Sticky fingers for hand drilling..what do you use?

[Stringmaker]

I have recently embarked on the journey into the world of pain and frustration that is learning to hand drill.

Right from the first attempts I have been aware of the fact that a good grip is the most important part; that allows me to focus on the proper speed and pressure as opposed to getting blisters trying to hold onto the drill.

I used a spray bottle of water to dampen my palms (I don't seem to produce enough spit!), and that works very well to begin with but then dries and my palms slip.

I was thinking of using a pine resin block (as violinists use) but am not sure if that will work as it is obviously set and therefore hard, so probably not much good to rub on my hands, or is it?

Do any of you have any home made sticky finger gunk tricks or am I just going to have to experiment with what is in the kitchen cupboard?

The other observation is that the classic elder stem I am using is a bit thin, thus my hands touch. I would guess that a drill of about index finger diameter would be better?

Thanks as ever!

 

[Gray]

Try a thicker, longer drill. If you imagine being out in the wilds you wouldn't have the kitchen cupboards etc. you could try thumb loops which help to keep a steady, constant downward force. Remember also the more sweat you lose, the more water you need to absorb. I'm sure you'll get a lot of other good advice as I'm no expert on the subject.

 

[Stringmaker]

This drill is plenty long enough but I think a slightly thicker one would be better.

I was being slightly ironic with the kitchen cupboard crack, but there was a serious intent. With new skills like this I like to begin by giving myself as much help as possible and then work backwards, so I also do have some thumb loops.

Thanks anyway; I'll keep you posted.

 

[Gray]

Absolutely buddy, the more you know etc. it was just a few ideas. As said I'm far from an expert on this subject, I just know enough to get by. Little bit of luck I'll pick up some tips myself so will watch with interest. Good luck mate.

 

[Stringmaker]

Cheers!

As luck would have it there is an elder bush with some likely looking growth on it here at work. I need to snip one off and get it drying.

 

[Firelite]

When I was teaching myself this technique I used dead elder wands (with some success), but when I was subsequently taught the technique on a course they used green elder which they dried over a couple of days, the key advantage, I think, being that any curvature in a green stick can be taken out by bending it over a fire. The other key point with that method was that one had to cut the wand very close to the parent stem, because the woody part grows much thicker there (relative to the pith).
The diameter was 1 to 1.5cm. The narrower the drill the more hand rubbing occurs, as you have discovered.
Good luck with the blisters!

 

[Niels]

I have only had succes with 9 mm teasle sticks on poplar and willow hearths. I know it's hard now but when it works it will be awesome!

 

[Stringmaker]

I have got a nice dry teasle stem as well as elder, but it isn't as straight.

One "improvement" I want to try is to have a thicker stem of anything I can find for the drill, and then make a chuck to be able to experiment with smaller pieces of different friction woods. Instead of slowly wearing out the drill I just put in a new piece.

I have made a larger clay chuck to use with my pump drill for exactly the same reason.

I have to confess that I have cheated and got a block of rosin, so once I get the time I'll try that and report back.

 

[lannyman8]

hey up mate, i found when using the hand drill a "little" water or spray was no good, soak your palms then rub it in, do this 2 or 3 times, you will find your hands soak up a little water, a bit like when you stay in the bath too long, but not so extreme, this should make your skin softer and more sticky for want of a better word. give it a go and see how you get on, its a hard thing to do but as with all things once you crack it its easy as anything.......

if you need any help just give me a pm and i will do what i can old son...

regards.

chris.

ps, try the teasel it is much easier i personally found, the spindle is much more important than the hearth board type i found too, with a good spindle i got a coal from hazel and teasel....best of luck..

 

[Stringmaker]

hey up mate, i found when using the hand drill a "little" water or spray was no good, soak your palms then rub it in, do this 2 or 3 times, you will find your hands soak up a little water, a bit like when you stay in the bath too long, but not so extreme, this should make your skin softer and more sticky for want of a better word. give it a go and see how you get on, its a hard thing to do but as with all things once you crack it its easy as anything.......

if you need any help just give me a pm and i will do what i can old son...

regards.

chris.

ps, try the teasel it is much easier i personally found, the spindle is much more important than the hearth board type i found too, with a good spindle i got a coal from hazel and teasel....best of luck..

Cheers Chris, I never thought of soaking my hands; I shall try that and let you know how it goes.

I've also got a wobbly teasel (like you used!) and some thinner hazel so that's me sorted for a while.

Top banana :You_Rock_

 

[lannyman8]

nay probs mate, i tend to use my fingers and a little of my palm, i think this helps avoid the blisters too, well ad-least on the fat bottom bit of the palm, but when you have finished a day later it feels like my joints are bruised, which i suppose they kind of are, but its all good because i can make fire from rubbing 2 sticks together..... the hazel is for the base board, just to make that clear mate...

again if you need anything just give me a shout...