[rslt]

Just an idea.
Can anyone see the merit in having a small (40mm ish dia say, 15mm thick) disc with a countersunk hole, that could be easily carried, say with hole for a loop and used as a spindle for a bow drill?
It would obviously get too hot to hold but could be placed under some wood or a rock.
From my limited experience, the spindle part of the bow drill process can be difficult to get right, so thus the question.

[stillscout1]

Sounds like a good project to experiment with. Size, shape and material all good ?s. OK you've given me an idea.

[Mac]

hmmm - im not sure I follow this?

a metal spindle for a bow drill? The spindle/foot board (aka fireboard) is what causes the dust to form to start the coal - if you use a metal spindle i'm not sure it would work

Do you mean the handhold (what is used to secure the top of the spindle as it spins)?

[rslt]

Maybe I'm using the wrong names. Yes, the hand hold at the top. I imagine after some use it would get quite smooth and therefore an easier spin?

[Mac]

ah yes - im following you now...

Usually that is referred to as the hand hold (the top of the spindle rests against it - usually in some sort of impression).

Metal would be good. I have seen some folks drill out a small depression in the handle of their knife to use for this purpose and/or on the thick part of the metal blade. Another option is a smooth stone with a depression in it.

I typically use a chunk of wood ... I have not burned through one yet...

If you make one out of metal - you might want to play around with what shape would be the most comfortable... mine are usually twice as long as they are wide and I like to have a curved edge to them...

[rslt]

Thanks Mac
Wanted an expert opinion first. I was thinking along the lines of a size that could be attached to a key ring and then a piece of local rock/wood used as the main handhold. The metal would just be to reduce the friction.
Aluminium would be my first choice as the wood would polish it over time thus reducing the friction .

[snowshoe67]

Mac I 'am looking for a hand hold,Like to get something diffrent any Idea's?

[Mac]

snowshoe67 said:

Mac I 'am looking for a hand hold,Like to get something diffrent any Idea's?

some folks use a shot glass - literally - as the handhold. Due to the curved inside bottom...

Im partial to wood (keeps me in good training if'n I have to make one from nothing).

I have used stone and bone before as well.

A nice stone - like a river rock - that is oval with a good depression would be perfect and feel nice in the hand.

If you come across the remains of a larger animal like a deer - there are several options there as well - you just want to be sure the bone is... ummm... welll bone dry and clean otherwise it may impede the movement

Cheers
Mac

[snowshoe67]

Mac Thanks on that info. I'll be looking for one in my travels. A Bone would Be nice ( Maybe Moose) or a nice stream stone...

[stillscout1]

rslt said:

Maybe I'm using the wrong names. Yes, the hand hold at the top. I imagine after some use it would get quite smooth and therefore an easier spin?

RSLT; I knew what you meant! I'm gonna try and make one out of a LARGE piece of whitetail antler crown with a big firesteel in it and maybe a compass. Wont be totin on my keychain though. Probably leave it in the canoe........for an anchor.

[Mac]

snowshoe67 said:

Mac Thanks on that info. I'll be looking for one in my travels. A Bone would Be nice ( Maybe Moose) or a nice stream stone...

stillscout1 said:

RSLT; I knew what you meant! I'm gonna try and make one out of a LARGE piece of whitetail antler crown with a big firesteel in it and maybe a compass. Wont be totin on my keychain though. Probably leave it in the canoe........for an anchor.

both great ideas - I'd love to see what you all come up with.

[stillscout1]

stillscout1 said:

RSLT; I knew what you meant! I'm gonna try and make one out of a LARGE piece of whitetail antler crown with a big firesteel in it and maybe a compass. Wont be totin on my keychain though. Probably leave it in the canoe........for an anchor.

RSLT, this is what I have so far. I will use the depression at the fork to locate my handhold.

Attached File(s)

•  HawksFire starter antler 003.jpg (86.7K)
  Number of downloads: 9
•  HawksFire starter antler 002.jpg (85.96K)
  Number of downloads: 9

[rslt]

Hi stillscout1
Looks like its going to turn out real nice. How do you plan on holding the compass and firesteel in place?
You are ahead of me, I have been working on a distilling lid for my Crusader cookset and I'm about to put it aside for a while.

[stillscout1]

rslt said:

Hi stillscout1
Looks like its going to turn out real nice. How do you plan on holding the compass and firesteel in place?
You are ahead of me, I have been working on a distilling lid for my Crusader cookset and I'm about to put it aside for a while.

The firesteel will be set in the main beam, which is the longer portion at the fork. The compass will set in the butt of the crown...which is on hold for now. The compass I purchased (unbeknownst to me at time of purchase) was made in china and I WILL NOT be using it. Gonna see if I can find something else without spending a wad on it. Been looking at the Silva SERE but can't narrow down where its made yet, may have to call a vendor.

[stillscout1]

All finished with the exception of the compass. Feels pretty good in my hand, I have a med size paw and the spindle relief is about dead center of my palm. May put a thong through it but I kinda hate to drill it right now it's so purdy an all. Now to try it out. Hope you enjoy.


ps: I used a paddle bit to drill the hole and T88 structural epoxy to hold it (cause it's what I had)

Attached File(s)

•  honker firesteel handhold 001.jpg (94.92K)
  Number of downloads: 6
•  honker firesteel handhold 003.jpg (95.74K)
  Number of downloads: 5
•  honker firesteel handhold 002.jpg (91.73K)
  Number of downloads: 5