Next, I removed them from the water, towel dried them and waited another 30 minutes before carving a starting hole and notch in the hearthboard. The wood looked and felt wet. When I applied my usual bow-drill effort it took a little longer than usual before the wood dust started to smoke. I then gave it maximum effort. Plenty of smoke and black char, but no glowing ember.
Moisture is driven from the wood.
Very little wood is worn away. Temperature is probably less than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. The wood starts to decompose and char. Smoke starts coming from the wood. The wood is being worn away.