Yes it is a lot easier to do if you break it up and load a tinder box with it. I usually carry three methods of creating fire when i am out and about and various perfect tinders but like you said in your video these may not always be at hand or run out very quickly so i like to be sure i can make fire without them for the challenge, i've been trying similar variations when making fire with a bow drill, I find the bowdrill is a very easy task with my old bow and a seasoned spindle and hearth board but i like to practice with gathered materials which are not in perfect condition for the job because if i really need to do it in the wild the chances of finding and making a perfect bowdrill kit is highly unlikely, taking on the struggle is part of the skillset i want to be good at mastering within myself.
I just subbed your channel so i can work my way through your other vids when i am slightly more awake
cheers
Rob