I have found that with things like palm branches, that are almost triangular in cross-section, it can be an advantage to leave the central part of the spindle a bit rough (i.e. don't round it off too much). This helps to prevent the bowstring slipping.
I have good success with a number of different "woods" for the baseboard, that are not actual wood. The flower stem of most of the aloe species will work. It's a small baseboard, but will work, especially with a hand drill.
@MiWilderness Thanks! Yeah, palm trees usually like warm tropical environments. It is nice to see folks use non-typical woods for friction fires, so I thought I'd join the crowd, ha ha.
@kitsurubami No. I just tried it with an Oak spindle and it worked about the same. Managing speed & downward pressure help avoid drilling through the fireboard. It was a little fatter (~5/8") than the spindle in this vid. With softer woods, using more surface area can also help reduce drilling through the fireboard too quickly.
I should make a video showing this. Maybe with a seashell as a bearing-block.
I live in fl now and this was very good to know!!! THANKS
mrouterrim 1 week ago
I never would have guessed you could make a fireboard/spindle with a palm brach. Excellent video. Nice work and determination.
onebadboy2 2 months ago
I have found that with things like palm branches, that are almost triangular in cross-section, it can be an advantage to leave the central part of the spindle a bit rough (i.e. don't round it off too much). This helps to prevent the bowstring slipping.
I have good success with a number of different "woods" for the baseboard, that are not actual wood. The flower stem of most of the aloe species will work. It's a small baseboard, but will work, especially with a hand drill.
ROBwithaB 3 months ago
We don't have that here, but you do make some great friction fire vids.
MiWilderness 3 months ago
@MiWilderness Thanks! Yeah, palm trees usually like warm tropical environments. It is nice to see folks use non-typical woods for friction fires, so I thought I'd join the crowd, ha ha.
gundog5 3 months ago
would a more dense spindle of a different wood drill through too fast without enough heat?
kitsurubami 3 months ago
@kitsurubami No. I just tried it with an Oak spindle and it worked about the same. Managing speed & downward pressure help avoid drilling through the fireboard. It was a little fatter (~5/8") than the spindle in this vid. With softer woods, using more surface area can also help reduce drilling through the fireboard too quickly.
I should make a video showing this. Maybe with a seashell as a bearing-block.
gundog5 3 months ago
Have you ever experimented with seashells as a bearing?
IHatchetJack 3 months ago
@IHatchetJack Yes, I've used seashells. They work well. I should make a video using them.
gundog5 3 months ago
Man, that stuff works great. I can't wait to get down to Florida and gather some palm now! I'm always up for trying new materials.
Thanks for the vid, gundog.
crunksknunk 3 months ago