Bow drill woods?

[cut it out]

So what wood do you guys prefer for spindle and hearth? I get smoke but no ember??
Also I live in the. North east if that helps

 

[kgd]

My favorites are Eastern cottonwood, weeping willow and balsam fir. I also like basswood, its the easiest to work on, but its critical that you find a piece that isn't going punky at all since its so soft. American sycamore works great. White cedar works well but can be finicky at times as is Sumac.

 

[VA27]

Cottonwood and Basswood are top o' the heap. Willow is ok.