oh the hand drill? jcl_md made it for me. From what I understand it's bamboo or cane of some sort for the hand portion. Then a larger hollow piece is attached to that. The bindings keep it from splitting when you insert your actual spindle which will create the ember. Makes for a nice setup that you can try different material, without needing a big pile of sticks. It's really handy for times you can't find a big enough piece for the spindle. I've only used it twice now, but I love the idea of it. As for photos, I'll try to get you some close ups tomorrow.
Ok awesome! Does the insert ever stay put and the hand drill move or is there not enough downward force to cause it to bind up?
1. Spindle inserts, tapered at the ends. It friction fits into section 2. So far I haven't had it slip, you can push it in pretty snug. 2. Spindle host section. It's hollow all the way through, both sides internally tapered. The front portion is cord wrapped to prevent cracking/splitting. The end that fits onto section 3 is also cord wrapped for the same reason, but also wraps onto section three for holding. There may be some kind of glue involved there, but I'm not certain. 3. Main body that your hands will use. 4. Hearth
Tried Cedar on Cedar today. Wood was a little damp This combo was a no go for me (for now), wood was a little too damp, and my sissy arms too weak. OH Buckeye spindle with a Cedar hearth however got the green light.
Mud, those pictures are awesome!!! Thanks!!! Ill have to see what i can come up with around here. I really like that you can work with different woods with the same feel to the spindle. Cedar has been my go to around here but ive got a good dry board.
Thanks, I'd love to see what you come up with. I think this stuff is river cane. I may try to make a fancy one down the road with some scrap materials, when I find the time. Yes, it's a wicked awesome idea. Don't know who came up with it, but it's pure genius. You have the benefit of being able to try whatever materials- without needing to hunt for a piece long enough to work as a stand alone spindle. While this was made of cane or bamboo, I'm not sure if there's a specific reason for it. I'm not sure if having a lighter or heavier spindle would make a difference. Only one way to find out.. It's one of the few activities I can do before work, since it doesn't take up much time. I'm itching to work on knives though.
The reality of friction fire. Spent two hours struggling to get an ember. Learned my new bigger spindle was not getting the velocity i needed due to the brown dust versus black im used to seeing. Spent another 45 minutes with quartz and steel to get an ember. Skills depreciate. The weather and your physical state matter. I got a fire but the struggle is humbling. Very very humbling.
Bout time! I haven't been able to work on fire or do squat, had too much rain. Was this Bow drill or hand drill? Materials used? You got a good size coal there. Nice work.
Thank you sir. Same cedar on cedar supply but new spindle. Bow drill. Played with some milk weed or something today to get a feel for hand drill. Will break into it after the new year.
Me too. Gonna stick with cedar on cedar. Just have to go searching for the right stuff next woods trip.
Cedar on cedar bow drill. First try went out second try got more air and took off. Went from here to a premade jute bundle and cedar chips. Poof! I give you fire gentlemen.
We had the plague run through our house twice and we are still recovering. Had hoped to be in the woods this weekend but with the weather it wasnt wise.
Just as a keeping it real post. Tried to extend the usefulness of a divot in the fireboard and failed miserably at making fire today. Using a ferro rod after doing all this friction fire work is like using a lighter when used to a ferro rod. We got a fire in the woodburning stove but i "cheated".
