I dont' get it. Deep flakes across the surface.

[Prarie Bowyer]

How do you get thse flakes across the surface of a point.  As I get to thicker material My ability to keep the edge reducing diminishes till I wind up with a rounded edge that I can't seem to get a chip off. 

But I see heads that have flakes coming nearly clean across teh face of the stone.  Like the Ishi Bottle bottom pieces.  Mine would be flat glas in the middle and knapped edges around.

I haven't tried indirect purcussion yet.  So far my deepest flake is 1/4" tops.

[bushman]

Sounds like me. I had the same problem. It takes a little while to get the hang of it. When I was having the same problem as you I asked how to get longer flakes. Here the post:  http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,26523.msg356175.html#msg356175
It helped me, hope it helps you some.
Bushman

[nlester]

I got the same problem.  Very frustrating.

[iowabow]

Hope this helps. Also read Tower how to it is goooood

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,28247.0.html

[YosemiteBen]

judicious platform preparation and a little confidence. Manage some good ones myself but got lots to learn.

[ozy clint]

i have the same problem but i'm starting to prepare platforms that are below center and now i get longer flakes. i find it very hard to get long flakes with platforms on the center line. try hitting more into the stone too.

[Prarie Bowyer]

I tried some alergichobbit form youtube style indirect percussion knapping and it got better flakes.  Pressure flaking I still can't seem to get it.

I'm not realy understanding what is meant by "platform below center".  I haven't flet like I gained much from abrading so far.
 

[chief deer]

Rock is hard to push up hill. Same with pressure flakes they don't go up hill very easy. Prepare your edge below center of the mass. You must abrade or the edge will crush. This could be one of several problems. Angle of force edge preparation and sharpness of tip and using legs are a few that will let you push pretty one inch flakes. Mike

[Ncsnipe]

When I manage to get them to run across the point its usually because I'm not in a rush. This lets me concentrate on looking for ridges that the flake can follow and also makes me think about how I need to make the platform. Also someone posted a video on how to increase the mass of the rock being struck by wrapping a flat rock wrapped in leather over it. These things are what have helped me.

[Prarie Bowyer]

i saw that video! I forgot about that!

[iowabow]

I started a notching post to help you guys out.   

[Knapper]

Alot of great help here. Platform prep is very impotant also study your flint and take your time, slow and steady has always helped me.