The string has a tendency to wander either up or down the drill while spinning. Control this by pointing the end of the bow either slightly up or down, whichever seems to work. The pressure
that you're
with your thumb
on the string will also
and fingers
of the bow hand
able
to
apply help.
Before you begin to "make fire,"have all ingredients at hand. From left: fireboard, drill, bearing block, strung bow, tinder, four piles of kindling in various sizes, and, at far right, larger wood—all laid out on my vest to keep them from absorbing ground moisture (the ground was wet).
Drill straight up and down, with left wrist locked securely against left calf. Vary the amount of pressure on the drill. Begin with only a slight amount and increase it as you become more comfortable. Too much pressure, and things will want to bind up and the string to begin slipping on the drill. Whenever this happens, you must let up on your pressure, because no matter how fast the bow's moving, if the drill isn't spinning there's no friction. If not enough pressure is applied, nothing will happen. When beginning to mate a new drill to a new hole (what we're doing here), there'll be a certain amount of drilling where nothing seems to be happening. This can last from only several seconds to several minutes, 12
Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living