Bow-drill: Bowstring slipping on spindle?

[Trevanna]

So, my latest in a long series of challenges with the bow-drill is that the bowstring keeps glazing over the spindle so that when I pull the bow back and forth, the string doesn't actually grip the spindle and spin it. It's quite interesting to watch myself kneeling there hauling on the darn bow and sweating profusely while the spindle just rests there happily, not spinning at all. I find that if I rough up the spindle on a rock between each use, it helps, but it still seems to happen a LOT. Are there other things that can cause this? Is this normal?

[Candi Huber]

I've had that problem as well. For me when that happens, it means that the string is too loose. On my latest bow, the string needs to be really tight or that happens. Mark said the spindle can be too smooth and you may need to add some pine pitch for gripability.

[jamie]

tighten up on the string. it also helps when carving the spindle to leave it a bit square. its rougher on the cordage but gives it some grip. back to the string.. you shouldnt have to struggle to get the string wrapped on the drill but you want it taught. if its loose you can also pinch the string between your thumb and index finger to add tension. if your sweating you are trying to hard. at one of my classes i had an older women in her late 60's show up. i kept wondering how i was gonna get her to spin fire. she was the 2nd person out of 14 people to get it. she had played violin all her life. i learned much from her that day. peace

[Dave]

One other possibility is too much friction in the handhold, which could bind up the spindle, especially if you are pushing down hard. Making sure the handhold is well lubricated will help that. What kind of cordage are you using? That may make a difference too.

[Jim]

You might also reconsider the type of cordage you're using. Usually I prefer to use leather thong, or something of that nature, as it grips well and is very durable (especially important when learning). It sounds as if you might be using some form of synthetic cord? Often these cords can start to melt and slip as the friction between the cord and spindle increases. So I'd try leather or some form of heavy cotton. Works for me.

Jim

[Jeff Gottlieb]

All of the rest of the replies have valuable information and all could help. You can take up slack while bowing by lifting up on the string with your index finger while pushing down with your thumb, to create a little zigzag in the string. I also swear by buckskin strings because they grip well even if not very tight. However, you have to watch them because they stretch a lot and need frequent retying.

[Jeff Gottlieb]

I forgot to add that my buckskin bow drill strings are corded three-ply strings. Make cord from three thin strips cut from good quality buckskin.

[Trevanna]

Hey folks,
All of this is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I've been experimenting and having better luck with the different kinds of cordage that you mentioned and I'll keep you posted on any new developments!
T

[Trevanion]

Trev~
you have to wrap the bowstring around the spindle. See?

(i love you sis)