I tried goldenrod on a red cedar hearthboard and a sassafras hearthboard today. I got a lot of smoke and dark char with both, but no coal. I used a lot of speed and not much pressure. Wicked blisters.
Got aspen spindle and hearth with bow drill the other night. Got it on first try which made me feel good ’cause I’ve heard it is tough. I used a fair amount of speed and moderate pressure. Made a big coal.