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den
25-07-2004, 12:09
Hello all
Well I’m just wondering what type of wood or combinations of wood you all prefer when using a hand drill to make fire.
The one I’ve had most success with is an Elder hearth and spindle. I’ve tried burdock without success and have some teasel to try.
Any tips or hints would be appreciated

Cheers
Den :-P

al
25-07-2004, 13:04
elder hand drill and willow board works for me , burnt a hazel drill in the other day but havnt got round to trying it out yet

den
25-07-2004, 13:41
elder hand drill and willow board works for me , burnt a hazel drill in the other day but havnt got round to trying it out yet

al
Is that for a hand drill? I've used hazel as a spindle for the bow drill on a ivy hearth,which has got to be one of my favorites.

al
25-07-2004, 13:52
yes its for a handrilll,just tried it funnily enough and not much luck,stacks of smoke though so its probably down to me being tired out (my son is teething for england) although the dust isnt sustaining itself but im sure theres a reason for that that one of the old hands can point out, i use hazel for the drill on a bow drill too and it rocks

den
25-07-2004, 13:54
How wide is the spindle? :-P

al
25-07-2004, 13:55
just over 1 cm and about 2 foot long

den
25-07-2004, 13:55
I :-P agree Hazel rocks,and so easy to find a good bit

Adi007
25-07-2004, 14:00
Ivy makes an excellent wood, as does willow.

al
25-07-2004, 14:00
my daughter found the piece i`m trying for the handrill so the pressuer is one on this one :-)

Adi007
25-07-2004, 14:01
yes its for a handrilll,just tried it funnily enough and not much luck,stacks of smoke though so its probably down to me being tired out (my son is teething for england) although the dust isnt sustaining itself but im sure theres a reason for that that one of the old hands can point out, i use hazel for the drill on a bow drill too and it rocks
What color and consistency is the dust you are getting?

al
25-07-2004, 14:11
the right colour :wink: medium brown turning to dark and its down to me not giving it enough,oh sleep why does thou evade my embrace :banghead:

al
25-07-2004, 14:21
having said that,i know i can do it so its quite nice to fail and smugly look at the drill and say " well i`ll just pop off and get me some elder then and use you as kindling" :drillserg

den
25-07-2004, 14:21
Ivy makes an excellent wood, as does willow.

Is it possible to use it for the spindle as well? :-P

Adi007
25-07-2004, 14:36
Is it possible to use it for the spindle as well? :-P
Yeah, although you would be better with a harder spindle.

Ed
26-07-2004, 01:16
Ivy is a great wood to use as a hearth as its very quick to get going. I've just made up about 10 of them for a childrens playscheme I'm teaching at this summer.... most children can get them smoking within no time at all (under 1 min) using a bow drill..... unlike some woods I've tried.

:-)
Ed