Two hand drill embers. One is seep willow on willow The other is seep willow on sotol but using an old hole to catch the ember (eventually making the entire board a coal extender).
Ive not had luck at using another burnt out spot to collect a coal. Seems to smother it out everytime. I could see changing pressure and speed would help but im not there yet.
It can be tricky for sure. Faster speed, less pressure usually helps. Also if the old hole is pretty deep in the board.
Sometimes things just don’t wanna break your way. My friend Mike Lowe taught me a lot about what I know about friction fire. Talking to him yesterday reminded me that even he says “Friction Fire is not always a sure thing”. Even with known materials and a tested set, there are often other factors at play. I’m usually good after two attempts (second one generally produces an ember), but yeah, for whatever reason yesterday was more difficult than usual. Practice makes better. Failure makes a learner.
I've been working on a yucca and willow set that I got from Kelso. I also picked up a sweet bearing block bracelet from him. I change up the blade that I'm using to carve to the notch, but this wood combo is impressive. I've also worked with yucca on Bradford pear, cedar on cedar, and yucca on yucca. It's good to be back on the ember train.
Seep willow on sotol. My notch blew out when cutting it out, but I made do and still was able to spin out an ember.