Chalk Bearing Block for Bow Drill?

[Stringmaker]

I was doing a friction fire session with some archaeologists last Friday, and one of them asked me about this.

Having seen my limpet shell set up, and the old, worn wooden bearing block that I also had he mentioned finding largeish lumps of chalk with conical wear patterns in them. The conversation came about as I mentioned that all you would find in the ground of my kit would be the shell or a stone with a worn dimple in it.

My initial thought was that it would be too soft but as I haven't tried it I don't know for sure.

Any comments from anyone?

[Ratbag]

I've seen flint bearing blocks used with great success for a nearly frictionless set-up, but I'm pretty certain that chalk would be too soft.

Rat

[Kepis]

I was doing a friction fire session with some archaeologists last Friday, and one of them asked me about this.

Having seen my limpet shell set up, and the old, worn wooden bearing block that I also had he mentioned finding largeish lumps of chalk with conical wear patterns in them. The conversation came about as I mentioned that all you would find in the ground of my kit would be the shell or a stone with a worn dimple in it.

My initial thought was that it would be too soft but as I haven't tried it I don't know for sure.

Any comments from anyone?

I used chalk before, it's good, ive found the chalk i find on the Beach, for some reason is stronger and last longer than the stuff out of a cliff or a chalk pit, there is a chalk block in this lot, oval shaped one, right hand side, second one up.

[Ratbag]

I stand corrected!

[Stringmaker]

I used chalk before, it's good, ive found the chalk i find on the Beach, for some reason is stronger and last longer than the stuff out of a cliff or a chalk pit, there is a chalk block in this lot, oval shaped one, right hand side, second one up.

I can't see the photo as my work PC blocks them but thanks for the positive feedback.

I'll let him know!