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Heat treating rock (the old fashioned way)
cowboy:
Makete: The heat treating changes the stones composition in some way. Most all knappable stones have varying amounts of quartz, which is (I believe) the part that changes the most. The high heat (it has been said) either rearanges the atomic structure of the stone, or somehow fills in the microscopic gaps between molecules - thus allowing the shock wave of pressure or percussion to travel further through the stone.
I'm not sure on the agate, it seems like it would be slick enough to work. I have found points made of all quartz - really grainy terrible working stuff, they weren't thin but appeared as if they'd work - that's all those people had in the area. I have walked the shores of lake Michigan on both sides and didn't find anything I could use.
DBernier:
Cowboy, nice thread. Now I don't have to post mine. On the HT, one point also, on the granite like material, the HT seems to make it "easier" to remove material. Another given, especially Florida Coral, is the unbelievable colors you get. I am converting one of my table saws to a 10 inch slab saw for processing a bunch of material. Hope to HT that stuff during the winter months.
On the quartz deal, a lot of the "old" Northeastern points are made of quartz. They are chunky and not very sharp. Could be worn down thru the ages. Again, nice thread and you do absolutely beautiful work. Vinson says to say hello.
Dick
cowboy:
Thanks Dick. That's right on the coral, beautiful colors - a lot of this TX stuff will change color during HT also, Just too many variation's to mention. I have cooked some of the quartz (quartzite?) cobbles that I've found - It'll actually make a point, but the edge crumbles too easily to run long flakes.
I'd like to hook up with you and Vinson again - matter of fact we have another job going on in NC right now, maybe I'll make a run out there. Hmmm......... East or West - got one up in WA state too.
D. Tiller:
Hey! If your arround Whidbey Island WA give me a ring.
David T
mullet:
Makete,Agate makes some nice points.Most I've tried works real well after heating in the 450 to 500 dgrs range.
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