I've been hand drilling standing up with the hearth on a raised step (about knee height) and one foot on the hearth. While this has been successful I find it difficult when using shortish drills (ie about the length from the hearth to the knee). I find my bent leg just gets in the way. I've had the same problem when kneeling up on one knee with my other foot on the hearth. Today I got a coal sitting in an open crossed leg position with the side of one foot stabalising the hearth. I've only just recently been successful (starting with one of Rich59's excellent kits) and wonder what body position others prefer.
I've also had advice that the softer the hearth board the wider the drill may need to be. Is there a list of our woods and where they fit on the soft-hard continuum?
I've also had advice that the softer the hearth board the wider the drill may need to be. Is there a list of our woods and where they fit on the soft-hard continuum?