Your FOOLPROOF First Bow Drill

In this course, you'll learn the same simple system that David uses with his students to help break the barriers and demolish the learning curve that stand between them and their first bow drill fire.

Watch Intro Video

Your Bow Drill Fire Awaits!

- A Message From David

Detailed Course Description

Foolproof First Bow Drill Fire Kit

In this course, David will teach you how to make a foolproof bow drill kit from common items you can find in your basement, shed or around the house. Then he will show you how to make a bow drill fire using his foolproof techniques. 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 stand 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 - so you can get to a sustainable fire fast.

What are other students saying?

  • Foolproof First Bow Drill Fire Kit

    Julius Khiong

    Awesome course, will assemble my kit over the weekend. Thank you.

    Awesome course, will assemble my kit over the weekend. Thank you.

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  • Bow Drill Fire Kit

    Donald Morris

    This course was very helpful. So many times I would get the speed needed for my amber but I would get a lot of friction where the hand help dowel would cause...

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    This course was very helpful. So many times I would get the speed needed for my amber but I would get a lot of friction where the hand help dowel would cause me to slow down. I never would have taught of using a shot glass. I give this class a full five stars and would recommend it to my friends.

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  • FOOLPROOF FIRST BOW DRILL FIRE KIT

    Edwin Moreno

    SPLENDID TECHNIQUES

    SPLENDID TECHNIQUES

    Read Less

  • I'm ready!

    Troy Tirrell

    Been wanting to do this all my life and finally at 51 I'm going to make my bowdrill kit and do it! Thanks for the fantastic instruction.

    Been wanting to do this all my life and finally at 51 I'm going to make my bowdrill kit and do it! Thanks for the fantastic instruction.

    Read Less

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. This course can easily include responsible kids 10+ years old and can be done in teams by project-loving moms and dads (see bonus lesson). 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 blazing fire.
Who is this project for?

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Here's what you can expect to learn from the course!

  • Understand the 4 key reasons bow drill fires fail and how this course will help you overcome them.

  • Learn to make a foolproof bow drill fire kit with items you have around the house.

  • Discover how to set up your bow drill kit for the first time.

  • Learn to use your bow drill kit to make a fire.

  • Discover how to self correct most common bow drill mistakes.

  • Discover how to harness the power of the fire triangle to make fire almost anytime / anywhere and turn failed bow drill fire attempts into boss blazes.

  • Learn how to involve your family in bow drill kit construction.

  • Discover how to do team bow drilling.

  • Amaze your friends and family with your boss bow drill skills.

Meet Your Instructor

  • David @ Ultimate Survival Tips

    Outdoor Skills Educator

    David @ Ultimate Survival Tips

    David is the Founder Ultimate Survival Tips and Tiny Survival. He is an author, outdoor skills educator, business consultant, knife and gear designer. David is the co-author of the Tiny Survival Guide and the designer of the MSK-1 Survival Knife System. David currently co-hosts (and is the Executive Producer) of The Survival Show Podcast. David served our country in the Marine Corps and Army Reserves and lives in the beautiful Endless Mountains of North Central Pennsylvania. He enjoys rural living with his wife Carin and their family. David has a passion to help people responsibly enjoy the outdoors and become better prepared for any type of emergency, disaster or society altering event while keeping things in prospective - living each day to the fullest.

Materials Needed

These are the suggested materials you'll need to complete the course.

  • 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 cotton balls - 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

Course Curriculum

  • 1
    Welcome
  • 2
    Building Your Kit
    • Lesson 1: Four Reasons Bow Drill Fires Fail
    • Lesson 2: Bow Drill Kit - Parts and Materials
    • Lesson 3: Building Your Foolproof Bow
    • Lesson 4: Carving Your Foolproof Spindle / Drill
    • Lesson 5: Crafting Your Foolproof Fire Board
    • Lesson 6: Foolproof Bow Drill Techniques + BONUS: Game-Changing Bow Drill Success Tip
    • Lesson 7: Cutting Your Pie Notch
    • Lesson 8: Foolproof Tinder Bundle and Bow Drill Fire
  • 3
    BONUS
    • BONUS SESSON: One-On-One Bow Drill Coaching + Team Bow Drill Technique