A few years ago I had a go at making a bow drill, I spent a weekend with Paul de Fitter making smoke, lots and lots of smoke.
Over the next year I watched more videos and tried again and again, with no success.
I then did some training with the Bushcraft Company and with the training provided managed to be the first on the camp to get it working.
At the time i was taught to use the same peice of wood for the hearth and the spindle, the spindle should be as big as the span of my fingers and as wide as my thumb, the hearth should be as deep as two fingers, and the bow should be straight, and the bow should be angled down slightly to prevent the string rising up the spindle.
Although I was told that it was a perishable skill I did not practice much and lost the knack.
It was another 18 months before I properly tried again, and the skill was gone.
I met with Craig who had been taught a different way on how to do it thinning out the hearth board and spindle are only one finger width also the spindle is much longer as long as my shin, and the bow much more curved, the clue is in the name, the bowing action is steady and level, like a snooker player.
The kit he had was amazing, sourced by Dave Watson, seasoned Lime hearth and Hazel spindle.
Craig has also spent a goodly amount of time practicing with other woods and helped me with correcting my technique.
Over the last few weeks whenever I have had a day off I have been practicing with various kits, getting an ember about half the time.
I have found the Hazel is the best for a spindle it makes a nice fine powder and does not polish as easily as other woods.
Lime and Alder make the best hearths, Sweet Chestnut has not worked yet.
I've heard Sycamore works well but not tested it yet, it's on my list.
