Ketawai Island, Indonesia. Photo by Rendy Saputra on Unsplash
The fire plough is a fire-by-friction method used in Polynesia. It’s one of the few friction methods I’ve never tried.
I’ve seen demonstrations of the technique. But I’ve never witnessed anyone make it fun like Kap Tafiti of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Kap makes fire with two wild hibiscus sticks while giving a running commentary. He really seems to be having a good time!
Here’s the video. I suggest you watch it full-screen.
What fire-by-friction methods have you tried? Which do you like the best? Tell me about your experience in the comment below.
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Great video on the fire plough!
What other woods could be used?
Obviously has to be VERY d,ry
Tommy, the woods traditionally used for these techniques do not grow on the mainland United States. I do not use this technique myself (my favorites are bow-drill and bamboo fire saw). However, I have read that several species that grow here can be used: Basswood, Cedar, Cottonwood, Poplar, Redwood, and Willow. For the hearthboard: Yucca, Sotol, Hickory, and Bamboo are preferred. If I were wanting to learn the technique, I would begin with Sotol because I have had good experiences with it for hand-drill firemaking. The wood information I’m sharing with you is from (https://lifesongadventures.com/2021/01/fire-plow-wood-types/).