Tim, you might look up a rock club, or gem club, and there just might be a knapper in there, or they may know of someone.
Worth a try......
But yeah, it will definitely speed things up, and you won't wast your good stuff. I am still sitting on some of my good stuff, afraid to waste it. Also like they said before, check with a glass company, and see if they will let you do a little dumpster diving......will help you work out the basics, and get used to how much pressure, when and where, angles, abrading, and platforms. Then hopefully you will have found a mentor.
I was very lucky, I found out Eddie lived about 2hrs, or so from me, and he lives a couple of miles from Claude Van Order. It really has helped me a lot. Still not where I would like to be, but I am a whole lot better than when I started. Didn't know one end of a flaker from the other. Didn't even know what they looked like. So it was very fortunate for me, not so much for Eddie, I got a lot of his rock......but my addiction is due mainly to him. The videos, help, but it is not like being there watching someone, who knows what they are doing, and you can ask questions, and they can give you hands on advice, and instructions. Good luck with finding a mentor.
Wayne
Wayne
