Pushing Pressure Flakes

[Ron Kelley]

The plan here is not to complete a point but to explain the process. I told Kim I would do this and I hope the pictures help:

The tougher the material the more pressure is required to get a long pressure flake. The process is the same.
It's easy to push long flakes on this obsidian:

I'm using a twenty inch Ishi stick which helps to generate the pressure needed. Abrade the edge well so that the copper will grip rather than slip:


Be sure that your wrists are tight against your knees. Put pressure on the flaker and then snap your knees together:


You want to control the force. You want the flakes to fall short of the opposite edge. With Obsidian it would be easy to push the flake clear across the point. The overshot would probably take a chunk out of the opposite edge. These flakes are over an inch long:

[Hoss]

Thats awesome Ron

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Matt.

[Cecilia]

This is wonderful idea!…coz, how often I’ve wondered...

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Cecilia, It's amazing how much leverage you can get using this method.

[Narrow Way Knapper]

Nice demo Ron. I'll have to give the Ishi stick a try some time.

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Caleb, I use the Ishi stick even on small points.

[Kentucky point]

So I notice that you have a good inch or so of copper nail sticking out of the black rod. Is that optimal? I think I know why I'm having trouble with flaking now, the copper isn't long enough.

[Ron Kelley]

I feel that's a personal preference Ethan. When working tougher material I have a shorter amount of copper exposed so as to not bend the copper.

[Kentucky point]

I have to put a new nail in my tool anyway. I'll have to try here soon.

[Hal Gorges]

Thanks Ron.

[Ron Kelley]

You're welcome Hal. Back to basics.

[oldrocks2]

Good info post. Looks like the legs do 90% of the work.

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Lawrence, You're right the legs do the work. I have to be careful and make sure my wrists are supported. The force that is generated by my legs could injure my wrist: Just ask Ethan.

[gregszybala]

Tutorials and demonstrations, now we are talking! A picture is worth a thousand words. Thanks Ron.

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Greg, Sometimes I forget that I had to learn the basics a few years ago.

[redrocks]

That's interesting Ron...good demo

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Red.

[Mattern]

Thanks Ron. My copper is long enough, it is hardened copper. I tried this on a piece of local chert today with no help. I'll try some glass tomorrow and see if I have any better luck. I have been communicating with Narrow Way on this subject. I'll keep trying one day I'll get it. Kim

[Ron Kelley]

Good Luck Kim! Some chert has to be heat-treated to get it to flake and some just does not flake well no matter what you do.

[Mattern]

Good to know Ron I will try heat treating some.

[Ron Kelley]

Hey Kim, Let us know how the heat-treat goes. There is a lot info on what temp to use for what rock.

[SDhunter]

This should really help the knappers. Thanks Ron!

[Ron Kelley]

Thanks Gary, I have another plan that will help more but will keep that a secret for now.

[SDhunter]

Excellent