Bow Drill Bootcamp: Course Outline
Welcome to Bow Drill Bootcamp! In this course, David will teach you how to make a foolproof first bow drill kit from common items you can find in your basement, shed, or around the house.
Download FULL Outline PDF: Click Here
If you already know how to make a bow drill kit and friction fire, this series will give you a step-by-step system to easily train others how to make a foolproof bow drill kit and friction fire (for the first time).
This is the same simple system that David uses with his students to help break the barriers and demolish the learning curve that stands between them and their first bow drill fire.
David will also break down the vital (but often forgotten) principles of fire to help you critically think through, and diagnose ANY fire starting problem you have - AND get to a sustainable fire fast.
Who Is This Project For?
This is a great project for anyone who wants to join the exclusive club of Boss Bowdrillers or anyone who just thinks fire is cool, and making fire from sticks is even cooler.
This project can be completed by anyone living in urban, suburban or rural areas. It can be modified to include kids 10+ years old and can be done in teams by project-loving moms and dads.
You will be amazed. You will be surprised. You might even shout for joy (like so many others before you) - when you unlock your inner “scout” by successfully building a foolproof bow drill kit - and using it to make a blazing fire.
Get the Materials Checklist KIT: Click Here
Lessons 1 & 2: Four Reasons Fires Fail & Bow Drill Kit Parts and Materials
In these lessons we’re going to take a quick look at why most people fail when trying to make a bow drill fire for the first time… and how this course is going to help you overcome these obstacles. We will also go over the materials you will need to make your own bow drill kit at home.
> Video Link: https://youtu.be/SHTUzKxsVWg
Lesson 3: Building Your Bow
In this lesson, David and Gabe show you how to build your bow using PVC pipe and paracord.
> Video Link: https://youtu.be/5cvy11-7m9Q
Lesson 4: Carving Your Spindle (Drill)
In this lesson, we are going to prepare our spindle using both a poplar dowel rod and a ONE by ONE length of pine.
> Video Link: Coming Soon…
Lesson 5: Crafting Your Fire Board
In this lesson, learn how to craft your fire board to the right size.
> Video Link: Coming Soon…
Lessons 6 & 7: Burning in Your Fireboard & Game-Changing Bow Drill Success Tip
In these lessons, you are going to learn some basic bow drill techniques, how to burn in your fireboard… and how to overcome one of the major reasons people fail at bow drill.
> Video Link: Coming Soon…
Lesson 8: Foolproof Bow Drill Fire
In this lesson, Dave will show you how to make a tinder bundle, and then how to use your completed bow drill kit to build a fire.
> Video Link: Coming Soon…
Lesson 9: BONUS SESSON: One-On-One Bow Drill Coaching + Team Bow Drill Technique
In this lesson, Dave coaches Gabe AND YOU as you learn to use your bow drill kit to make your first bow drill fire. Learn what to expect when you attempt your first bow drill fire, how to make simple corrections to your technique, and how to overcome some common bow drill mistakes.
> Video Link: Coming Soon…
Bow Drill Bootcamp Materials Checklist:
Get the Materials Checklist KIT: Click Here
- 1/2” dia. x 24” long (1.3 cm. x 61 cm.) PVC pipe
- 1” thick x 4” wide x 30” long (10 cm. x 2.54 cm. x76 cm.) kiln dried whiteboard (pine, spruce, fir, poplar) - OR - 10” long 7/8” diameter poplar dowel rod
- 30” (76 cm.) of cordage (paracord, thick jute twine, boot shoe string)
- 10 - 20 Cottonballs - OR - 36” piece of jute twine
- Shot glass
- Note or Business Card
- Candle
- Lighter or match
- Sharp Utility or Pocket Knife
- Saw
- Bucket of water
- Leather work gloves
- Can of soup
Alternate Materials (for those who want to live on the wild side):
- 10 in. (25 cm.) poplar dowel rod
- Standard stud - 2 in. (5 cm.) x 4 in. (10 cm.) x 48 in. (121 cm.)
- 48” (121 cm.) of jute twine