Sycamore, but which sycamore?

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2trapper

Forager
Apr 11, 2011
211
1
Italy
In order to making fire with bow drill technique, sycamore is one of the most considered wood. In botany, however, there are several trees under the name of sycamore (platanus orientalis, platanus occidentalis, acer pseudoplatanus, ecc). Which is the one used for bow drill?
 

Harvestman

Bushcrafter through and through
May 11, 2007
8,656
26
55
Pontypool, Wales, Uk
Acer pseudoplatanus is the sycamore that most people in the UK think of when they hear the word sycamore.

Whether it is the best for fire drills I don't know.
 

Toddy

Mod
Mod
Jan 21, 2005
38,937
4,570
S. Lanarkshire
Where do you read that sycamore is the most widely used wood for bow drill fire lighting ?
Sycamore is an introduced species in the UK and doesn't grow everywhere. Hazel, willow and pine however………:)

M
 

dwardo

Bushcrafter through and through
Aug 30, 2006
6,451
475
46
Nr Chester
You will find as much variance within a species as across species when it comes to density/elasticity/compression.
I would say pseudoplatanus is our sycamore. Still prefer hazel and willow my self as its easier to find in straighter lengths.
 

Toddy

Mod
Mod
Jan 21, 2005
38,937
4,570
S. Lanarkshire
I'm demonstrating firelighting tomorrow morning. I'm using an ivy hearth board and hazel drill tips in the spindle. I've also got a split elder board and a mullien spindle though.

M
 

2trapper

Forager
Apr 11, 2011
211
1
Italy
I read it in several forums and several blogs. However also Hazel on lime was very popular in same resources. Thanks to all who answered
 

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