Alder for friction fire?

[John Fenna]

Did I read somewhere that Alder is good for hearthboards in friction firelighting?
If I did not dream this (I cannot find a post refering to it) is an Alder spindle the best option on it or would another wood be better?

I just started carvinfg a lump of Alder and have found the shavings burn brilliantly and I have about 2'6" left of a log that is too knotty for bowl carving.....

 

[Mesquite]

I've used Alder for a hearthboard in the past and it went well.

 

[John Fenna]

Great - I will give it a go!

 

[lannyman8]

I seem to remember the same John, i think they used Alder as the drill too......

 

[bushcraftbob]

I think Ray used alder in one of his extreme survival episodes (the rocky mountain one), at least it looked like an Alder bush!

 

[addo]

I was recommended Alder as a spindle and board when learning, but have since found it one of the worst.
I wouldn't bother if you have access to poplar, lime or willow. Everyone's different though.

 

[Kerne]

Now you've confused me - I thought it was elder that was the business for bow drilling...

 

[lannyman8]

elder is used when the drill becomes to short, the short spindle is then placed into a split piece of elder with a lashing of cordage or bark.........

"Alder" is a hardish solid wood and is a tree, "Elder" is a boosh and has very soft hollow stems filled with pith...

hope this helps....

chris.......................................................

 

[Asa Samuel]

elder is used when the drill becomes to short, the short spindle is then placed into a split piece of elder with a lashing of cordage or bark.........

"Alder" is a hardish solid wood and is a tree, "Elder" is a boosh and has very soft hollow stems filled with pith...

hope this helps....

chris.......................................................

I'm pretty sure it's the other way around, elder is really good as a hand drill but you aren't likely to find a very long straight piece so you fit it into something straight like hazel.

 

[lannyman8]

Im all confused now........I could be wrong of course and it would not be the first time...lol....

 

[Ogri the trog]

Someone once recommended Elder on Alder to me as a hand-drill setup.

Must admit that I've not tried it yet.

Ogri the trog

 

[John Fenna]

Alder is the solid hardwood that grows in swampy conditions - Alder Carr - and turns orange when cut. Elder is the hollow stemmed bush that is great for making whistles and hand-drill sets, provides berries and flowers for making wine etc

 

[Stanleythecat]

I've seen elder hand drills on paleoplanet. Alder used to be a constituent of gun powder too..

 

[steve a]

Alder is good for the bow drill John, used it many times, both here and Sweden. I used Alder on Alder, quite easy so you should have no problems producing an ember.