Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: Youngboyer2(billyf) on January 18, 2013, 04:32:24 pm
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I know that it has something to do with angles and force and dullness, but I just can't make it happen. I use antler or a nail to pressure flake and I use an antler or an old rasp handle(end filled with sand&superglue) for percussion. My percussion flakes are sizable but my pressure flakes are always small, and a lot of the glass I work on is a risk of breaking with a bopper.
-Billy
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i have a similar problem, my bet, is that you are not supporting your work as best you can. the better the support, the better set up you do (i.e. abrasion) the longer the flakes are likely to be. also, you can use your knees to provide more pressure to the flake and drive it farther. Thats all i have for now. GL
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billy I work ton's of obsidian and glass slabs all pressure flake, abrade the heck out of the edges push strait in fairly hard and then down, I try and get to the center the first time around, if your still getting short flakes try and go a little higher on the edge
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Set up the platform at or below the centerline pushing in and then down as Bubby said. I'm slowly learning over several years now that this is key to controlling flake length and location. Practice, practice, practice! :)
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tracy's right, practice bring's confidence, confidence and more practice will take you the rest of the way
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Practice is the key and as mentioned build the pressure push..use some effort then detach the flake...it is possible to pressure flake long and fairly wide flakes depending on the type and thickness of your flaker on obsidian I can run 4 inch flakes or more....u can thin using pressure
Russ
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Better tools, better technique, more practice. Good luck ;)
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The length of the flakes is proportional to the strength of the platform. If you are not getting long flakes, you do not have strong platforms.
You also need convexity, thickness, and a ridge to follow. The shape of the preform must be prepared carefully.
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Billy it is real difficult to start knapping. It just drives you nuts in the beginning because so many things need your focus at one time. All these guys have great advice but read Will's post again. You need good tools!
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Going to post a few links of my early start.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,22851.0.html (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,22851.0.html)
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,23715.msg318448.html#msg318448 (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,23715.msg318448.html#msg318448)