Bow drill: what actually matters

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Match soft, dry woods for spindle and hearth (cedar, cottonwood root, willow). Don't mix hard and soft.

2. 2

   Spindle: thumb-thick, 8 inches, blunt on bottom (friction end), pointed on top (bearing end).

3. 3

   Cut a pie-slice notch in the hearth board reaching to the center of the burn socket, so dust can pile up.

4. 4

   Bow: shoulder-wide, slight curve, loose cord that tightens once the spindle is loaded.

5. 5

   Long, full strokes; downward pressure only increases once black dust and smoke are steady.

6. 6

   Tap the ember out of the notch onto bark, transfer to a tinder bundle, and blow steady from below.

Tip: If it squeals, it's polished — rough up the socket and hearth with sand.