Heat treating chert with fire, (another thought)

[Josh B]

Man....that stuff looks nice!  I believe the thanks goes the other way though John.  Not just because I'm gonna get some new material to work, but because of your detailed data posting throughout the process.  I now have an idea of where to start on treating some of the tough stone I have laying around.  Thank you very much!  Josh

[Tower]

Great post! I'm a believer in pit cooking.  I loved cooking rocks Abo style. Living in town has busted me down to 2 turkey roasters. Well done Sir.

[twisted hickory]

Great post.
Thanks much for the information posted. This will be used by me

[Stringman]

Good post, John. Just got a chance to read the whole thing. Well done!

[JackCrafty]

Awesome thread!    

[iowabow]

Thanks guys for the comments! I am going to make a couple points and on this thread so stay tuned for an update in the near future.

[StevenT]

Followed the progress all the way through. Gooood stuff!  How about adding a couple pics of the finished products. Thanks.

[bowtarist]

My dial-up went out on Saturday morning.  Got to my high speed spot and got to read thru 4 pages!  Good stuff John. I'll try me a JW pit next time I cook some stone. Can't wait to see the next firings results too. dp

[iowabow]

I think I sometimes think too much but if you know me then you know it's what I enjoy doing.

So here goes the thinking...an old knapper returns to his heat treating pit where he has set up camp for the next few days to heat treat chert. He has fond memories of his grandfather letting him start the fire as his father arranges bifaces by size that will be going into the fire.  His brother older in years continues knocking out bifaces that will be included in the firing this time. It is mid summer on a hill top and the grass has not browned yet due to the drier days of summer.
His day dream is interupted as his sons are returning to camp with the last of the sand and wood that will be used for their fire this time and for the first time he will be passing on his knowledge to others that will join in on this opportunity. He runs the event now after his father pasted during the winter.
The week has been filled with heavy lifting but made easier because the camp is located close to a quarry of fine chert located in the valley. With all of the materials assembled he prepares the pit that is raised from deposits of sand and flakes of chert  and charcoal from generations of knappers.
 
My point is that the mound of sand and ash would amount to a pit that would be above grade and constucted partly from sand. This sandy ground would drain quickly and dry fast.

[iowabow]

I wrote the story below because Rick B got me to think about how my pit is going to fill with water when it rains. Hmmmm I need to do more firings. Deep pits below grade and repeated use do not make sense together.

[cowboy]

Well John I really enjoyed going through this one! I always intended to do a story on cooking rock in the ground just never got one of those round tuits . Been a long while since I've done that. You've got me wanting to get home and fire it up. The temps are very interesting.

[iowabow]

Yes please do it again and come back to this post and list the data. My temps were hard to believe but I am going to do it again and see if it is repeatable.

If any one else want to record data on this post please do so because the search tool on the is site is not good. It will create a bank of knowledge for others wanting to try this.

[Josh B]

I managed to swing by John's place today for a short visit.  He hooked me up with some spalls from this batch.  I couldn't resist trying it out.  Man! Is this nice stone! I'm lovin this stuff!  Thanks John!  Josh

[Stringman]

Nice work Josh! Looks like he got the right cook on it for sure.

[stickbender]

     Great job!  Thanks!  Now the next time, put in a cut up hog, wrapped in foil, with onions, and garlic, and carrots, and some mojo  sauce.   Mmmmmmm, rockin hog!

                                                                         Wayne