Actually a high pitched squeaking is very common and lets you know your making some good friction. You can really stir up a good bit of noise when you get that spindle turning good and making some good smoke. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I usually start out with moderate pressure and good long strokes at a good even pace, and then when I start getting some good smoke, I lighten a little on the pressure and speed up a bit on the strokes. You want a lot of smoke before you stop.

Also, make sure and lock the hand with the handhold against your leg so that the spindle doesn't move around too much, that'll help you keep your strokes level and even too.

Just remember loooong even level strokes, it's very easy to go too fast at the start and make the strokes too short.

One of these days when I have time, I want to do a tutorial complete with step by step pics from making the parts all the way through to the fire itself. Maybe someday... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />