lighting fire

[ian]

Can any one tell me what are the best woods to start a fire by friction. i understand you need a softer half than spindle but i have never maneged to do it. I believe it is the combination of woods i have treid are the problem. Any tips.

[Paul Webster]

Mikewilkinson posted this in the fire and stove forum, might be what you're after...

http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?314-Some-useful-info-regards-the-fire-bows

[Celt_Ginger]

You will get loads of differing opinions on this one. My personal favourite is a Hazel spindle on a Lime base board. But, try loads of different types and find out yourself what ones work best for you.

[GaryBeaner]

Here's a sort of A-Z guide http://paulkirtley.co.uk/2011/bowdrill/

[MikeWilkinson]

Sorry not been on for a while so catching up on threads. Willow on Willow and Hazel on Lime. The old adage about a soft hearth board and harder spindle is good, but for many usng the same wood is the best option, everything wears at the same speed and finding good wood is fairly easy when it is all at one source.

My advice practice with the easy woods like willow on willow, but once you get the hang of it, start experimenting, try green wood, try super soft rotten wood, use high resin woods. You won't always get an ember but you will learn the finer control of pressure and speed and find some useful emergency combinations.