Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: soy on September 15, 2011, 01:25:40 am
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Hi all I was working in some knocks on an ironwood bow when my file broke... I want to try knaping and have no clue, and no tools..will this work for pressure flaking or will it be to brittle ???
Thanks for any input.
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I would think that a file would be too hard of a metal. It should work to an extent but you will not be able to get the heads sharp very easily with it. What I use is a nail in the end of a two foot long piece of wood about the circumference of a broom handle. I file the head off and to a slight point. And sharpen the end of the wood to make it look like a big pencil with the nail being the (pencil lead) so to speak. The nail seems to work well because it is a softer metal. I need to try copper. Hope this helps.
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How thick dose the copper need to be? I have ground wire from an old power pole might that work better than the file?
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Yes grounding wire works great. I use an old broom stick. Follow mspink's post. Leave no more than 1 1/2" sticking out. Some twist it off in a vise/drill to harden the copper. Scan past posts for similar info.
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That is exiting, can't wait to get home!!!! I've got an old tv sitting outside who is about to meet its maker >:D any tips?
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Ok got home and made what I think was described, twisted the copper made a point on the tip, and made it look kinda like a pencil. Let me know if I am in the ball park :D I ran a broadhead into a pizza box with a tv behind it and wound up with a broken arrow, bent broadhead,and a laughing tv with a chip in it.....man that little tv is tough....gonna waite tell tomorrow and bring out the heavy artillery >:D
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Soy , ground wire works fine for pressure flaking , I usually leave no more than 1-1//4 out the front. I have some tv screen that is nearly 3/4" thick so get some heavy artillery for breaking it, I would use caution with the dust that is on the back of screen, I here its not to good for ya. I would say the file is to hard an brittle for pressure flaking. Good luck with your tv an post the results. ;D ;D Bob
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I started flaking with the pointed end of a file and found that it slipped off to easy. The copper acts like deer antler. See what happens is that the copper starts to form to the surface of the flint and hold it as the flake is removed. The antler does the same thing but the copper wears better. I use horseshoe nails to do finishing work like final flakes and notching. One might think harder is better but with knapping is is just not true. Copper and anter is the path you should follow.
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I forgot to add that there are some very talented people on PA that use hammer stones. I use them the sprawl out large rocks. Here is a pictuer of my tool kit.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m559/iowabow2/1310301923814.jpg)
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You might be able to stick that file in a bed of hot coals and leave overnight to soften it up. I've only used copper, so I'm not sure if it'll work worth a crap though.
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Yep, i'd go with the copper. That's funny about the tv - how about a hammer? And i would be upwind while your working on it.
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Yep, i'd go with the copper. That's funny about the tv - how about a hammer? And i would be upwind while your working on it.
I never realized TV's had a good nose. I'll remember that time Im stalking through the living room and setting up in my favorite stand I call the small couch.
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Thanks guys ;)
Iowabow nice set o tools, looks like im going to have to find some more
JustinNc the thing about tv hunting is you can't let them know they are being hunted you are doing it correctly ....hang in there and you will have a shot....aim small miss small ;D
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VICTORY!!!!!! I have emerged from battle with the tv victorious .......now what I have a piece I have chosen to be my first attempt at knipping, I took my new tool in my right hand and my newly fashioned piece of glass clad in leather in my left, I put the tool to the glass with anticipation and a grin and.....nothing :-\ I try agan and this time a copper streak...closer...one moor time and BAM a chip!!! But sadly I know not how it was made because I can not duplicate what I have done.where can I find an answer? How do I move on? Some one help me put an end to this madness.....please
If I make any progress I will at that time post pics
Thanks for looking /helping. Soy
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Check out allergichobbit on Youtube. I can't get it, due to dial-up connection, but I saw a little and hear it's great help. You gotta take it slow. don't try to take off more than a 1/16" bite or so. I think a lot of guys would be using a purcussion tool @ the start, a golf ball sized rock, sorta rounded. Get a pad for your seated thigh bone and support your glass against your leg w/ your left hand, protect your left hand too. The glass will break @ a 100 deg. angle from a 130 deg. blow. ;D how's that for confusing? Get you some superglue, duct/electrical tape and some bandaids out there too. ;) Check out the Youtube vids if possible, I think that will give you a good idea of what you're after. Good luck....and watch out that you don't get addicted. >:D
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I started knapping a year ago. Many people helped me and I ask the same question that you are asking and will soon ask. I suggest that you start reading the post that I wrote. I suggest this not because of what I wrote but because of the replies from all of the great knapper in here. I will post two pictures to show you what I did in 9 months.
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The small point was the results of a whole days efforts back in Jan this year. Because of the help from some great people I was able to make this point a couple of weeks back. I hope this post is helpful.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m559/iowabow2/flint/2011-09-17084023.jpg)
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Nice progress iowabow ,thanks I will check it out.
bowtarist thanks I will look into that as well ;)