Proper Form and Burn-in


Proper form is pretty important. There are a few keep points to remember. Lets go thru them. First, place the arch of your foot upon the baseboard about two inches from the gauged circular hole. Place something under your foot to keep moisture off wood--I usually take my shoe off and place Birch bark between my foot and the board. Also, place bark or something to keep the wet or damp ground away from the board.

Now hold your bow near the end, after you have placed the spindle in it. Put the spindle on the board, hold it there with your hand hold piece.

Before you start bowing, your body position needs to be sturdy. Basically, anchor your shoulder upon your knee and your wrist against your shin. Thru this, keep the spindle straight. Your shin should be vertical as well. Find your balance with your rear leg.

Now your ready to start. You will need to visit Step Four frequently at this point, or soon after. You will soon know why. Start the bow moving, keep it parrallel to the ground. Get use to this motion. Slowly speed up the bowing--use the full length of the bow. Increase downward pressure as you are able. There will soon be smoke!! Yes you are well on your way. Getting smoke does take a bit of practice.

At this point, you are only burning in your equipment. Hence, the baseboard should blacken to the width of your spindle and your hand hold will also blacken--to a narrower black circle. Once this occurs stop. You need to carve out a V notch in the baseboard with a knife or rock. The V should be an 1/8 slice of pie out of this black circle. Once you have accomplished this, you are ready to start a fire.

Step on board two inches from hole.
NOTE: this piece already has been burned
in with a notch cut.





Spindle sits on the outside of stringed bow; string tension is tight; the top of spindle is on top





Proper form. Bracing shoulder and wrist on
knee and shin. Shin and spindle remain verticle.