Baseboard

Various baseboards are shown. Note that some boards are used over and over producing many fires. To locate a baseboard in the woods first follow the steps laid out for finding a spindle. The baseboard can often be found on the same branch as the spindle. In fact, all parts of a bow drill can be located on one branch.

The baseboard should be one inch thick--you may have to split the wood and/or shave it down to this thickness. It should also be around twice as wide as your spindle is thick. Hence, two thumb widths wide.

Next, you need to locate the spot where the spindle will contact the board. This should be about 1/4 inch in from the edge--just make sure the spindle is roughly centred on the baseboard with this 1/4 inch consideration.

After you locate this position, take a rock or a knife and gouge out a round hole for your spindle to grip.

Done! Now do not let this touch the ground, it will absorb moisture.