Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: Bevan R. on February 07, 2012, 06:30:30 pm

Title: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: Bevan R. on February 07, 2012, 06:30:30 pm: I am in the planning stages of building a knapping 'pit'. My question is if you use anything special to build in the base 'floor'. I was thinking about some sand then thought the neighborhood cats would think it is a giant litterbox.
I am just wondering what others have done/used if anything.
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: gstoneberg on February 07, 2012, 07:03:37 pm: I throw a tarp down wherever I want to knapp. Every month or so I have a friend help me pick up the corners and we empty it into a garbage can.

George
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: Pat B on February 07, 2012, 07:10:32 pm: Most knapping pits I've seen had a few inches at least of debatage for a floor. I think all you need is a roof and something to contain the floor! ;D
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: Bevan R. on February 07, 2012, 07:15:29 pm: I have those parts planned, But I figure it will take awhile for the debatage to build up if I am the only one knapping. I plan on putting a 'growth barrier' in the floor to stop weeds and such from comming up. I was trying to figure out something to put over it. About the best I have come up with is crushed rock, not river gravel.
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: osage outlaw on February 07, 2012, 07:18:14 pm: How about a layer of wood shavings ;D
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: mullet on February 08, 2012, 01:05:08 am: If you don't plan on knapping much, Round-Up works ???. And if you are just starting out and you have money and a lot of trade goods for rock it won't take you long to build up a layer of Debutage. :'(
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: Bone pile on February 08, 2012, 10:15:41 am: Stop by the house and I'll give ya few buckets of chips to get your floor started 8)
Bone pile
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: Pappy on February 08, 2012, 10:39:56 am: You will need to contain it,I built the one at TwinOaks years ago,all I needed was one Classic and I feel sure nothing will ever grow there again. ;D ;D it's at least 6 inches deep in debre,I dug it out about 6 or 8 inches to start with and started with a gravel floor. :) It has been expanded twice since then and empty a few times also. For personal use I am sure you won't have that problem. :)
Pappy
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: cowboy on February 08, 2012, 10:43:39 am: That sounds familiar Pappy. Mine has been shoveled out a few times over the years and piled up elsewhere. Nothin fancy just rocks and debitage. Everybody just learned to wear shoes around my fair weather knapping area ::).
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: Pat B on February 08, 2012, 01:20:09 pm: The Twin Oaks knapping floor filled up mquite quickly. Probably the only dry spot there a few years ago. Good drainage! ;)
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: Bevan R. on February 08, 2012, 03:18:11 pm: Quote from: Pappy on February 08, 2012, 10:39:56 am
I dug it out about 6 or 8 inches to start with and started with a gravel floor. :)

Thanks Pappy! That is what I was asking. I know it will eventually get covered with flakes, breaks, & blood. But I want to start of with a good base.
Title: Re: Building a Knapping Pit
Post by: TRACY on February 08, 2012, 07:45:35 pm: Mine is near the fire pit. Never had problems with weeds cause the sun won't penetrate through all the debitage over the last 5 years. Dogs and kids have learned to steer clear of it unless they are knapping also- kids that is. Chickens on the other hand pick through it. Like Hillbilly, flip flops or bare feet works for me. Make it to suit you!

Tracy