SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Sept 19, 2005 2:57:40 GMT -5
James, After seeing the pictures of your awesome points, I decided that I had to give this a try. I made me a few tools (copper point and deer antler) and threw myself "blind" into it. I have no clue what I'm doing, so I thought I'd share some pictures of my progress....after about an hour of MISERY and looking stupid!  |
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Sept 19, 2005 3:01:48 GMT -5
This is the piece I've attempted doing. I managed to break the obsidian across the face, but I don't know if I need to continue doing this or what. Do I start from the oppsite side at some point? I could really use a tutorial and some advice! Maybe I just need to visit Glass Buttes and be endowed by the Power of the Warriors....  Thanks James! Steve |
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Post by Cher on Sept 19, 2005 9:03:24 GMT -5
I'll give you an A for attempting to try it. Keep it up, I'm sure like all things it takes lots of practice.
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textiger
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 946
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Post by textiger on Sept 19, 2005 12:34:47 GMT -5
Can't see the piece of obsidian too well, but that's a rockhounder's hand.
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Sept 19, 2005 13:25:19 GMT -5
Matt,
NOTICE THE ROCK>>>NOT THE HANDS! That's what being a Tinner for 15 years will do as well! If you look closely at the piece, you can make out where I've actually got the flakes to start cutting across the top. This is honestly tough and dangerous. I cut my finger across the top with the copper point, and did get a small piece of obsidian in my finger. This is obviously Glass....it is now more impressive what James was able to do in only a short amount of time!
Steve
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James
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 876
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Post by James on Sept 20, 2005 2:09:25 GMT -5
The tools will work fine but the material is too small and has a nasty "square edge." Try "driving" larger flakes off of a chunk of obsidian. Not big flakes but larger flakes. After you get a good flake, than you'll need to "set up a platform." Work back the sharp edge into the thicker material. This way you can get a better bite and take off bigger flakes. You also need to abrade after you bevel back the edge to make the platform. This can be done either with a piece of sandstone or part of a silicon carbide grinding wheel.
I applaud you trying this. I really do. DO NOT give up. Trust me, it will all come together in due time. It's in our ancestral bloodline!
I will still post a tutorial when I have time.
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Sept 20, 2005 7:29:45 GMT -5
James,
Thanks for the input. I'll try a different piece. It seemed like this piece was just not breaking right....it kept flaking like it was too brittle (if that makes sense) I'm going to get a point eventually, even if in means bloody fingers and tiny shards embedded in my skin!
Steve
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Post by creativeminded on Sept 20, 2005 9:12:43 GMT -5
Keep trying flinting is like anything else the more you practice the better you get, and you will come up with your own technique.
Tami
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