I then carve the notch with a spoon knife. This can be done with a regular knife, but I personally prefer the ease of the former tool.

The drill should be domed at the end to fit into the notch, but don't worry to much about an airtight fit, the heat will burn it smooth.

The other end needs to be well lubricated. I use leaves, try and choose one that is quite tough, it lasts longer in the block. At this time of year, holly and spit work well.

Making Fire !

Teaching technique without actually being there to watch to actually watch your every move is tough. However,as no one taught me (instead I relied on books and threads on this site), I am confident that it is possible to troubleshoot your own mistakes. When you assemble your set for the first time, on one of your first strokes the drill will pop out of the socket and spin across the floor. Therefoer beore trying properly to make an ember, get used to running the bow back and forth, keeping the drill vertical, at an even pace. Now we can begin. Look at the picture below: