hand drill problem

[irishbushcraftmarine]

So I've been working on the hand drill for a while now. I came very close to a coal with willow spindle on a lime branch I found dead on the ground. Now my lime branch is gone so I cut another lime branch around 2 weeks ago and I've been letting it dry on my Aga (a stove like cooker that is always on 24/7 and heating) and still it doesnt work. When I spin the spindle on it it heats up but it just polishes the hearthwood. Whats wrong?

[Valantine]

sounds like its still damp

[Stamp]

Try seasoning some wood for a few months which should help, try elder on ivy.