| Making the Drill |
| The standard size drill is 3/4" (diameter) x 8"-10" (long) As you can see, they can range in size considerably. The larger the diameter, the more effort is required to spin the drill. They will, however, produce a better coal and will last longer than the smaller diametered ones. They should all be as straight as possible, preferably round or octagonal (avoid oval shaped branches) dead, bone dry and, debarked. The bark has a tendency to act as a broom and will "sweep" the developing coal-dust away. I usually make the drill out of the same wood as the fireboard. e.g. cottonwood, willow, alder,cedar,and box elder. Hardness, use the "thumb nail" test. i.e. you should be able to make a small impression with your nail. Do not use hard woods such as oak, nor use woods that are too punky. Avoid woods with resigns, e.g. pine, fir, and spruce. You will get a lot of smoke, but, no coal will develope. |
 |
 |
| CAUTION ! Sharp knife required. Never cut toward yourself !! |
| 1) on one side, about one inch from the end, whittle to nearly the middle |
 |
| 2) turn the drill over and whittle the opposite side down like a flat tipped screwdriver |
 |
| 3) turn it over 90 degrees and, again whittle down to the middle |
 |
| 4) turn to the opposite side and do the same |
 |
| 5) it should be about 1/4" square looking like this |
 |
| 6) whittle off all four corners. The point will be almost perfectly centered on the drill to allow good rotation |
 |
| 6) the finished product should resemble a sharpened pencil, but not quite as pointed |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 1) 1/4" from the tip, the end that make contact with the fire board, whittle off the edges |
| 2) unlike the opposite end, just turn the tip and continue whittling toward the center |
| 3) round off the ridges at the tip |
| 4) the fnished tip should be domed shape. Some instructors teach making more of a point. It's not a bad idea for beginners |
| Carving both ends of the drill |
 |