Interesting bow drill experience

[ChrisM]

Hi everyone, I was practicing the bow drill earlier today, using xanthorrhoea for the board and spindle. Had lots of smoke but no ember, or so I thought until I realised that the centre of the spindle itself was smoking and glowing red hot, I was able to blow it into a very large ember.
Has anyone else had this happen?

 

[Requiem]

When I practise, which is admittedly not frequently enough, it’s only been with Xanthorrhoea. This happened to me as well but hand drilling rather than with a bow. The base was too thin and very pithy, I applied too much downward pressure, and the tip of the drill had a hollow that was only just below the tip. As fine powder was generated, the end of the drill disintegrated and the hollow filled with the hot dust, becoming an ember when I stopped to check and it got some air.
This particular stalk was very thick but filled with grubs when I split it to make the board. On another day it suddenly snapped while drilling and applying downward pressure due to other hollows within.