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!!