Hi all, this is my first post, just letting y’all know.
Now I know there’s been another post about this recently, but it didn’t answer all my questions, so here goes.
First, I’ll outline my materials:
Socket:
Wood type: Not sure, very, very hard, maybe hickory
Size: 1" x 1/2" x 1"
Spindle:
Wood type: Once again, not sure, but soft enough to dent with my finger
Size: 1’ long, 3/4" thick.
Shape: Pointed at the top, rounded at the bottom.
Bow:
Wood: Sycamore (Green)
Size: 1/2" thick, 2’ long
Shape: Slight arc
Fireboard:
Wood: Don’t know, not the same type as the spindle.
Size: 10" x 3/4" x 1/2"
Ok, now that that is done, time for my technique…
I start by placing the board flat on the ground, then place my left foot on top, perpendicular to the board. I kneel down andplace my right leg straight out behind me. I wrap the spindle in the bowstring and place it on the fireboard. I place the socket in my left hand and rest my arm on my left kneecap. I begin moving the bow in a sawing motion and the punk starts off a light brown, then darker, then black. The spindle begins smoking heavily, and I ramp up the speed for 15 more strokes. At the end, the spindle and fireboard are too hot to touch, and slightly glazed over. The punk is cooler than ever and after a few seconds the spindle and fireboard begin to stop smoking.
Well, now I’ve described everything I’ve done, any tips, comments, whatever, is appreciated. Thanks in advance, I’ll be checking up in a day or 2.
Alex
