fire board and drill.

**CountryGuy** · 04-27-2011, 10:36 PM

Been awhile but used a shorter bow 18"-2' keep string long enough to go around drill but short enough to hold tight under tension. Think the drill was hickory or oak and then would use the bottom block in a soft wood like pine or hemlock to really heat up and start to charcoal. If you have a little char cloth, tuck it in on the bottom. placement of the air notch and tinder to catch the spark is crucial in my experiences.

I also like flint and steel though it's very hard and takes lots of time. Got to say that's why I like my metal match.

I've never had luck with the magnifying glass. Maybe it was lack of patience or sufficient strong sun...either way a bust for me.

Not sure how primitive you consider it but the fine steel wool and 9v battery works great!

And as the non primitive...I luv me a bunch of little cheap Bics stuck everywhere... lol

What do you all use for tinder/ fire starter? I mean birch tree bark or hemlock twigs is nice but I luv dryer lint! I have my wife save it(when she remembers) when she dries the jeans and t-shirts during the winter. I also have a old small stash of char cloth.