Lifesong

                                  Wilderness

                               Adventures ©2008

What is Friction Fire?

Fire by friction causes the fuel, (wood) to heat up until it reaches the combustion temperature at approximately 800 degrees Fahrenheit and creates a coal which ignites the tinder.  This is done without creating a spark as would flint.  Bow drill, hand drill, fire plough, fire saw, fire pistons are all examples of friction fire.

Lifesong Adventures teaches this artful technique, starting with the bow drill.  You are truly among the elite when you create fire by friction.  There are less than 500 people within the U.S. capable of creating fire this way consistently. 

■The bow has cordage tied at both ends and holds the spindle. 

       (The bow is held by the right hand above.)

■The socket has an indentation carved into it where the spindle is seated.

       (The socket is held by the left hand above.)

■The fire board is a flat piece of wood approximately 1/2 inch deep with a

        carved notch which seats the other end of the spindle.

       (The fire board is held in place with the left foot above.)

■The spindle is seated on top by the socket, below with the fire board and

        wrapped with the cordage from the bow.

■The tinder bundle is placed directly below the notch in the fire board.

       (The above tinder bundle is being protected from the ground moisture

        with another thin flat piece of wood.)

While pressing down on the socket, the bow is moved back and forth rapidly, causing the spindle to burn into the fireboard which creates an ember and will be used to ignite the tinder below the fire board.

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