hand drill advice

[punkrockcaveman]

Hi folks. Locally I have a few patches of cattails, and I really fancy a go at the hand drill after successfully using the bow drill a few times now. I'm after recommendations for hearthboard wood species, and any general advice for the hand drill is welcome.

Thanks

 

[ocean1975]

Try a clematis hearth board with an elder drill,I have tried this and got smoke but no ember,but I do know that it works.i have also tried using a mullein drill,I haven't tried for a while.I need to work on my technique.Good luck.

 

[Leshy]

Seasoned Willow works pretty good.

Hazel too for both drill and hearth board...
👍

 

[punkrockcaveman]

Thanks ocean 1975 and leshy. I'll give willow a go first and let you know how I get on. I've been planning to collect some anyway for use as bow drill.

 

[punkrockcaveman]

Well, thought I would update as I have given it my first attempt. I harvested some willow and cattail, a rather nice metre long drill about 13mm at the thickest end. After cutting a depression I started drilling. 3 mins or so in I thought nothing was happening, then I started to hear a squeak, I could see the point of the drill and the depression starting to shape and go shiny. 5 mins later I was starting to see the depression turn brown, so I really gave it some, and managed a good bit of smoke and dust, but alas no ember. I was knackered so gave it up for another day.

Part of me is thinking if I had started with a well fitting depression and point that I might have succeeded. I'll be trying again this this week probably. Hands are a little sore now though!!

 

[ocean1975]

It's certainly at though one to master,been there a few times,keep it up buddy you will get there.

 

[punkrockcaveman]

Thanks. I won't be giving up, but I won't be trying again until my hands are in better shape- I tried again today and managed 30 seconds, then it felt like my hands were on fire. To be fair my palms looked like embers!

Is it possible with gloves?

 

[woodsrunner]

Thanks. I won't be giving up, but I won't be trying again until my hands are in better shape- I tried again today and managed 30 seconds, then it felt like my hands were on fire. To be fair my palms looked like embers!

Is it possible with gloves?

you bet it is...i often use gloves when doing the hand drill...leather...tight...single layer...here is a vid of me using leather gloves with the hand drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUWb3c3oP20
hope that helps a bit...i am using mullien and clematis in the vid,...atb...woods

 

[punkrockcaveman]

Thanks woodsrunner, great vid. Looks like you have a great area. Wish we had some decent snow in the winter.

I had another crack at it last night, willow hearth and cattail drill, tried to smooth the drill out a little more with the knife which helped. Used gloves too, but they were just some clumsy gardening gloves. Managed smoke again but I wore out very quickly! I'll try again soon