My first attempt at making fire- Bow Drill

Inspired by the making fire demonstration by Pak Abu (using the bow drill), I finally found the time to try it out myself. I have been collecting some pieces of wood here and there for this purpose and thought perhaps its time I give it a go.

Seriously, it was NOT easy. I almost gave up a few times. Not only was it very tiring but the frustration of not getting the red amber was killing me. I started using the some pices of wood. After many tries and sweat wasted, I finally found the right  type of wood. Its a really light and whitish wood. Its called Mahang Telinga Gajah (Macaranga gigantea) if not mistaken. It was superb.

A sharp knife is important

Mahang Gajah makes a great hearth for a bow drill

I was alone when doing this. I wanted to film it on video and since Moon was not around, I had to use the tripod. My first few tries on the Mahang didn’t work out really. The spindle kept on ‘flying’ off. This really put me off and with the camera’s video function recording all teh while, it was just a matter of minutes before I ran out of battery. So, I decided to continue trying without the camera on. Its always when you decide to switch of (the camera) that it usually happens. And this happened to me alright. I manage to get the red amber going on my 6th attempt on the Mahang Gajah and only manage to record some parts of it. Have a look at the below:

I showed Moon the above video and she is really pleased with it. I however missed the beginning (drilling) part and I promise to video record it the next time I give the bow drill another go. This time, I will make sure Moon will be around to help me record it.

Where there's smoke, there's fire!

Huh! Fire finally!!!

Oh…but for what it’s worth, Sox was there to witness the whole thing!

Sox being as curious as ever...even with fire!