Friction Fire Fail & Success

My favorite primitive friction fire kit using the hand drill method includes a spindle and baseboard both made of mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), also sometimes called 'seep willow'. Dry leaves of thistle are an excellent tinder. I failed on the first attempt and then added some green illite powder in the notch for the second attempt. I don't know if that helped or not. Further testing will be required.