Bow drill
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The bow drill is an ancient tool used by the ancient Sumerians. While it was usually used to make fire, it was also used for primitive woodworking. It consists of a handhold, spindle, a hearth, and an early bow- essentially a stick with a string.
In order for a bow drill to function, it must be properly positioned so it can generate enough friction and speed, which is done by moving the handhold horizontally and simultaneously applying downward pressure. The handhold is lubricated and the spindle is carved to about thumb thickness. An indentation is made into the fireboard and the spindle is placed on it, and is spun until the hole is about the diameter of the spindle; a notch is then carved into the fireboard. The notch allows a place for the dust collect while it is being abraded off the spindle and the fireboard. Eventually, the friction generates heat to ignite the dust, which can be used to light tinder in a ladder-up reaction.
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