chris,<br>the problem i've been haveing is the powder is comeing out brown insted of black. and I can't make out wether I want more downwards presure or less. I can get a fair bit of smoke but just no coal. if I use more downwards presure I just seem to go through hearth with out making a coal form. I've mastered the bowdrill but really want to be able to produce fire with out any cordage. <br>more advise please!!!<br>thanks. <br>-james<br>P.S I whole hartedly agree about practicing with bad materials, thats what i'm working on with the bow drill at the moment.