Hand drill newbie

[Thenihilist]

Went out today to collect some brambles for basketry I didn't find a good enough clump to justify it remembering id seen some mullien growing earlier in the year I cut two of them, some elder drills, a burdock drill and some cattail drills basically everything I could find that I heard was good for hand drill drills I gathered.I meant to cut the mullien back in the summer but it was such a braw thing I didn't have the heart to cut it down, now I've got it it seems very soft not punky but I can compress it with my fingers, is this any good?What are the recommended heartboards? There is no willow, clematis or lime in my area( that I've found) and I have yet to find a decent sized piece of ivy. Are the common bowdrill hearths any use?Finally do I shape the drill and hearth as I would the bowdrill or is there a better way? Cheers for your help

 

[ocean1975]

Try mullein on clematis,I have had it smoking but no ember yet.
I put that down to my technic tho.I have also tried a elder tip spliced on a long hazel drill on clematis,
with same results.One day I'll get an ember with it.Be prepared for some blisters tho
Good luck

 

[Niels]

I made it happen with teasel on poplar, and teasel on willow. Best of luck to you! And remember stop before your hands are really torn up.
The more damage to your hands the longer you won't be able to drill!