Yes, I've had great success with yucca and western red cedar. It's what I use 90% of the time. Horseweed works slightly better also, but it's very close to yucca. I suggest making various size host spindles, that way you can use different size spindles. I like 3/8 because it generates more speed, but has a much smaller coal. When you have different size host spindles, you can really get the most mileage out of whatever your material is. Since most pieces will taper itself, you get to use more of it. Tapering the plug for the host spindle can only go so far, before you start cutting into the pithy portion of yucca or horseweed.
Knocked out another quick bow drill tonight, been trying to do one a day. Tried my best to get some low light sparky pics for ya, Strig. News paper tinder bundle again, lol.
Missed yesterday due to some work commitments (see new avatar ) but got one done today. Really getting back into the swing of things as far as bow drill is concerned. Easily able to get a solid coal first try, so I'm likely going to start experimenting with new wood combos soon. At least for as long as we don't have a fire ban...
Failed bow drill attempt from this past weekend with maple on maple. The wood was dead, but still had some moisture. I got lots of smoke, but no sustained ember after 4 or 5 tries between two divots. Fortunately, failed bow drills still provide some nice charred dust that will take a spark easily.
Passing on the knowledge. My little brother successfully made his very first friction fire last night, and even blew a paper tinder bundle to life like a pro. I'm bloody proud Gotta love the tactical Crocs for walking about outside the house Blowing it to life ACTION SHOTS! I also got him to give flint and steel a go, using the ESEE Fire Steel. Oh, and I managed to get my own coal after that as well.
Made a new bow out of mesquite today. Roughed it out with the 6HM, smoothed it out with two different stones, and made cordage holes with a hand drill. Busted out an ember despite strong winds. Practice.
Broke 100 degrees in Arizona today. So went outside and practiced hand drill. Practicing when it's uncomfortable. Woot! Ember life!
@Strigidae Some more sparky pics for ya It got real windy out just after I got my coal. Gathered a small bundle of feathersticks and blew it to life.
Did some hand drill practice at home today. Mullein on Eastern Red Cedar (given to me by James Gibson). Don't have the Cedar out here so that was fun to mess with! Your turn! Go outside!
I used the mullein today as well. Used it on some yucca sent to me from @Datilite. I had two fails yesterday. Bingo today.
Was 112 degrees today (44.44C). Figured it gave me a friction fire advantage. lol So I did some hand drill.
Was out today for a breather and tried to get a hand drill ember with readily sourced materials. Unsuccessful. Every fail is a step close to my next success.
