the hand drill

[Snufkin]

Well done, Snufkin
Any sign of the blisters everyone keeps mentioning?

Not this time, but I've been trying off and on for ages and have had plenty of blisters in the past. Had a go last friday and got blisters coming up but they had hardened up a bit so I went for another attempt.

 

[Snufkin]

i would love to try fire by friction but i am not sure what one
it seems to me that the bow and drill method is the easiest should i try this one first
leon

Bow drill is much easier to master as you can keep trying until you are knackered without waiting for the blisters to heal in between attempts. The hand drill is much more satisfying though.

 

[rich59]

Just got my first ember with the hand drill . Managed it with thumb loops before but this was the first time au naturel, as it were.

Budlea drill with clemetis hearth. Took a little long (maybe two minutes) but I think my hearth was too thick and it took a while for the dust to accumulate.

Fantastatic Snufkin. And beautiful picture too.

2 minutes is good going. A gentle phase between first smoke and a last all out effort helps you get your breath back and gets the last bit of moisture out of the wood.

 

[rich59]

i would love to try fire by friction but i am not sure what one
it seems to me that the bow and drill method is the easiest should i try this one first
leon

There is always the electric power drill method - turn it down to low speed and you get quite a good simulation of bow or hand drilling. It gives you knowledge of how much and how fast you need to work when doing it by hand or bow. Find woods that give powdery punk without grittiness.

 

[leon-b]

thats a good idea i would never of thought of thanks i'll have to try it
leon