nwtradegun
50 Cal.
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I am making one. I have made the bow, used rawhide for the string. other than twisting string wet and drying does it need to be treated..
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fire bow drill
- Thread starter nwtradegun
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I think the big deal is getting the proper wood for the fire board and drill- I think one is soft wood and the other hardwood- I myself never had much luck on it although I wish I could get a fire started that way. A hand twisted drill- I can't believe some folks get that to work.
nwtradegun
50 Cal.
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2011
- Messages
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I mean does the rawhide string need to be treated I have the correct wood for each component.
Rawhide is/was used for bowstring, it will flex but it's not really that loose(?) know hwat I mean?
I don't see how a rawhide string or cord will spin around a drill with enough of the required speed.
The only thing I can think of is to get the rawhide string "wet" before trying to use it for a bow drill.
I know of no other way or treatment to make true rawhide soft and pliable besides the tanning process. But if you "tan" rawhide it's not rawhide anymore.
I don't see how a rawhide string or cord will spin around a drill with enough of the required speed.
The only thing I can think of is to get the rawhide string "wet" before trying to use it for a bow drill.
I know of no other way or treatment to make true rawhide soft and pliable besides the tanning process. But if you "tan" rawhide it's not rawhide anymore.
I have not used rawhide for a bowdrill cord but that is the part of the kit that takes the most abuse/wear in my experience. I'll be interested to hear how it works for you. What wood do you plan to use? I have had good luck with aspen, sage, juniper, birch and cottonwood.
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You might try a plant fiber string, or horse hair. The string doesn't have to be all that strong. Leather or oiled rawhide thong ought to work, though. Plain dry rawhide is not at all pliable.
