Nature's Friction Free Bow Drill Bearing Blocks

[@protoyz7405]

after viewing a couple of reviews of the gauntlet and comparing your channels i think you are most probably the most skilled in terms of bushcraft!

[@feralwoodcraft]

pro Toyz Thanks for the compliment pro, I appreciate it and it means a lot but Larry, Will, Justin, Mike and Wayne are packing some mad skills in the bushcraft arena and I'm just honored to be included in a group such as them.

[@drbowdeadly]

Excellent video Mr. Joe! I agree with using fatwood as a bearing block... that's what I use most of the time anyway! What I have found works is using river rocks that have sections worn away so they will hold a spindle well. Thanks for the great vid! -Eli

[@feralwoodcraft]

drbowdeadly Around here, most rocks are either too small or are sandstone which is pretty hard on a spindle. Given the right material, I am sure it work great though! Amazing how different area's lend to different techniques. It's all about adapting to your environment really. Thanks Eli!

[@bradleybirmingham6006]

Great video Joe, I think a lot of us forget about all the different resources available and the choices we have for bearing blocks.

[@feralwoodcraft]

Bradley Birmingham Thanks Bradley. It really is easy to forget. Especially when you often times have a dedicated man made system built in a knife or similar (no finger pointing here, I am guilty of that one myself as I showed)

[@standingbear998]

people now prefer gadgets and gimmicks rather than knowledge and skill.

[@realtalk7882]

Your bearing block is soooo important to have a little friction as possible, good job as I've never thought about using g fatwood before.... I use a washer inside of my bearing blocks for less friction

[@feralwoodcraft]

LaBaron Barnes I've never thought of a washer. I'd expect it'd work much like a piece of a pop can or such. Thanks for the comments and suggestions!

[@standingbear998]

I first started with a ceramic bearing block. it has almost no friction and is the best i ever used, but after learning how things work I rarely use it. prefer fatwood block, you also have fire tarter if you scrape it.

[@heatherhayes8234]

Never seen a video regarding this.. Good job Joe

[@feralwoodcraft]

Heather Pisani Thanks Heather!

[@dui1318]

Great tip Joe, thanks for the video, well done!

[@feralwoodcraft]

dui1318 Thanks man, I appreciate it greatly!

[@kpw528]

How have I never thought about using fatwood for more than just easy tinder? Great video as always, Joe. I haven't tried my luck with a bow drill yet, mostly because I don't have many trees in my yard/area (living almost in the city sucks lol), but when I do, I'll try out the fatwood bearing block. It just makes so much sense!

[@feralwoodcraft]

kpw528 I'd be happy to send you set to play with if you'd like. Just let me know :)

[@cnawan]

I have an old cow knuckle I've been meaning to try. I read about it online somewhere as an ancient Egyptian technique

[@feralwoodcraft]

cnawan You know, now that you mention it, I do remember reading that somewhere as well. I bet it'd work great and give your hand lots of purchase. Great tip, thanks!

[@booshwaa2]

before you revealed the first one. i had an idea that popped in my head "i wonder if fat wood would work" then 20 sec. later you answered that question lol. good to know and i will half to try it. i have a big downed pine tree across the street from me that has more fat wood in it than anyone person could want. lol. i have tried living pine tree bark (just alil spot not enough to hurt the tree) cut it out and fold in half with the bark on the outside and it has worked wonders just make sure to round off the pointy spindle just alil bit and it wont drill through. i live in Florida so not sure if your pine tree there are different, i have used the same piece for multiple fires and its still holding strong and can put all the downward pressure i want without it drilling through. just incase you cant find any fat wood lying around. thanks for the good video

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Hi Joe, another friction free hand block is ice.... in the winter. Also, construct the bearing block longer, it gives good purchase and adds to the points of contact from your body to the set, drive multiple divots into it first off, every time you adjust reshape the spindle and use a new hole, this brings a fresh almost friction free experience everytime. For man made I have been using the bottom of soda cans, just give it a crush and go, they can even be found at most campsites in the form of trash. Oh, dead birch trunks are often damp and still somewhat fresh or wet, also another choice. We don't have an abundance of fat wood to select from.

[@feralwoodcraft]

downeast primitive skills Thanks for the input man, I appreciate it greatly. Ice sounds like a good one. I've never tried it and honestly, it doesn't get wet and cold here enough to make that an easy resource to have. I've seen a lot of guys using the longer fuller grip bearing blocks and while I've tried it, I greatly prefer the smaller palm sized package. I find that it allows for greater pressure control that is often times needed when using the more "exotic" types of wood. I've often heard of using soda cans but have actually have yet to use one. At some point I intend to change that. If you'd like some fatwood to play with, shoot me a PM and I am sure we can work something out. Thanks again!

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Thanks for the offer on the fatwood, if I get a desire to try some "real" fatwood I will give you a shout. We picked up some from the big box store, it worked fine but I felt cheap using it, some real stuff would be more pleasing.

[@rbm6184]

Lighter wood is for sure a good socket and I do use it when available. Most of the time not available so I opt for an Oak socket or similar wood (hardwood) harder than the spindle lubricated with green leaf lave or mush. Maple is on the hard side of softwood and would probably be good for a socket so long as the firebow set is not using a Maple or hardwood spindle. As long as the socket is lubed, friction is greatly reduced and makes a big difference regardless of the socket. Like you said, the sap lube is why lighter wood works so well. Thanks for sharing. All the best. P.S. Looks like Ruby Falls at Unicoi State Park in the photo. Nice state park in GA. It may not be but it looks like it. lol

[@feralwoodcraft]

RB M I agree with your comments 100%. If I am using a wood bearing block I typically use pine resin for lube as it seems to last a bit longer then green plant material but it does work about the same as far as reducing friction. Now that the kids are getting older, travel to various parks isn't so much out of the question. If we get a chance and are down that way, we'll check it out. Thanks for the referral!

[@seohiotrapper3618]

Great info Joe, Thanks I will have to try the pine

[@feralwoodcraft]

SEOhio Trapper Thanks!

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Great vid Joe. I wonder if pine resin just stuffed in the bering block hole would work as a good lube. It has to be better than stuffing leaves in the hole. Ahhhhhhhh to the woods! Take care Mark

[@feralwoodcraft]

Adventure Time Outdoors If I am using a wood bearing block (without a skate board bearing in it lol), pine resin is my go to lubrication. It reduces friction as well as plant mash but lasts a bit longer. Thanks!

[@philipculbertson55]

Good job Joe.

[@feralwoodcraft]

Philip Culbertson Thanks Philip!

[@garyminick1050]

I use a dead cut off Osage limb and I saw it twice to form a thick disc.

[@bushcraftoregon]

great job; always like to try natural ones. sometimes I find joint bones that have a nice little socket already made, rocks that have a nice divot too...I usually use pine pitch to put in them to add to less friction. Do like the roller bearing block and feel the same as you do on it.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+ghosthonda I've never tried joint bones, however I did use a piece of a goat skull once. All good tips, Ken, thanks!

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Great tips Joe! The fatwood is amazing.

[@feralwoodcraft]

***** lol somehow I knew this was coming haha

[@feralwoodcraft]

Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors Thanks Mike! It is a great resource.

[@rowdyroddy2895]

Great vid Joe. I recently tried making a bow drill and the bearing block has been a problem for me. Hopefully this will help me.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+RowdyRoddy That is really the first place to start in my opinion. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Good luck!

[@CoastalBackWoods]

One of my motto's in life: "If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'"!!!

[@feralwoodcraft]

CoastalBackWoods Ain't that the truth!

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

I love your videos on friction fires. I subbed you.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Wheels gone Wild Thanks bud, I appreciate that greatly. Glad you enjoy!

[@Skills2survive]

Very cool... Never thought about using Fatwood as a bearing block. I will definitely try it as we have an abundance of it...lol

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Skills2Survive It works well and yeah, I bet you do down that way. The few times I've camped in GA, it was just as plentiful there as it is here. Thanks!

[@harrisquicksilver6595]

I laughed my a$$ off at the end ..."unrelax, yeah get stressed".... thats freakin funny!!

[@jerrytalley802]

What type of wood are you using for for the spindle and fire board? It looked like it went to a large coal fairly quickly

[@SnowfogOutdoorsbushcraft]

Really informative video Joe, Thx for sharing!! I've used fatwood as a bearing block, and it's my favorite. Atb. Diane

[@feralwoodcraft]

dedemandy SnowFog Bushcraft and Wild Camp Thanks for the feedback! Fatwood is my favorite as well; lucky for me, it is here in abundance :)

[@garyminick1050]

My favorite is finding a stone with a nice divot in it cause it is just like using a real bearing.

[@garyminick1050]

Have you ever tried osage ? Osage even when dead has its own built in oils. I learned that from bow making classes. It is the hardest wood in North America or so say the Bowyer's Bible volumes.

[@Liquidforce4441]

Just what I was looking for thank you!!

[@outlanderbushcraft3100]

Thanks for the info , good demo on the bow drill cheers atb Martin

[@feralwoodcraft]

Outlander Bushcraft Thanks Martin, I appreciate it!

[@snaponjohn100]

Great idea. Did you come up with the idea for fat wood? I have never heard of anyone else using it. God bless. John

[@feralwoodcraft]

Thanks. Yes i did but that being said, in this stuff, there is very little new under the sun so I'm sure someone out there thought of it far sooner then I did. Thanks again!

[@kantill]

Great video, the funny thing is I have had better luck with things like my knife scales than a "cheater" block. It could have been the wood was to far gone but the time I tried to use a "cheater" block I couldn't get a ember.

[@feralwoodcraft]

kantill Maybe so. I haven't used too many knife scales and the ones I have didn't fit into the sheath and still have the notch available so it made me pretty nervous. They do work great but I've always been apprehensive. Thanks Kelly!

[@yogibru1]

Where are you in the southeast?

[@PiperV0315]

oh my word! we have so much fatwood around us, well when I get into the mountains in wa.

[@feralwoodcraft]

Awesome! It is such an excellent resource!

[@MrTatts64]

When the bow drill set was likely invented, its doubtful that bearings were available. However, what would have been around is animal fats! As such, when I finally get around to practising my first bow drill I shall be putting some good old candle wax inside the bearing block to make my life that much easier. Outside of private property, there are very very few pines in my local area :(

[@feralwoodcraft]

+MrTatts64 Many believe the first bearing blocks were actually stone, which actually does work quite well. But it does eat away at your spindle. Thanks!

[@52rhflight56]

Feral Woodcraft IMO the very first bearing blocks were picked up, bone or shell, probably knee bone from the rear leg of bison, moose, elk or deer ... The rest of the kit would be picked up with minimal processing, a large rib for the bow, sinew or yucca/bear grass for the cordage and yucca/bear grass for the hearth ...

[@windhamcabin]

Great examples! It is surely something I need to practice! I'll try out the bark the next time out. Out of curiosity, what was the hearth board and spindle you used in this vid? Thanks -Chris

[@feralwoodcraft]

Windham Woodcraft Thanks Windham! You know, I knew I should have mentioned that lol. That was a Eastern Red Cedar hearth board with a Sagebrush spindle. I couldn't find the matching spindle and that sagebrush one just happened to fit that divot.

[@TheBeardedBurton]

Awesome video man, good to see your playing that fire bow again. Why do I always forget about fatwood lol?

[@feralwoodcraft]

The Bearded Burton It's easy to forget about it really. When you create the set get ready to go, it's easy to just grab a piece of scrap and run with it. And yeah man, I don't really show it that much anymore...I'm trying to avoid that "one trick pony" persona. ;) Thanks Jonathan!

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good, Thank you very much

[@billyjoedenny]

awesome tips... ..bill

[@feralwoodcraft]

billy joe denny Thanks Billy!

[@sidneylandrum9126]

Great information, as where I live is loaded with pine trees.

[@feralwoodcraft]

Sidney Landrum I often reflect at how in the South East are blessed by the Pine Tree. So many resources in one single package. Thanks Sidney!

[@EatCarbs]

Very cool. I use a bearing block.. and even if it's cheating. I'll still use it. Thanks for the video

[@feralwoodcraft]

Eat Carbs When things are for real, there is no cheating if you achieve flame ;) In practice and building skills I think it's possible to become to reliant on easier ways but still, overall, even if you "cheat" you're still building muscle memory and skill. In the end, use what works for you. Thanks Mark!

[@jeffholmes49]

I have heard that a shed antler makes a great bearing block. Any truth to this? Anyone?

[@feralwoodcraft]

Jeff Holmes Yep, it works very well. It's not 100% friction free and if you have to use a ton of pressure on it it will burn off a funky smell but it works well. They do wear out after a while though. Thanks!

[@ernststavroblofeld2109]

Out-takes are the best, haha. JMHO, there's no such thing as cheating with friction fire, cheating yourself maybe. Only sore winners make up things like cheating to try upscale themselves. Great video.

[@feralwoodcraft]

Heck yeah! I totally agree. You can certainly cheat yourself but when it's down to brass tacks....if it worked, it worked. Thanks!

[@survivortechharold6575]

Cheating= what you are comfortable with and how much you care about learning survival or not. You can loose that bearing block and if in true survival situation what do you do now? To learn how it works or just around home and camping it can make it easier.

[@maxboonkittypoison]

i would like to use a cow or deer astragalus bone as Bow Drill bearing block Greetings from Holland,,, Kitty.

[@bsabushcraft5037]

Great video man! VERY helpful brother :) Abrahm

[@feralwoodcraft]

BSA Bushcraft Thanks Abrahm!

[@danielperley7832]

I wouldn’t beat yourself up due to mistakes (bloopers). We all do it. We’re human. Good video, I like the info.

[@RickCarter1776]

Awesome video dude, Loved the tips...FYI wingman 115 sent me :)

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Rick Carter Thanks for the support Rick, I appreciate it!

[@RickCarter1776]

You are most welcome my new friend!

[@williamdroom5789]

If you are a bow drill fanatic, you should go to Felix Immler's u- tube channel and check out his bow set-up. It's something I will use from now on.

[@survivewithout]

fire guy

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Survive Without Pot calling kettle black. :-P

[@stephanygates6491]

I think fatwood is at the trunk end of all dead evergreen boughs.

[@rstevewarmorycom]

All you need for bearing block is a chunk of wood, cut a conical hole in it, and squish a bug into it. 50% fat!

[@4directionsbushcraft]

Thanks for the pointers. I subbed you, you got some great videos, I do some of the same. Check it out if you have time? Thanks again.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+4 directions bushcraft I certainly will check it bud! Thank you for the support!

[@MACV-Justice]

Great video and thanks for sharing. You brought up a great point related to efficiency. I've never understood why anyone would call someone a "cheater" because of using their brain to increase efficiency. Did someone effectively become a "cheater" for forging iron and carbon into steel tools (like the knives, hatchets, and saws we all adore and would never be caught without) instead of the "non-cheater" way of knapping obsidan tools? What about the "cheater" who created the automobile? Shame on them because we'd all really just prefer to walk everywhere, right? If you can simplify any task (in this case, building a friction fire) by accomplishing it with more ease and more efficiency, I call that being smart and using your brain. Honestly, who the h#$l in their right mind (outside of a truly stupid and/or ignorant person) would ever choose the more difficult and less effective way of accomplishing a survival task (outside of practice and self-induced, bogus Discovery Channel scenarios) and/or to expend more energy than necessary if they don't have to? It's the same reason any fire kit should hold butane lighters and matches to accompany other fire method. If I were in a real-life wilderness survival crisis and I hold the skill to make a friction fire, but don't need to use that skill in the first place because of having other, more efficient means at my disposal, then why do it? Having skills is important, but effective planning and knowing when to deploy skills is invaluable. IMO, if a bow drill socket simplifies the task and you plan for a socket in your equipment, just like you would a knife, then what's the problem?