I agree with you on the hole in the bottom of the spindle I’ve been doing that for awhile now. Although I think the reason it works better is that it actually increases the surface area since the hearth board will also conform to the new shape giving it the appearance of an old stone grinding mill.
Some advice on how to create birds nests to blow ember into flame would be great. It’s something I really struggle with in the uk. If I had red cedar nearby it would be different!
Thanks for the hole in the tip tip! Never seen that one before. Gonna try that one asap!!! I always chamfer the edge of the burned tip (the sides) a bit to create a more pointy tip so as to overcome excess friction once the drill has gone quite a ways through the hearthblock. But then you drill through the hearthblock too fast. I was thought to make hearthblock and spindle from the same piece of wood (you baton a fistsize branch in two. One half becomes the hearthblock, the other half you carve into a spindle and some fine curly feathers you can use as a substitute for birdnest tinder). Requires more carving ability, but also it was said that a spindle with the grain going across the spindle doesn't wear out as quick as a spindle made from a thinner branch entirely. What's your take on that? Looking forward to the rest of the bowdrill pro tips! Thanks!
I would agree with that in theory. Be like trying to bowdrill with an axe handle level of toughness. When it comes to grain all I check for is that its not end grain. I also avoid any part for the hearth board that is super tight grain like it can be with pine and spruce because it gets so gunky with resin. One thing I do with the hearth board I dont see many places other than Brian at NW primate. Is sawing a channel into the underside of the hearth. Ever taken that for a spin ?
@inforestsandlands yup, for the added value of the Venturelli effect. Cannot say if it actually worked better than without. Such fine intricacies to try and notice. The moisture levels in Brian's neck of the woods must be crazy. I've been trying the Inuit way of double holes instead of a notch, but without luck as of yet. So much to try and learn to master! And this is just one rabbit hole in the world of bushcraft...
Ahhhhh I was using a spruce branch the same thickness as I would use a Hazel spindle, fantastic tips, I find a spindle the length of my forearm as a general rule of thumb
The first time you make a bow & drill fire you feel like a Fire God! Interesting trick with the divot in the spindle, absolutely counter-intuitive. But like undercutting the notch in the hearth board to allow air up inside, I wonder if a thin notch rather than a divot would help interact with the hearth board, still have friction but more air as well....looks like I'm off to the woods! But I always carry a smooth rock I got from a creek bed with a natural hole in it for the spindle, very little friction. Grease the spindle tip through your hair or along your nose and have at it.
I'm loving this extra bit of freedom you're giving yourself lately Joe, haha and we're still learning at the same time because you just can't help it. I have yet to have time to read and practice your bow drill book, but I am damn sure I picked the right guy to teach me how
@werewolf74 thats it. Birch trees are nature's petrol. Best sets I ever made was Hazel spindle on a lime (basswood) hearthboard. "Hazel and lime, works every time)
I was sent by Corporal Kelly. He implied you were a great man. Thank you for having me! Now I need to learn.
Thanks for joining ! hope the learning journey goes well
"that's your language" 😂😂😂😂. Love it Joe and Ida. Just what I needed this morning
hahaha. Letting the hair down a bit, brother. Normally that stuff hits the editing room floor
All very intelligent and logical advice from experience! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us all! #keepitburning Brother Joe! 🔥
Thanks for the hot tips on having a hot tip ! ! !
hahaha well played !
I agree with you on the hole in the bottom of the spindle I’ve been doing that for awhile now. Although I think the reason it works better is that it actually increases the surface area since the hearth board will also conform to the new shape giving it the appearance of an old stone grinding mill.
Super. Thanks for the pro tips! I definitely will have to try this out 💪🏻👍🏻
Tanks you,Have a Nice day.❤❤❤❤
No problem at all. you too, friend
Some advice on how to create birds nests to blow ember into flame would be great. It’s something I really struggle with in the uk. If I had red cedar nearby it would be different!
@@alisdar1234 consider it done. I'll make it video 5 in the series 🤜🤛
Bark from juniper is very useful 🪵🌲🔥
Thanks for the hole in the tip tip! Never seen that one before. Gonna try that one asap!!!
I always chamfer the edge of the burned tip (the sides) a bit to create a more pointy tip so as to overcome excess friction once the drill has gone quite a ways through the hearthblock. But then you drill through the hearthblock too fast.
I was thought to make hearthblock and spindle from the same piece of wood (you baton a fistsize branch in two. One half becomes the hearthblock, the other half you carve into a spindle and some fine curly feathers you can use as a substitute for birdnest tinder). Requires more carving ability, but also it was said that a spindle with the grain going across the spindle doesn't wear out as quick as a spindle made from a thinner branch entirely. What's your take on that?
Looking forward to the rest of the bowdrill pro tips! Thanks!
I would agree with that in theory. Be like trying to bowdrill with an axe handle level of toughness. When it comes to grain all I check for is that its not end grain. I also avoid any part for the hearth board that is super tight grain like it can be with pine and spruce because it gets so gunky with resin.
One thing I do with the hearth board I dont see many places other than Brian at NW primate. Is sawing a channel into the underside of the hearth. Ever taken that for a spin ?
@inforestsandlands yup, for the added value of the Venturelli effect. Cannot say if it actually worked better than without. Such fine intricacies to try and notice. The moisture levels in Brian's neck of the woods must be crazy. I've been trying the Inuit way of double holes instead of a notch, but without luck as of yet. So much to try and learn to master! And this is just one rabbit hole in the world of bushcraft...
Excellent Presentation! Kudo's from Upstate NY
Thanks for sharing my friend!
Always welcome herb !
I'm watching for you guys' humour as much as the skills at this point 🤣👍have a great holiday season! atb Andy
1:55 I've never been able to do this! Thanks by the way Corprals Corner sent me!
Great vid Joe very entertaining. Like the bushcraft board holder 👍🏼
Thanks brother ! just too poor to afford CGI haha
Great video and you’ve already given me to actual have better luck get a bow drill fire 👍🏻
Thanks Scott. These comments are what keeps the engine lit.
Ahhhhh I was using a spruce branch the same thickness as I would use a Hazel spindle, fantastic tips, I find a spindle the length of my forearm as a general rule of thumb
@@stevemcdermott6199 changed my Irish game up no end
Awesome corporal Kelly wasn’t wrong about you sir this video is spectacular thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Good info! My biggest struggle is construction of and using the bow.
3rd video in the series, brother. It was the thing I struggled the most with. Especially in the wild
@ I’ll check it out. Thank you!
Great video! I’ve made many bow drill fires… I’ve never seen the hole in the spindle trick! Guess what I’m trying next time?? Thank you!
Awesome !
The first time you make a bow & drill fire you feel like a Fire God! Interesting trick with the divot in the spindle, absolutely counter-intuitive. But like undercutting the notch in the hearth board to allow air up inside, I wonder if a thin notch rather than a divot would help interact with the hearth board, still have friction but more air as well....looks like I'm off to the woods! But I always carry a smooth rock I got from a creek bed with a natural hole in it for the spindle, very little friction. Grease the spindle tip through your hair or along your nose and have at it.
I'm loving this extra bit of freedom you're giving yourself lately Joe, haha and we're still learning at the same time because you just can't help it. I have yet to have time to read and practice your bow drill book, but I am damn sure I picked the right guy to teach me how
@Tim_Keys ah big dog ! Thank you and when you do you got the dirext line 🤜🤛
Good informational video, thanks for sharing, YAH bless !
Thanks for the kind words and blessings back , brother micheal.
Corporal Sean Kelly sent me here.
I couldn’t even tell ya how many try’s it took me to get my first coal let alone an actual fire with it
I was exactly the same. Its also one of the most perishable skills I know of too
Corporal Kelly sent me, good luck.
👍
I did not know birch was bad for bow drill spindle. I guess if you happen upon a birch, get some bark.
@werewolf74 thats it. Birch trees are nature's petrol. Best sets I ever made was Hazel spindle on a lime (basswood) hearthboard. "Hazel and lime, works every time)