Helping You To Succeed At Friction Fire Bow Drill - Part 1

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Perfectly explained. And good to know I'm not the only one who taste the branches to see if they're dry!

[@jamesaritchie1]

Good video. It amazes me how different people have such different views on how to make a bow drill fire. Some like thin spindles, some like very thick spindles, some like tall spindles, and some like short spindles. Even preferred woods vary greatly. Where I live, we have willow, cottonwood, cedar, basswood, and several kinds of pine. Pine is probably the worst of these, but it's the wood I prefer for a few reasons. 1. I can always find it without a search. 2. When I do find it, I can be pretty sure it's going to be dry. Under conditions where I would worry about moisture in other species, pine will still be dry. 3. If I can reliably make a bow drill fire with pine, using the other woods is easy. I think it's a good idea for those new to the bow drill to buy a pine board, or the wood of their choice, make some bow drill kits, and practice at home with perfectly dry wood until they can easily make a fire this way, and then go out and do the same thing with found material. As for the spindle, I know people who like very thin spindles, people who love very thick spindles, and everything in between. A thin spindle does more rotations and spins faster, and this is important. A thick spindle has more surface area, and this is important, too. So I use both. I like a spindle that's a good bit thicker than my thumb for about two inches at the bottom, just about twice as wide, but that's thin the rest of the way up. I don't know anyone else who does this now, but I knew several woodsmen who did it this way when I was a boy, including my grandpa, and it works for me, so I keep doing it.

[@Joe-sg8tk]

Taking 12 year old grandson camping/fishing next week. I am going to teach him how to use bow drill. Thanks for sharing.

[@DOGFOODACTUAL8541]

I needed this video yesterday Lonnie. I spent 2 hours with a Cottonwood spindle and hearth board on my property and couldn't get an ember. I got heat, smoke, and ash, but no red. From this video I already identified things I was doing wrong. Thank you. And don't worry. I lit my fire with a spark and char cloth, but that's cheating when your trying to learn friction fire. Thank you Sir. I'm learning a lot here.

[@ObsessedGamerYT]

I have never tried to use this method having the use of only one hand. That doesn't mean that I haven't payed attention to the, how to, videos. I showed my nephews how to start a fire using this method. As many times as I have watched different folks teach it, you are the first to explain about the thickness, and why. Thank you, it makes a lot of sense.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Perhaps you have not seen the method of friction fire that I came up with and demonstrated in a video that was created with the handicapped in mind. The method may not be for everybody but you may find it useful perhaps. One Handed Friction Fire - For the Handicapped kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3zRhnmfh56deJI

[@nealchickow7544]

THIS IS BY FAR THE MOST IN DEPTH AND HELPFUL VIDEO ON FRICTION FIRE THAT HAS HIT KZbin. THIS MAN WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO HELP YOU SUCCEED AT THIS! GIVE HIM A THUMBS UP ON KZbin! HE IS CLEARLY ONE OF THE COOLEST MOUNTAINEERS ALIVE!

[@johndoe-uz2kc]

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!after watching your carefully explained videos i finally after almost 20 years started my first bow drill fire! I was so happy it worked the first time I immediately extinguished my tinder and did it again! Very happy and subscribed.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Congratulations on your success and thanks for letting me know. Welcome to the channel. Thanks for subscribing.

[@NatesOutdoors]

I DID IT MAN,thank u,i was doing everything wrong lol but today I actually got an ember and turned it into a flame,thanks to you and this video

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

That is awesome news and thank you for telling about your results.

[@tallcedars2310]

That's great, Lonnie's video's helped me gain the skill to obtain an ember as well since he covers a lot of tips to help the process along.

[@NatesOutdoors]

Tall Cedars yeah it's awesome,i been trying out different types of woods and the best I have found is popular on popular,i even use the bark as my tinder bundle

[@tallcedars2310]

Poplar has been the best for me also, spruce next, and no luck with any other types of wood like willow, caragana, birch or apple. It's awesome you use poplar bark as a tinder bundle, never even thought about using it. Will certainly give it a try now, thanks Nate.

[@NatesOutdoors]

Tall Cedars yw,i have had luck out of,willow,pine, sycamore, cottonwood,cedar,beech,red oak and maple,I have also used jute twine for a tinder bundle and pine needles

[@pincheguarito591]

You are a very good teacher. You explain things well and you are easy to listen to.

[@DavidWestBgood2ppl]

You've helped me out again. I need to start being more careful about the materials that I select for my set. I've made... and continue to make all the poor selections of materials that you just told us to avoid.... This is going to save me a lot of huffing and puffing and sweat. LOL!!! Thanks!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+David West Well when you are as skilled at friction fire as you are then who needs great wood. :o) I think you could get smoke from a brick. lol

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+David West Another great video and thanks for the shout out.

[@tomstrickland2142]

This is the best video that I have seen about making a fire with a bow drill! The details that you gave were so helpful. I made fire for the first time using your methods!!! The part that really helped was how you explained the selection of the wood from standing trees. Thank you.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I am glad that the video was helpful for you. Awesome.

[@selfreliancelearning]

I’ve been trying so hard to get this and have failed several times. Now I’m stoked to go out and try again with these tips!!

[@SurvivalLilly]

superb video Lonnie :)

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+Survival Lilly Thanks my friend.

[@Waldwaerts]

+bushcrafter1973, well... depends on where you are located on this planet ;)

[@retiredafce3373]

+bushcrafter1973 sleep is for the weak lol.

[@Romin.777]

I second that. :)) This channel is one of the best. imho

[@MultiRusty111]

Is Survival Lily on the bushcraftusa forum?I heard Lonnie was at one time,but I don't know his username on the forum.Mine is Flint_2014,joined back in April 2016.

[@user-lh2xn5iy2p]

After watching your other video about fire bows, I gave it my best shot yesterday for several hours and only got smoke. Now I can tell that i made a lot a little mistakes that makes it very difficult. I'll give it another try after this video. Thanks a lot

[@Woodenarrows]

Great tips Lonnie. I picked up a few pointers. Again, execellent camera work by Connie. She has that ability to know when a zoom is needed and when a wider angle of view is more appropriate. On to part 2...

[@ronbutler6526]

Several of the things you explained were in very specific detail, thank you very much for that, you're a great teacher. Looking on the north side of a clearing for drier wood and how the dust builds up and backs up and that's what gets it going, very good information. Love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@outdoors-university]

You are a great teacher Lonie! Stay safe and keep having fun!

[@Bg1111ghk]

Man I spent like 6 hours today trying to get an ember today with a bow drill set, no luck! I don't think I have any willow trees here in Colorado but wee do have cottonwood. I just picked up a random dry branch for my spindle and hearth board but I'll have to try cottonwood. My spindle was also too thick, but I'm happy with the bow and the bearing block. Thanks Lonnie!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I find that I often have the best results when using both the spindle as well as the hearth board from the same branch or piece of wood. Good luck.

[@Bg1111ghk]

Far North Bushcraft And Survival Thanks Lonnie next time I'm able to get out I'll try that, all the best from me and mine to you and yours!

[@coydogoutdoors]

great tips for any one thats starting out with friction fire ive seen people get so mad at friction fire where their kicking their gear around then ill go look at the wood their using and its usually just some random wood they picked up. if they knew what wood works best then it would be a big change for sure thanks for sharing brother

[@247diskjockey]

Another fantastic video Lonnie. Absolutely love your down to earth, easy to understand instructions.

[@SummitScene]

Greetings from the Coast Range of Oregon! Thanks for yet another excellent video, Lonnie. I've tried to make friction fire in the past without success. But today, I have great news!! Note the date for it is the day I finally became a manly man. Yes, after all these years, I finally had success making my first friction fire using a bow drill. It took me awhile to get the shape/size of the spindle, bearing block, bow and hearth board with notch that were optimal for making friction fire with red cedar. But I finally got a glowing ember, placed it in a tinder bundle and blew it into flame. It wasn't as gratifying as great sex but it was pretty close. Now I feel like such a bohunk Polish man-stud. The bottom line is that I would have never succeeded without all the excellent friction fire-making tips that I've gleaned from the wonderful videos that you, Dave Canterbury, and Joe (Feral Woodcraft) have provided your viewers. I sincerely thank all of you for your stellar efforts. Life is grand! Now I can kick back and watch tonight's episode of Alone II with just a hint of a smug grin on my face...

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

That is awesome. It is very gratifying to me to hear that my efforts are beneficial to someone. I know how you feel about finally achieving friction fire success. It just opens up a whole new level in self reliance. It is indeed a great feeling to achieve friction fire success.

[@woody816]

gARY s check out "survival Russia". He's a great guy and has a great sense of humour. I find Lonnie threw lars ✌️️❤️️

[@SummitScene]

Thanks for the tip, Woody!

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

A great, step-by-step tutorial by a great and very knowledgeable teacher. Can't wait to try it.

[@Nerding4Nature]

Wow, this video really made me feel nostalgic for the North (I used to live in the very northernmost part of BC). I've watched your videos before without the same effect. I think it's the springtime and melting snow. This is one of the more helpful bow drill videos I've seen. I'll be coming back to it and it's sequel. when I finally get around to trying.

[@biggles1024]

G'day Lonnie, this is fantastic. I've never heard the basics of friction fire, specifically the bow drill, explained as well as you have here. I've saved this video to a playlist and am now eagerly awaiting the next installment. Cheers, Mark.

[@Zerkbern]

"Ask my wife"....LOL.

[@shibosuru]

Lmao. Yeah that cracked me up. I'm not use to him saying things like that.

[@australia9516]

Survival Russia sent me, this is brilliant, thankyou

[@jimlight6952]

Watched a lot of videos about bow drilling and by far these two are the most informative. Great job in teaching the whys and wherefores.

[@janeperkins1598]

You gave me a light bulb moment! Thank you! You are an amazing teacher

[@joybickerstaff194]

Thank you Lonnie. That a thinner drill will be easier for us women and the kids, no, we are not as many as men interested n this stuff”bush craft, survival” but we r here and want to learn. Most you tubers do not include us, be it because we r women, are few compared to men viewers or they think we don’t belong on the channels, I don’t know which, I know I want to learn, and that’s what matters most regardless if ur a man or woman. Thank you

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Well Connie and I are glad to have you here on our channel. Hope you continue to find videos here that you can relate to.

[@MrLoloHunter]

Best video on bow drill I've seen so far. Looking forward to next one.

[@barrys2764]

Thank you so much for breaking it down nicely and slowly and explaining each stage. It's very helpful understanding the why behind it all.

[@waldschnepfe9673]

Thank you for sharing your long experience in bore drill. Small differences can make difference between sucess or disappointment. Your mentioned process details are interesting and good to know, because in case it is not working I have to consider what can be the issue and change some parameters and try it again. Take care and regards from Germany.

[@gonetoheck]

I was suffering from slippy spindle syndrome... but NOW with your idea of the hand gripping the string tensioner, I'm sure I'll overcome my woes ! :D

[@1fanger]

Thanks Lonnie, very informative, esp. the explanation of how the wood dust accumulates and forms the ember through added heat buildup. We`ll be waiting on your next installment! Be well. Joe

[@rivermanrich494]

you should have a million views on this. Very well explained. I love you you break the choices down. Thank you sir.

[@ra777wow]

You make that easy to understand Lonnie ,thanks and I,m enjoying your channel !

[@all4180]

You make the best training videos, ever! Thanks!!

[@HaroldDGlez]

thank you sir ! for you're time and for sharing you're wisdom and knowledge

[@rish1459]

Lonnie, as usual, an awesome set of tips. Those tips were things I didn't think of . . . thanks.

[@waredbear]

A new friend and I went out yesterday to try our hands at making a bow drill and fire. Needless to say we struggled but I was successful. One thing I would have liked to see in your video was how you made the pieces and especially the cut out for the drill to sit in. I think that is as important as technique. Thanks for sharing.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+RedBear Outdoors That is awesome that you succeeded. Glad to hear that. The reason why I did not show how to make the hole for the drill to set in is that my method as shown in this video series is no different than the common way of doing it shown in many many videos on the web. So in order to dwell more in depth on the things that may not be commonly shown on the other videos, I left out some of the common things since the viewer can learn them elsewhere. The hearth board I just split out of the larger solid piece of the tree with my hatchet though with a good knife one could baton the hearth board. The drill I did the same. I split it out of the main tree piece by using my hatchet until I had a rough spindle shape. I then finished up by skinnying it up and straightening it to make round, straight and the desired diameter with my knife.

[@minkos61]

Great job Lonnie . Looking forward to part 2 . Ernie

[@Taromovies]

Again great demonstration Lonnie, thanks for sharing my friend!!! Taro

[@gus1911]

Lonnie, an excellent instructional video! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@submit2no1mma]

Great, patient, complete and competent explanation is the mark not often met or seen on KZbin but is the sign of every master of their craft. Thank you for your gift. Also, on an aside and a bit funny, I purchased the knife steel you recommended from amazon and eagerly got to it on my favorite pocket knife and made it more dull:0) I watched your video several more times and realize it too is a learned skill. I will practice happily.

[@Waldwaerts]

Lonnie, this is an awesomely informative video. I am just about to learn the bow drill myself and several of my questions and thoughts on how to do it right were answered respectively confirmed. Thank you very much for sharing and looking forward to the next part! Take care, Bernhard

[@Heath_Conley_I_Am]

i was going to try this tomorrow and you uploaded this video! thanks

[@RedDogBushCraft]

Good tips and well done Lonnie. Thanks

[@TheVespap200e]

The bow drill has always been my nemesis! Hopefully Lonnie, you can help me beat this evil opponent of mine! Lol! Thanks Lonnie for the tips in this video and the ones to come in future videos. P.S. That's why I love my fire steel so much!

[@davidharvey5672]

You have a great way of teaching. I liked the 10lb pressure way of explaining, in a simple way, what could have turned into a pounds per square inch jargon buster session. Thanks Lonnie

[@akdriller8806]

Very clear instruction, great job Lonnie!

[@KevinDufflev]

Very well explained . ths Lonnie . Lots of demos on youtube but very few clear explanations .

[@mountainfox6412]

Lonnie,it so beautiful where you are at, thank you for another awesome video.

[@terryoneill9163]

i have learned a lot from you great teacher great vids great scenery thank you .

[@grupogatodomato]

Excellent video Lonnie. Congratulations. Big hug from southern Brazil. Dambros!

[@snipa298]

For the hearth board is any kind of soft wood good for use? Never mind, the list from part 2 helped me out.

[@Waldhandwerk]

Great tutorial Lonnie. Looking forward to Part 2 Take care, Sepp

[@saraskold9631]

Great tips ! I struggle with this do to physical troubles and want to try it but can not go long enough to get an ember

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+sara sammon Once you can find a good hearth board and drill selection, it really does not take much physical effort. With the right set, a person will be working physically at a level that still allows for carrying on a conversation during the whole operation. After it is over then you should hardly notice a raised breathing level. You can make all the right choices like I show in the video and still not end up with a great set however so one must be willing to toss the set and make a different set if need be or else plan on working a little harder on a less than optimal set.

[@saraskold9631]

Thank you so much I do have dried willow and will try again real soon thank you for your words of encouragement

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Great tips Lonny, can't wait to see the follow up video! Cheers, Marc

[@6bluestrings]

Excellent explanation. Thank you Lonnie!

[@louisbecke2348]

Lonnie your a well liked person and expert instructor.

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Great information as usual. I'm competent with the bow drill but your explanations of why you do everything or excellent

[@Christinme03]

Great video! Thank you sir🙏 appreciate the detailed explanation and reasoning for your techniques.

[@ratfinder7812]

Awesome video.... Such detail.... Can't wait for part 2

[@artistben7]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos Lonnie. Very instructional and to the point. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. :)

[@eny68]

Hi Lonnie, thank you for such an excellent video, very helpful detail and explained very clearly. I am going to follow your advice to the letter and make my first bow-drill fire with it. Thanks again.

[@Fra86932]

Your videos are helping me a lot even though I live in a different corner of the world and have different kinds of material here. Every time I try the bow drill I see the round tip of the spindle smoldering wildly but the powder down the notch almost never is smoldering into an amber, even when i get black coal. I wonder what could be going wrong. Thumbs up for your videos.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I really do not know where you may be going wrong without actually watching how you do it. I wonder though if maybe you should lighten up on the pressure and and perform the process longer. If you are alway using the same set and it has never worked for you, you may need to make a different set of different materials. If you are not familiar with what woods are suitable in your area, the link below may be helpful for you. www.primitiveways.com/Fire%20Making%20Materials.html

[@TuckerSP2011]

Thank you for bow drill 101 Lonnie!

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

So well explained, you took my bow drill knowledge to a new level. Thanks for your hard work!

[@000scubasteve]

Hi Loni, a great tip I use for helping 550 paracord grip a stick much easier is by taking good chunk of fatwood and widdle up a handful of pueces to boil in about a vup of water for about 5-10 then dip your paracord for your bowdrill into the pine sap- diluted water and work strinf into sap water mixture for a cpl mintutes then let drip dry and re-tie your bow drill and loosen or crumble up paracord i preparation for gripping your tinfer like a vise grip!

[@btsmanman]

Thank you for making this video and going over everything! You've given me all the info and answers i've been looking for! Subscribed and thank you!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+btsmanman You are very welcome. Thank you for subscribing. Good luck on your quest for friction fire success.

[@hagmark1]

Great video, step by step analysis and explanation. Thanks Lonnie. Moz...

[@MultiRusty111]

Yeah,Lonnie,Russ again.Been struggling with the friction fire method.The most I get is a bit of smoke,some black dust,and my spindle at the handhold end keeps shouldering out.I kind of gave up,but will eventually give it another try.I usually start my fires flint and steel style,and became proficient at it.I also make my own charcloth,and have also charred bracket type fungi though not chaga,it works.I prefer denim over any other material when making a charcloth batch.Cotton tee-shirts don't char as well,they become too brittle and fine when striking,at least for me.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Be sure and "lube" your top end of your spindle to reduce or prevent wear and the "shouldering out". It really helps reduce fatigue by resharpening the top end of the spindle when it does begin shouldering out. when it does shoulder out, that causes a surprising amount of resistance that consumes a large amount of energy. You may find that if you toss out your friction fire set that you are having troubles with and make a new set out of very carefully chosen wood, you may have success much easier.

[@MultiRusty111]

Thanks.I made a new fireboard and spindle out of tulip poplar but didn't get a chance to try it out yet.The wood's well seasoned so it should work out.I have a handhold made from a copper plate(about 1/2"thick).Need to make the bow now,then will try it out.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Rusty S. Hope you have had success by now. I apparently forgot to mention that it is a good idea to "lube" the hand hold socket and spindle top by placing a green leaf in there each time you attempt an ember. I have also lubed my spindle top with "neets foot oil". That is a natural oil that is harvested from large animal's foot joints. I often see it when harvesting big game animals such as caribou or moose.

[@lesferguson3297]

Lonnie you are The MAN !

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Excellent, looking forward to part 2.

[@outdoordauber]

Lonnie, not only another great and informative video, but I have serious beard envy too!! lol. Thanks to your videos, I have made quite a few bow drill fires! Thanks, my friend!

[@hangswithraccoons]

Great stuff man! Lots of perspectives that I never took into account. Thanks man!

[@NathanBeaudin]

Really great lesson Lonnie!

[@AlexB-tt5di]

very good tips ! thank you

[@TBOR101]

Lonnie, I'm jumping at the bit for part 2. my bow drilling is not very dependable..lol but your explanation of dust collecting, lit my idea light as to an area overlooked on my part..( how the dust ignites ).

[@jamesmathis2921]

Made my first bow drill friction fire today!!! I was sooo proud of myself! I always thought it would be a waste of time and energy trying to get a fire that way, until I watched some KZbin videos and saw it is really not that hard if you know how to do it!!!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Congrats for the success.

[@JonnyDoe1776]

Good Morning, Lonnie! And good video! I have got to get out in the woods soon and try out some of the knowledge that I've learned from you. As always, I enjoy your measured and deliberate pace when you speak. You seem so thoughtful of every word that you choose. And I am anxious to hear your wife's response about those sensitive lips! Lol! I like the angled handle that you had on your bow. I would guess that it gives you a little better grip and push/pull power. A very good idea! Stay safe and be blessed, friend!

[@WELSBYROOTS]

Thanks brother Great video! can't wait for the next one!

[@Biglandtrapper]

Great tips Lonnie, I'm soaking them up like a sponge :)

[@southpawbushcraft7522]

Outstanding video Lonnie!!! Great tips!!

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

you always have great info for us all !! blessings !!

[@tomritter493]

Lonnie that was the best tutorial IV ever seen on making a bow drill set great job say hey to Connie atb ...tom

[@NorwegianWoods]

Good information as always :) Thanks for sharing - Martin

[@madrath]

Great videos. Tank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@jamthebushcraftman5267]

Great video Lonnie always good to be learning new ideas and different ways of doing things .Atb jam.👍

[@retiredafce3373]

Good seeing you Lonnie.

[@FWild-eb1rd]

Great teaching as always. Love your channel thanks for that, it's my next project

[@arl4945]

Fabulous opening scenery, wow! Thank you for sharing :)

[@jonnyboat2]

You have some nice shirts. Looks heavy and comfortable. I was wondering about the specs for making a bow. That clears it up. I like the rule of thumb measurements. Great show.

[@ernesthemingway9094]

The bearing block part was informative for me. Hardwood is always the way to go I take it? I assume that goes for the bow as well.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

+Ernest Hemingway Hardwood is preferable for the bearing block though not mandatory. I have known people who liked to use a piece of cottonwood bark for the bearing block which is a very soft wood. I don't like using cottonwood bark since it wears through VERY fast. My favorite bearing block is actually not wood at all but a bone. Specifically it is the astragalus or talus bone. It is a heal bone on the hind quarters of caribou moose elk deer etc. A large bull caribou produces a nice talus bone size for a bearing block. The bow can be made out of any wood it does not matter. It does need to be fairly stiff though and not flexible.

[@patriciusvunkempen102]

realy nice video i enjoy your calm talking, it gives me realy some time to think about the things you say , which si good as i am pretty new to this stuff, and so i can realy understnad it

[@woodlandsnorth]

Very nice instructional video.

[@whateman12408]

Great videos.Wanted to live in Alaska since I was little. I'm 46 now and still haven't made it

[@BrokeBoysBushcraft]

Thanks for the info! Thats my problem... my spindle is too thick. I shaved it down a little and almost instantly i started getting smoke. Thanks so much!

[@daltonvickers7977]

Always good, useful information. Thanks for the video

[@EricDiaz558]

Another great video ..... Thank you !