Twisted fire starter

[den]

Hello all
Well I’m just wondering what type of wood or combinations of wood you all prefer when using a hand drill to make fire.
The one I’ve had most success with is an Elder hearth and spindle. I’ve tried burdock without success and have some teasel to try.
Any tips or hints would be appreciated

Cheers
Den

 

[al]

elder hand drill and willow board works for me , burnt a hazel drill in the other day but havnt got round to trying it out yet

 

[den]

elder hand drill and willow board works for me , burnt a hazel drill in the other day but havnt got round to trying it out yet

al
Is that for a hand drill? I've used hazel as a spindle for the bow drill on a ivy hearth,which has got to be one of my favorites.

 

[al]

yes its for a handrilll,just tried it funnily enough and not much luck,stacks of smoke though so its probably down to me being tired out (my son is teething for england) although the dust isnt sustaining itself but im sure theres a reason for that that one of the old hands can point out, i use hazel for the drill on a bow drill too and it rocks

 

[den]

How wide is the spindle?

 

[al]

just over 1 cm and about 2 foot long

 

[den]

I agree Hazel rocks,and so easy to find a good bit

 

[Adi007]

Ivy makes an excellent wood, as does willow.

 

[al]

my daughter found the piece i`m trying for the handrill so the pressuer is one on this one

 

[Adi007]

yes its for a handrilll,just tried it funnily enough and not much luck,stacks of smoke though so its probably down to me being tired out (my son is teething for england) although the dust isnt sustaining itself but im sure theres a reason for that that one of the old hands can point out, i use hazel for the drill on a bow drill too and it rocks

What color and consistency is the dust you are getting?

 

[al]

the right colour medium brown turning to dark and its down to me not giving it enough,oh sleep why does thou evade my embrace

 

[al]

having said that,i know i can do it so its quite nice to fail and smugly look at the drill and say " well i`ll just pop off and get me some elder then and use you as kindling" :drillserg

 

[den]

Ivy makes an excellent wood, as does willow.

Is it possible to use it for the spindle as well?

 

[Adi007]

Is it possible to use it for the spindle as well?

Yeah, although you would be better with a harder spindle.

 

[Ed]

Ivy is a great wood to use as a hearth as its very quick to get going. I've just made up about 10 of them for a childrens playscheme I'm teaching at this summer.... most children can get them smoking within no time at all (under 1 min) using a bow drill..... unlike some woods I've tried.


Ed