Bow Drill with Chinese Privet

[RangerXanatos]

I've been practing with the bow drill. I've had success with chinese privet, which is abundant down here as it is an invasive hedge. The set I used was smaller than reccommended, but I still got a coal pretty fast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIh9WPlKIu4

[Winter]

That was quick.

[crashdive123]

Well done.

[MrFixIt]

Sorry to necro bump this but since I live in the same area basically...
Ranger, what did you use for your board? Was the complete set made from privet?

[RangerXanatos]

Yes. The spindle and hearth (board) were made from privet. The bow was cedar with a paracord string, and the bearing block was a rock.

[MrFixIt]

Yes. The spindle and hearth (board) were made from privet. The bow was cedar with a paracord string, and the bearing block was a rock.

Thank you. Gonna try that out this weekend.

[RangerXanatos]

Since the privet tends to stay green around here, I cut it and removed all of the bark first, went ahead and did the points while still green, and took it inside for a couple of days to dry. Taking it inside, and removing the bark, I never had any to split. Once dry, I took it out and started with the process to make the dibbit, bowing, notch-making, and then making the coal.

[MrFixIt]

Thanks for the answer of the question I was going to ask Ranger!
You must be psychic...

[RangerXanatos]

I have also found that the pieces do not have to be as thick as what you normally see (around thumb sized) but they do seem to last longer. The one in the video is slightly thicker than a pencil. I believe the thinner size increases the pressure? Since the privet can be found anywhere around here, I just take what ever pieces I need individually to keep from having to split a larger piece and work it down to the size and shape needed.

[LarryB]

I love experimenting with different woods for spindles. Usually, cedar is my hearth. Size of my spindles, like you, is also smaller than most recommend.SAKandFire.jpg