Thanks for the comments
Parnell, I use the rod for fluting and some reduction too. I rely on the rod when I'm not feeling too accurate with direct percussion, and I'll use it to clean up behind the bopper a lot of times, and I have made points with nuttin but the rod.
The rod is the only indirect tool I have but I sure need to make some smaller ones and learn to use them too. I think a smaller setup would work circles around this big rod at finishing or reducing smaller rocks.
My accuracy is lacking with it but I prefer direct percussion over indirect on anything and I always use it when I can.
I did this whole clovis with direct percussion and some pressure flaking except for the flutes and I would do the flutes direct too if I thought I could hit the nipple in the center. I think so anyway, because in the past I've gotten just about the same results with direct percussion as with indirect. The thing that is making my flutes better now is the preparation of the nipple no doubt.
Preform shape is playing a role too in the flutes doing better probably.
Neuse, I'd love to sit and knap with you sometime. I just flat out love to knap.
God bless! and MERRY CHRISTMAS!