Find a sturdy stick or branch with a slight bend in it. Affix a strong cord to each end, leaving some free play in it so you can wrap it around the spindle when you're ready.

Some people prefer to split the end of the stick and place the cord through the split. The drawback of this is that the split will gradually widen and deepen, causing the cord to become looser as you go.

Construction of the handhold. Please note that he is not using the knife properly in this photo. However, it is necessary to carve an indentation in the center of the handhold. Do this carefully!

The indentation needs to be deep enough to hold the pointed end of the spindle, without it slipping out.

Note that the handhold is a small piece of the chunk that was sawed off the fencepost earlier. It is about 6" long or so.

The next step (you don't have to prepare the pieces in any sort of order) is to carve out the fireboard. It should be about 1-2" thick, and can be the full length of the chunk of fence post. The bottom surface should be relatively flat so it won't wobble when you're using it.

After making the overall shape of the fireboard, the next step is to create the hole and notch in it. The notch is done AFTER the burning in (more about this farther along).

Here the indentation is being started. It's carved the same way as for the handhold. Work with your knife carefully here, it's easy to slip and gouge your hand badly.

The center of the indentation should be about 1-2" from the edge approximately. This photo also gives an idea of the thickness of the fireboard.

The next step is the burning in.

"Burning in" refers to the process of operating the bowdrill in order to make the top and bottom parts of the spindle mate with the handhold and fireboard smoothly. It is an essential step prior to actually trying to make fire from the bowdrill.

You perform the burning in once you've completed all the pieces, but BEFORE you carve the notch in the fireboard.

A finished handhold, after the burn-in.

Here is a fireboard with a completed indentation that has been burned in.

The next step is to cut the notch in the fireboard.

Outline the cuts on the side of the fireboard. The notch should be in the shape of a fairly narrow "V". Outline the notch on the top of the fireboard as well.

Then carefully cut out the notch. Again, be careful with you knife!

The point of the "V" should end just before the center of the indentation when you're all done.

Cutting the notch.

If you're working this close to concrete be careful you don't wreck your knife.

Final steps of cutting the notch.

And now you're ready to try for fire!

Good luck!

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Survival Fire Bow Drill

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