Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: TRACY on April 30, 2012, 11:40:09 pm

Title: Ishi stick Q
Post by: TRACY on April 30, 2012, 11:40:09 pm
I recently ordered another delrin Ishi stick with the intent to load it with smaller copper nails than the 20ds that come with it. It seems like I will be able to get narrow and long flakes for more detailed flake scars than I do with the larger nails. Is my logic correct here. Thanks for the replies in advance.


Tracy
Title: Re: Ishi stick Q
Post by: D. Tiller on May 01, 2012, 12:36:41 am
It all depends on the point you put on the nail through hammering or filing. The sharper the point the finer the flakes. It all depends how much pressure the nail can have applied to it before it bends!  ;)

Tiller
Title: Re: Ishi stick Q
Post by: Mesquite on May 01, 2012, 01:16:47 am
I would keep the thicker nails and just put a sharper point on it.
Title: Re: Ishi stick Q
Post by: Jimbob on May 01, 2012, 01:24:21 am
I would keep the thicker nails and just put a sharper point on it.

What he said.
Title: Re: Ishi stick Q
Post by: D. Tiller on May 01, 2012, 01:31:56 am
Ok! I was just a tad wordie!!!
 :P
Title: Re: Ishi stick Q
Post by: TRACY on May 01, 2012, 08:43:35 pm
Sounds good. I keep them sharp and will put my theory to work in a few minutes. Tiller, no problem, I understood you. Thanks again!

Tracy
Title: Re: Ishi stick Q
Post by: Tower on May 01, 2012, 10:18:08 pm
I don't know what size Ishi you are using. I use a 3/4 in Ishi because I can bend ( load up pressuer) & push a flake about 1 to 1.5 in depending on the flake prep. & surface of the point. Size of nail isn't much of a factor. But Tiller is correct, it needs to be sharp. It works for me. Tower
Title: Re: Ishi stick Q
Post by: TRACY on May 01, 2012, 11:34:44 pm
Gave it a try tonight and noticed a very small difference in flake scar and length compared to the 20d nail both 3/4" delrin sticks. I was using the next size smaller. I noticed that I got better flex from the larger nail setup. Now I got two Ishi sticks >:D I will continue to experiment, but don't see downsizing too much as I got alight bend in the smaller nail after a dozen or so flakes.

Tracy