Uploaded December 2011 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Cheating a bit using the hand drill friction fire method. Just looking for ways to practice the hand drill more frequently without tearing up my hands. Right now, I can do several attempts in a session before my hands start to get sore and blister. I'd like to be able to try many times in a session so I can try different wood types and what-not. Ideally, you want the best materials properly prepared so you do it right the first time so you don't tear up your hands with multiple failed attempts.
I used Yellow Pine for the fireboard and Dog Fennel for the spindle bit. I fire hardened (heat treated) them earlier over a fire to carbonize them a bit (and remove moisture) so the set would be a little easier to use. Also made a thumb loop concept to apply good downward pressure.
Cheating a bit using the hand drill friction fire method. Just looking for ways to practice the hand drill more frequently without tearing up my hands. Right now, I can do several attempts in a session before my hands start to get sore and blister. I'd like to be able to try many times in a session so I can try different wood types and what-not. Ideally, you want the best materials properly prepared so you do it right the first time so you don't tear up your hands with multiple failed attempts.
I used Yellow Pine for the fireboard and Dog Fennel for the spindle bit. I fire hardened (heat treated) them earlier over a fire to carbonize them a bit (and remove moisture) so the set would be a little easier to use. Also made a thumb loop concept to apply good downward pressure.
