Bow drill

Encyclopedia : B : BO : BOW : Bow drill

thumb thumb The bow drill is an ancient tool, which consists of a bow (much like a bow, but not necessarily suited to launch projectiles), with the bowstring wrapped around a stick. If the stick is held in place, and the bow is pulled back and forth, the stick will spin. Depending on exactly how the tool is made, it can be used either to drill holes or to ignite fire.

Component To drill holes To make fire
Drill spindle A stick fitted at one end with a drill bit. The bit can be a flat piece of metal or a sharpened rock. A stick sharpened at one end to a tapered point.
Lower block The object to be drilled. A fire board, with an indentation pre-drilled, with a notch reaching almost to the center. tinder placed underneath. The spindle spins back and forth producing heat, which creates a pile of dust in the notch, and subsequently a red ember in the dust. This can be picked up inside the tinder bundle and blown into flame.
Upper (bearing) block A simple, handheld block to press the drill spindle down onto the lower piece. It should be notched to keep the tip of the drill spindle in place.

Component	To drill holes	To make fire
Drill spindle	A stick fitted at one end with a drill bit. The bit can be a flat piece of metal or a sharpened rock.	A stick sharpened at one end to a tapered point.
Lower block	The object to be drilled.	A fire board, with an indentation pre-drilled, with a notch reaching almost to the center. tinder placed underneath. The spindle spins back and forth producing heat, which creates a pile of dust in the notch, and subsequently a red ember in the dust. This can be picked up inside the tinder bundle and blown into flame.
Upper (bearing) block	A simple, handheld block to press the drill spindle down onto the lower piece. It should be notched to keep the tip of the drill spindle in place.

[Video of bow drill demonstration]

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