Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
the drill spin, to prevent it from cooling down as they shift their hands to the top of the drill to
begin another round of downward pressure spins. If you find that you must stop drilling to shift
your hands, do so as quickly as possible to minimize cooling. Thumb loops of string or a leath-
er thong attached to the top of the hand drill can help you start a fire faster by applying steady
downward pressure as you spin the drill.
Figure 7-6. Using a hand fire drill.
Starting a Fire with a Fire Plough
Cut a lengthwise shallow groove in an 18-inch fireboard made from soft, non-resinous wood
that is at least 1½ inches wide (see
fig. 7-7
). Prepare your tinder and kindling in the same way
as for starting a fire with a bow drill. Using a hardwood or other non-resinous stick, drive the
stick back and forth under considerable pressure to generate friction, sawdust, and eventually a
spark.
