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How to start a fire using a bow drill (friction fire) - Exam
Contributed by: Roe
  • 1. What is the primary principle behind starting a fire with a bow drill?
A) Using a magnifying glass
B) Chemical reaction
C) Focusing sunlight
D) Friction creating heat
  • 2. Which type of wood is generally preferred for the spindle?
A) Petrified wood
B) Green wood
C) Softwood
D) Hardwood
  • 3. What is the purpose of the handhold?
A) Applying downward pressure to the spindle
B) Protecting the bow
C) Guiding the bow
D) Holding the tinder
  • 4. What is the ideal shape for the bow?
A) Slightly curved
B) Perfectly straight
C) Circular
D) Sharply angled
  • 5. What is the purpose of the notch in the fireboard?
A) To improve airflow
B) To collect the ember
C) To hold the spindle in place
D) To lubricate the spindle
  • 6. What is char cloth typically made of?
A) Wool
B) Cotton
C) Silk
D) Plastic
  • 7. What material is typically used for the bow string?
A) Paracord
B) Chain
C) Wire
D) Elastic
  • 8. Why is proper posture important when using a bow drill?
A) Reduces noise
B) Conserves energy
C) Looks more professional
D) Impresses onlookers
  • 9. What is the best technique for blowing the ember into flame?
A) Using a bellows
B) Holding your breath
C) Gentle, steady breaths
D) Hard, forceful breaths
  • 10. What should you do if smoke starts to appear, but no ember forms?
A) Lubricate the spindle
B) Continue drilling, increasing pressure
C) Stop immediately and start over
D) Add more tinder
  • 11. What is the purpose of lubrication (such as pine resin) on the spindle?
A) Reduce friction at the handhold
B) Increase friction at the fireboard
C) Strengthen the spindle
D) Waterproof the spindle
  • 12. What should the diameter of the spindle be, roughly?
A) Pencil-sized
B) Tree trunk-sized
C) Baseball bat-sized
D) Hair-sized
  • 13. What is the ideal consistency for the tinder bundle?
A) Fluffy and dry
B) Dense and wet
C) Oily and greasy
D) Solid and hard
  • 14. What is the 'socket' of the handhold typically made of?
A) Metal
B) Plastic
C) Soft material like cloth
D) Hard material like stone or bone
  • 15. Why is it important to 'season' your bow drill set?
A) To add flavor to the wood
B) To prevent insects
C) To allow the wood to dry and harden
D) To make it waterproof
  • 16. Which of these is the LEAST suitable wood for a fireboard?
A) Oak
B) Aspen
C) Cedar
D) Cottonwood
  • 17. What does 'tinder' refer to?
A) Easily combustible material
B) The fireboard
C) The bow string
D) The spindle
  • 18. What is the first step after creating an ember?
A) Adding more fuel to the fireboard
B) Throwing the ember directly into the campfire
C) Transferring it to the tinder bundle
D) Blowing on the spindle
  • 19. How do you know when the ember is ready to be transferred?
A) It disappears
B) It glows brightly and produces smoke
C) It's cold to the touch
D) It's completely black
  • 20. What should you do to prepare the spindle before using it?
A) Sharpen it to a point
B) Cover it in glue
C) Soak it in water
D) Ensure it's smooth and rounded
  • 21. What is the 'bearing block' also known as?
A) Fireboard
B) Spindle
C) Bow
D) Handhold
  • 22. What part of the process requires the most patience?
A) Making the tools
B) Developing the ember
C) Finding the right wood
D) Lighting the tinder bundle
  • 23. Why should you practice fire making with a bow drill?
A) To show off your skills
B) To develop muscle memory and technique
C) Because it's easy
D) To waste time
  • 24. What is the correct order of materials to make a fire?
A) Kindling, fuel wood, ember, tinder
B) Tinder, fuel wood, kindling, ember
C) Fuel wood, kindling, tinder, ember
D) Ember, tinder, kindling, fuel wood
  • 25. What is 'feathering'?
A) Smoothing the spindle
B) Creating thin shavings of wood for kindling
C) Protecting the tinder from the wind
D) Attaching feathers to the bow
  • 26. What size kindling should be added to the tinder?
A) Wet branches
B) Large logs
C) Green leaves
D) Small, dry twigs
  • 27. What is the primary danger of bow drill fire starting?
A) Drowning
B) Explosions
C) Animal attacks
D) Friction burns
  • 28. Why should you use dry wood?
A) It ignites easier
B) It's heavier
C) It's easier to find
D) It's prettier
  • 29. What direction should you face when building a fire?
A) Into the wind
B) Away from the wind
C) It doesn't matter
D) Perpendicular to the wind
  • 30. Why is it important to have a flat surface when using the bow drill?
A) Provides stability
B) Reduces noise
C) Looks more professional
D) Helps to keep insects away
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