Pine on willow. This actually took pretty fast. I'm hoping to get out to harvest some more materials this weekend.
That would be great. We have a lot, but it's mostly small stuff that's mostly heartwood or huge old trees I'd hate to cut. If you're in the market for any materials let me know and we could do a flat rate box swap.
It's a lot of fun and comes with a great sense of accomplishment. I don't think I'll stop refining my bowdrill for a long time and I still need to add more hand drill in.
My first set made in the woods and will all gathered materials other than an old leather shoe lace i used for the bow string. Struck coal on the second try. Bopped it into a nest of cedar bark shreds and within seconds i was a fire breathing dragon. Lordy, i do love this stuff!!!! R Stowe, i managed to get a good haul of red cedar although all of it has the red "heartwood" center you were talking about. Ive not had any issues with it and I'm happy to send a box your way next week.
That's awesome. Maybe I'm doing something wrong with the cedar. I'd definitely be up for some Thanks!
My knees are pretty much used up so I rely on low hanging branches to strap my fire board to. It took two tries today for a ember. In my area I mostly have yucca to work with.
Took a turn at hand drill today. I suck. Ive got to find a smaller diameter spindle and some muscles/callouses.