Spinning the Drill
1) OK! Here we go. Place the drill in the notch
2) place a dry leaf, piece of bark or leather under the notch to collect the ember
3) apply the absolute minimum amount
of pressure with the socket hand at this point. All we are trying to do is get the stroke....
4) of the bow to go all the way from the front to the back, continuing to keep it parallel and keep the bowstring on the bottom half of the drill
When you can keep the bowstring from riding up the drill, it's time to start applying more down pressure with the socket. The stroke, at this point should be "graceful" and virtually effortless. You will notice that the more you apply down-pressure with the left hand, the more effort will be required with the right hand. Once you feel comfortable with all of the facets, then start drilling a hole in that board. Continue to utilize the entire length of the bow. Don't shorten your stroke. Depending on the quality of wood you select, it could be a couple of minutes, or as little as 5-10 seconds before you develope a "glowing" ember. If the color of your coal dust is light brown, you are not applying enough pressure. It should be either dark brown or black.
Next: developing a coal