How to "Build" a Friction Fire Ember: Step by Step with Up Close Footage

Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome.
Some tips and a demonstration on filling your notch with flammable dust before using speed and pressure to ignite it. Similar to prepping a campfire, it helps to build the fire before you light it.
More info on this topic... bushcraftusa.c...

[@shellfaith8432]

Best friction fire tutorial ever produced. Master filming, explanation y no rambling or self promoting. Your video is the standard by which others should be judged

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Nona Quade 🙂

[@Stephankerby]

Agreed! It’s perfect.

[@treygrubbs2550]

Never seen anyone explain it with such detail. I've always failed at friction fires. Now I think it was due to too much pressure and speed too soon. David West tipped me to your channel, so glad he did! Who knows, I might actually get it to work one day. That will be a check on the bucket list!

[@nwprimate6416]

Hey Rayford! Thanks for taking the time to check this out. If you're watching channels like David's and practicing regularly, you'll get the hang of it in no time and before long you'll be looking for ways to make it harder on yourself. If you remember, I would love to hear back from you when you get that first ember!

[@basilbruder7203]

Yeah i feel the same i always pushed hard and thought why isnt it working and pushed harder hahaha

[@itoibo4208]

@@nwprimate6416 thank you for the video. You showed a lot of great details and made us understand the reasons why and how it works, so we can make a good setup. I, too, have making a fire from scratch on my bucket list.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Very good advice. I do basically the same thing but did not have it down to a science as well as you. Now that I understand what is happening better, I should have even better results.

[@nwprimate6416]

Hey Lonnie! Thanks for taking the time to check this out. I've been a fan of your videos for a long time and have learned a lot from you.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Awesome. Now it's my turn to learn from you.

[@snaponjohn100]

This is a fantastic demonstration of how to do this thank you so much for doing it. I have over chard my desk before when I was using the hardwood and trying to see if I could get a bow and drill fire started with hardwood and the dust look like little short black hair’s and you couldn’t light it with flame. You answered some questions for me thank you so much. Do you have any videos on using red Oak or White Oak as spindle and hearth board?Where I am it’s almost exclusively hardwoods i.e. Oak. Be blessed my friend. John

[@jerrytalley802]

So funny, I commented on Lonnie and David without noticing Lonnie had commented and mentioned David West, NO JOKE, WHAT A SMALL WORLD !

[@randomgrinn]

I've studied this for 30 years....no one ever mentioned, "over-charring" or, "ignition phase". Sounds like amazing insight, dying to go try it out!!!

[@stevemcdermott6199]

Fantastic video, I've watched it about ten times

[@cirelefebure5485]

Great; i mean GREAT video sir! The images, sounds and written commentary makes it like we are right beside you, looking up close to the board. I now UNDERSTAND how bow drill work. Thank you very much. Also thank you to Lonnie from whom i have discovered your channel.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks cire lefebure ! I hope it's helpful.

[@davidharvey5672]

This has to be the best bow drill tutorial ever. Thanks heaps. David West put me on to you.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks David!

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

You really should have more subscribers with the quality and content of your videos. I'm happily binge watching. Thanks for the inspiration. Take care.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks buddy. There are a lot more people watching now than there were just a few months ago. 🙂

[@OmegaSpecter87]

I definitely agree with Bushcraft North of 60. Great content and clear delivery. Great work once again!

[@doctorbea]

The science and finesse behind this art that I've never seen presented so well. Cheers, brother! Thanks for the share!

[@Penjejak_Rimba]

The best, most-detailed video so far without being draggy and simply put one of my favorite tutorial on bow and drill fire-making. Love it to dust!

[@user-zg1qz8oz2u]

Very,very, well done, Sir. The best I've seen on this method. Smart, simple,clear. Thanks.

[@walt5797]

By far the best demonstration that I've seen so far and I even like the lotm music. Thank you very much. Cheers Walt.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Walt! ☺️

[@simonlindholm5732]

This is (THE BEST) friction fire step by step guide, this help me finally understand how to get an ember going, this up my chance of getting a fire from 20% to like 85% thank you. You make so well informed information and quality content

[@nwprimate6416]

That is really nice to hear!

[@TheAsmodeus2012]

Seriously, this has been the most usefully instructive and clear demonstration of appropriate technique I've run across. Gives an easy to understand depiction of the finer points of using a bow drill without over-complicating the whole thing to try and look clever in some way. My wife watched the video with me and immediately understood the principles without ever having done it. Not to mention that it made all the other videos etc. she had watched on the subject with me suddenly make a lot more sense to her. Nicely done!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks TheAsmodeus2012! 🙂

[@Woodswalker1965]

Thanks brother I picked up some valuable tips. Ive done several friction fires but I am still learning for sure!

[@nwprimate6416]

We're all still learning. :) I hope this helps though.

[@asmith7876]

Without a doubt the very best explanation and example of bow drill fire making ever. Even if you've done it before yourself the subtleties shown here give such a clear explanation of the process going on.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks A Smith! 🙂

[@exdy-eb3dv]

Perfect explanation! Thank you very much! Keep on going! Your videos are the best on youtube in my opinion!!

[@FoxLokian]

This video explains this part of the process in more detail better than and other I have seen.

[@GIBLETTS]

Got this link through Lonie below , you have just blown us all away ha ha . and a bigs thanks to Lonie for passing the information on,

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Malcolm!

[@garyminick1050]

Every time I make a bow drill fire I hear this relaxing music in my head . I love it .

[@nwprimate6416]

😀

[@SebastianSynn18252]

This has got to be the BEST friction fire video I've ever seen. Thanks!

[@itsmerob6120]

Best info on primitive fire on the internet. God bless u and thank u

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks man!

[@chickadeeacres3864]

Without having someone come here and walk me through it, I’d have to ay this was the next best thing and a lot quicker! Thanks for a great demo.

[@bradlafferty]

Best bow drill tutorial ever! Thank you!

[@ccpperrett7522]

Very good demonstration of the STAGES of building an ember. Very important if you don't want to wear yourself out in the early stages. Also one of my favorite sound tracks in the beginning. Last of the Mohigans.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Charlie! You have a good ear. 😉

[@Mrhoboo]

Still the best explanation on KZbin there is

[@parkergeurin]

Thank you for making this video!! This has been EXTREMELY helpful!!!

[@nwprimate6416]

That is great to hear! 🙂

[@TapioBlue]

Thank you, managed to start a fire today with the help of this video. Amazing how the sound gives cues to doing it correctly.

[@nwprimate6416]

That's great to hear!

[@mrsdjsdj]

I found your channel via FarNorthBushcraft. This video is a must see by everyone that attempts a bow drill. You deserve a lot more than 1.3K subscribers. Hats off to you NW Primate.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks S Johnson! 🙂

[@markashlock8058]

Everything makes more sense now. Thanks!

[@nwprimate6416]

I hope it works for you!

[@firotechnics]

I've watched a lot of friction fire videos and have only been moderately successful because no one talks about what you highlight here. Great job hope to learn more from you.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Kyle! I hope it's helpful. I wrote some additional information for a post over on the Bushcraft USA forums that you can check out if you're interested. bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/building-an-ember.206865 Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

[@firotechnics]

NW Primate the post on bushcraft USA is what lead me here

[@nwprimate6416]

Nice!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Oh I forgot to add that I found your channel through David West.

[@nwprimate6416]

That was so nice of him!

[@jhr333rgt2]

yep i found this channel from david west also and thanks for the advice and the knowledge your teaching me

[@garyminick1050]

Far North Bushcraft And Survival that's where I found it too.

[@Slyder2828]

I have followed Lonnie and Connie for a few years now, thank you both!

[@flarion00]

Best tutorial on this method hands down

[@MJGEGB]

First off I'm a newbie at FF. Just wanted to say this lines up exactly with what I've found works best. Including the change in sound and feel when the heat builds up and the dust starts building. Once it starts and hits that sweet spot it produces a lot of dust very fast. Your building an ember thread on BCUSA helped me improve my bow drill ten fold. The tip on the notch is a new one to me. I've found narrower V shaped works best for me, but you can always make it wider if it's an issue. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@alberthicks4442]

This is the best bow drill video ever

[@sawdust6968]

man i have learned so much about friction fire from you.thanks so much:-)

[@nwprimate6416]

Great to hear! 🙂👍

[@sabercat2178]

Best video I have seen on the subject. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@eboramegalithica9192]

Best video on the subject Ive seen, thank you!

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

This video, more than any other, brought me from mostly failing, to rarely failing to produce an ember.

[@nwprimate6416]

That's great to hear!

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

Man I’ve never heard of overheating the dust before. Thats super interesting. Makes sense. I automatically adjust for that without even knowing. Thanks for the detail and effort brother! 👊🏻🤙🏻

[@JavierBonillaC]

Now this is how an educational video is done!

[@roberthartman1989]

Excellent. I’ve made lots of coals but never understood it analytically to this level of detail. Outstanding!

[@TFWS6]

This is great! Now I have a better understanding of what I was doing wrong. I was just bearing down on the spindle and giving it hell thinking I just wasn't getting enough heat or the humidity was too high. Sent to your channel by Lonnie. Subscribed!

[@nwprimate6416]

I hope this ends up being helpful for you Zero Negativity. I would love to hear back from you with an update once you've had a chance to play with it.

[@TFWS6]

NW Primate . I'll let ya know. I'll have to see what types of wood work well for this in my area.

[@TFWS6]

That was it! I just needed to slow down A LOT and let the dust build. Now I'm amazed at how little energy this takes compaired to what I was doing with no result. Oddly enough I seem to be able to feel in the spindle when it's time to stop and check for an ember. Thank you!!!!!!!!!

[@nwprimate6416]

Awesome! I appreciate you taking the time to come back and let me know. 🙂

[@chiefkirk]

Best one I've seen yet. Extremely informative.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks chiefkirk!

[@WayneTheSeine]

Great video. I have just begun with friction fire and have been successful but not consistently. After watching this I can see where I was over charring with too much pressure and speed to early on. I thought I should get black dust when in fact I should be going for very dark brown dust. Great info! Thanks Edit: I went out and applied your knowledge with stunning success. Two attempts that were not only successful but easy. I was not even breathing hard after getting beautiful embers. Before I was panting afterwards. Also, before I was burning way into the hearth board. This time I was not much beyond the burn in depth. You sure know when you hit that sweet spot. Your description of the perfect dust color was a game changer, Thanks a million.

[@nwprimate6416]

That is great to hear Wayne! I'm so glad this was helpful for you. 🙂

[@abutoma353]

THanks! Wish I had seen this years ago so I could have learned the lesson without all the hard work and failures.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Abutoma ESS! I bet you learned a lot in the process of all that hard work though. 🙂

[@rokhnroll]

Great tutorial ! I am going to add these tips/steps into my friction fire efforts, as I have yet to get an ember on any of my attempts so far, but I will not be denied ! Thanks for posting.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks R&R. If you stick with it, you'll get there. I struggled for a long time before I got my first ember, but sure learned a lot in the process. Just let me know if you ever have any questions or if there is anything else I can do to help.

[@rokhnroll]

Thanks for the reply I appreciate the offer of help I may well need it ! Kind regards Rokh

[@randomgrinn]

Persistence, and take the time to make all the parts the right way, it will save you time in the long run. You'll get there!!!

[@weozol4065]

You deserve every view. And much more. Please make more videos.

[@SoerenGraves]

This might be the best video on the subject. Thx mate. Have a nice day

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Intobalance Bushcraft! 🙂

[@Bluenkight]

really awesome explanation. very easy to follow and understand.... Great job.. and Thank you

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jose! 🙂

[@tallcedars2310]

Just as you had mentioned NWPrimate, at some point the ember builds itself. Today, for the first time, the ember magically appeared at the outside edge of the dust pile, just as yours does. Up till now it had formed on the edge of the divot. So to make sure I wasn't dreaming, I fired up the drill a 2nd time and again that cherry showed it's beautiful color near the outside edge of the dust, and I was surprised once again, as I hadn't even begun to drill fast, I'm pretty stoked. Thanks NWPrimate, I think I have it. There's talk on BCUSA of a book coming out, I hope it happens. You can add this ardent fan to the book list:)

[@nwprimate6416]

That is very cool to hear TC! It doesn't always work out that way, but it is really nice when it does. Great job sticking with this!

[@huejanus5505]

Stop making it look so easy. Your 5 minute video gave me more insight and info than all the hours of watching other videos on the subject.

[@nwprimate6416]

🙂 Thanks Hue!

[@tallcedars2310]

Holy Cow Batman!, this advice was just what I needed!!! Glad I found this video while watching your past ones, it helped me obtain 3 embers in a row! From your technical information I see that I was bearing down far too hard and also drilling too fast. I believe this created the burned out dust that would not ignite that you mention. Also used the air channel that was unknown to me. The true test will be today when I skip it. This is an awesome, I mean AWESOME!, video for beginners:) Thank you NW Primate for breaking down the technique needed to make the bow drill a fantastic survival tool for any who venture to learn it. P.S. I've been trying to get consistent embers for 2+ years and you broke the spell, thank you!

[@nwprimate6416]

Congratulations Tall Cedars! That is so cool to hear!

[@tallcedars2310]

Thank you NW Primate!

[@mrsdjsdj]

This video motivated me so much that I did 3 embers yesterday and 3 more today. Just wow.

[@tallcedars2310]

S Johnson, congratulations! Totally agree, this video is an amazing tutorial & glad it helped you obtain those embers also. 3 in two days is awesome, keep on drilling!

[@jerrytalley802]

I’ve watched so many bow drill fires by people very proficient at that and all forms of fire making. Far north Lonnie, David West, etc. I love them all and they are great guys. I’m sure as successful as they are, they’re naturally doing what you are SHOWING UP CLOSE. I have been failing in my several attempts but armed with this extra information, I feel confident I can succeed. Did you mention the woods you like or are using? I know that can make it harder or easier depending on spindle and board combinations. It looks so easy when you guys do it, I’m going to succeed or die trying, LoL

[@desantotony77]

I have seen a lot videos! That is until now the best. Pretty educative👏👊

[@AC-kk3vo]

This is definitely the view and explanation I needed 👍

[@nwprimate6416]

Glad to hear it!

[@returntoyehovahthelord6185]

Beautiful. Thanks for the close up tutorial. Of course, now it would be good to see it from farther away to see the action of the bow and the spindle (I'm just getting started trying to learn this.) You probably have another video about this, but for now, I want to focus on this info. Thanks for doing this.

[@nwprimate6416]

Lots more videos with wider shots that you can check out if interested.

[@tudordavies8204]

Great music, I want to watch the movie Last of the Mohicans again. Thank you

[@nwprimate6416]

Good ear Tudor Davies!

[@jamesyarker2862]

Thank you for sharing your skills- I (as does everyone else) really learnt a lot- thank you mate, cheers

[@nomadicwolf6132]

STOP! Ember time! *spinning intensifies* +1 Sub Out of all the bow drill vids I've seen, this is among the top three. Didn't learn how to build it, but understanding how it works and how to do it it is just a valuable to me. Never seen anyone stop right before getting an ember. That was a hell of a plot twist. Blew my mind when it took a few seconds more to light it. BRILLIANT!

[@timothyjohnson4969]

I’ve made several bow drill fires but I’ve struggled with the hand drill. I think this explanation will help. Thanks!

[@patrickgermond2750]

I think I'm up to about 20 of your videos now

[@nwprimate6416]

Wow! Thanks for watching Patrick!

[@sunbladerr]

Great explanation that has been left out of so many other instructions. Thank you for showing the scale at the end. Your spindle seems to be about the size of your finger. Be Well and Good Journey. Richie

[@eldroofing]

great video very educational its so good the way you show step by step I'm going to be watching the rest over the next week happy new year

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Michael! Happy New Year to you too!

[@fredgarvin4482]

Definitely a good video on friction fire.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks 👍

[@MrAntiKnowledge]

Thanks. Good to know there is more to it than generating friction heat.

[@327Nomad4SPD]

I like that Lonnie gives credit where credit is due.

[@nwprimate6416]

Lonnie is awesome and was playing with this stuff long before I ever spun up an ember. 👍🙂

[@WAGONJON]

Awesome close up! Great demonstration!!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks WAGONJON!

[@drowssapma]

Subscribed. Never have made an ember and relying too much on ferro rods. Got to keep trying for that ember!!

[@nwprimate6416]

Good luck man!

[@PJ_Grateful]

Great tutorial!Thanks 👍👍👍

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Mrsharp!

[@patrickgermond2750]

I like they way you had total control over that. So many times I watch guys just crank away and fail because of something like too thick a board and not a dust build up. Then on their second try they succeed because it's all timed right and the dust builds up to touches the spindle. Where's as the first try failed because of timing

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Patrick. I've seen a lot of the same and hope this video has helped some people to slow down and pay attention to what's happening.

[@feroxgordon]

I think you could make fire with an icicle drilling a snowball lol, you and David West have great videos.

[@nwprimate6416]

😀 Thanks feroxgordon!

[@jtc1947]

BETTER be in EXCELLENT HEALTH for this activity! I couldn't do it. HOW-EVER, this VID is excellent for showing the stages of using the bow drill to start a fire!!

[@mr.experienced]

Explaination at its best

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

Thank you sooooo much. This is going to help me now that I know what I was doing wrong.

[@ammobank]

Out of all the teachings and demos I have seen this one really explains the concept and process. Can't wait to try it. I would love to know what type of woods you are using.

[@notoiletpaperinthewoods]

Hello! Thank you so much for this video it has really improved my success with the bow drill and I just subscribed. This information is awesome, I mentioned it on my blog I just started about Bushcraft. Love the videos, thanks again!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks NTPITW! That's really great to hear.

[@JackassBauer1]

Very well explained

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks JB1!

[@tallcedars2310]

Awesome technical advice, thanks will give it a try!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Tall Cedars!

[@Slyder2828]

Great closeup views, thank you!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Therapy Tools!

[@patrickgermond2750]

I like and appreciate very much how you basically demonstrated the hard wood technique here (first coal). A tip I'd share with you is with hard hard wood use a very narrow notch. It works great with sage brush. Soft wood is my challenge though. Love your channel. My RD 7 and RD 9 get here next week! Happy 4th of July to you my friend🤗👍

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Patrick! I will definitely keep that hardwood notch tip in mind. 👍🙂

[@davidpiraux1262]

Great demonstration! 👍

[@SummitScene]

Greetings from the Coast Range of Oregon! I learned how to make bow drill friction fire by watching Far North Bushcraft And Survival, Feral Woodcraft and Dave Canterberry. Now I'm picking up excellent tips from you and David West. Your video is very well done and I appreciate all the hard work that must have gone into it's production. Usually, I can get a friction fire going with ideal materials (black cottonwood or western red cedar for the hearth board and big leaf maple for the spindle) in ideal conditions (dry with a light breeze) without too much effort. Gradually, I've challenged myself in damp conditions but my success rate has been low. I'm sure your advice is going to help me advance tremendously. BTW, is that a 5" Varasteleka (sp?) knife? Recently, I got one in SS from their web site but have yet to try it in the field. It is like a budget-minded version of a BRKT Bravo 1.25 LT and I'm looking forward to using it. Thanks!

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Gary! I always enjoying hearing from fellow PNW guys. I hope these videos are entertaining and helpful for everybody, but it's nice knowing that fellow "Wet Coasters" can use the same materials. What you're mentioning in terms of being able to get embers in dry conditions is very typical for guys out here. I was the same and for the first year could only pull it off in the summer, but the more you practice, the more you can overcome. I'm glad you're willing to push yourself and keep trying in the wet. I hope this video does help, but please let me know if you ever have any questions or if there is anything else I can do to help you. You're correct on the knife too. It's the carbon version and I like it a lot.

[@juskojj]

excellent video my friend :)

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks buddy!

[@wildnwwoodward3756]

Absolutely love this video man. Thank you.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Lolife Woodward! 🙂👍

[@patrickgermond2750]

Holy shit! That was a coal in like four seconds! My time is nine from beginning to end. Damn that was amazing! I have got to send you a sage brush set. You’d like it a lot

[@navigator9940]

This is such a helpful video, thank you NWP. Keep it up, man! Your vids are top tier stuff, cheers

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Navigator99!

[@jt659]

This is friction fire gold! The little dust looks like some furry animal is being born.

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks JT. I hope it helps. 🙂

[@MrBostjanVidmar]

Thank you for this video, it is really detailed! I think the best I see. I am successful at starting fire, but still more fails than success. I suspected from what I saw in your video that the powder could be overcharred. once I was unsuccessful I actually tried lighting it with a lighter. And really doesn't even work with fire. Now I see these is possible.

[@jacquiblanchard3131]

Re-watching, again, before another attempt. Re-liked too. :D

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jacqui! We're all rooting for you. 🙂

[@rederforge8985]

That was awesome thankyou ill be sure to let you know when I make it happen

[@stevemcdermott6199]

Excellent vid , great tips

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Steve!

[@TACHILL]

A great how to!! thank you for showing me!!

[@nwprimate6416]

I hope it's helpful!

[@lobopropredatorcontrol]

Great content 👊🔥🔥🔥

[@nwprimate6416]

Thank you sir!

[@jacksonpippert1010]

Great video

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Jackson! 🙂

[@snaponjohn100]

Thank you for this great demonstration. You answered several questions for me. I have not been able to start a fire using hardwood because the dust looks like jet black short little hairs and wouldn’t even start with the match. Do you have any videos on using hardwood i.e. Oak because that’s almost all the wood that’s around me. Be blessed my friend. John

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks John! There are not a lot of hardwoods in my area, so I don't have any experience using anything harder than maple, but if the dust wouldn't light with an open flame, then it's almost definitely over-charred. I think taking it slower will help a lot, but keep an eye out for other options; friction fire with oak sounds pretty tough.

[@johnturner6251]

Thankx, subbed of the back of this.

[@nwprimate6416]

Right on!

[@terryoneill9163]

your the man ,awesome .

[@nwprimate6416]

Thanks Terry!

[@uuuu909]

Awesome tutorial 🔥🔥

[@australianbushcraftwarrior8394]

awesome explanation