Bow-drill rebuild uses cross-holed copper pipe after wooden bow failure

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Key facts

• The presenter's wooden bow drill, tensioned with a wooden ratchet, split in under a minute on the first drilling attempt.
• Both wooden bows cracked; the presenter suspects moisture intrusion or excessive ratchet torque at the end of the bow.
• The handmade copper drill bit swelled into the wooden socket and could not be removed.
• The replacement drill uses a slightly smaller bit, with holes through the copper tube allowing it to be secured at different lengths and extended as the bit wears down.
• The rebuild uses regular type M copper pipe.
• A granite block is the workpiece; the presenter's socket holes were drilled too large, and he plans to use a bottom template.
• For granite, the presenter plans to try a bronze bit, then flint, and finally a beeswax ring with loose abrasive.

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