Elder hand drill spindle's

[bushcraftbob]

I came across some elder stems in my shed that i harvested a few months back.

I am going to make them in to hand drill spindles - I am detemined to crack the hand drill this summer!!!

The spindle still has the pith inside it. Does this need to be removed?

If so, is it best to remove the whole lot, or just the last inch or so at the tip?

I have a lime hearth board i am planning on using, is there any easier hearth woods I could use to start with???

cheers all

 

[JonathanD]

I keep the pith in, never had a problem.

 

[Mesquite]

Leave the pith in

For a hearth board ivy is rated about the best you can get, clematis is good as well.

 

[Ogri the trog]

Another vote for an Ivy hearth with elder spindle, but I have it on good authority that alder is worth a punt too!

ATB

Ogri the trog

PS a chat with Rich59 would prove to be useful!

 

[jdlenton]

I was taught by Rich59 he's great to have a word with

as for wearth boards for hand drill never used ivy or lime but lime does sound worth a try.
Personally i have had good results from both Elder and Clematis hearth boards I prefer Elder personally but Clematis is very good too.

 

[JonathanD]

I've only ever used Elder hearths and am told it is the easiest wood to learn with as both drill & hearth. If I can do it, then it must be true.

 

[Buckshot]

Lime is good
I've also used pine wood from a pallet!

Mark

 

[Hedgehog]

Alot of pallets & packing cases are Poplar - also a good hearth wood.

Not tried a hand drill yet but there is some extensive info here that may be of use...
http://stoneageskills.com/images/Hand_Drill-pdf.pdf

 

[Hedgehog]

Eeep!double post deleted.

 

[Melonfish]

Hmm, worth a try methinks there's an elder in my garden that needs trimming back, same one i got my pipe stems from the other year actually.
suitable for just hand drill or bow drill too?