Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: boughnut on September 15, 2012, 01:52:38 pm

Title: heat treating?
Post by: boughnut on September 15, 2012, 01:52:38 pm
I have alot of flint that needs some heat treatment.  I have no special oven will a fire work with lots of hot coals or my regular oven?  What is the best way to do this with out some type of potery kiln?
Title: Re: heat treating?
Post by: Tower on September 15, 2012, 02:35:57 pm
It can be done with a fire, but it is very tricky. If it is not done properly you will burst a lot of stone making it useless. An oven will work, but you are heating a lot of extra space. The easiest, & most affordable way I know is with an electric Turkey roaster. Since moving into town that's the method I use. I prefer a fire pit, but its just not doable. The roaster is quick,simple ,& works great. The only downfall I know of is they only go to 450 to 500 degrees.  Tower
Title: Re: heat treating?
Post by: jcinpc on September 15, 2012, 05:21:01 pm
here is how I do it

(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g228/jcinpc/cabs%20and%20slabs%20and%20jewelry/DSC07348-1.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g228/jcinpc/cabs%20and%20slabs%20and%20jewelry/DSC07349-1.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g228/jcinpc/cabs%20and%20slabs%20and%20jewelry/DSC07354.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g228/jcinpc/cabs%20and%20slabs%20and%20jewelry/DSC07356-1.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g228/jcinpc/cabs%20and%20slabs%20and%20jewelry/DSC07361-1.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g228/jcinpc/cabs%20and%20slabs%20and%20jewelry/DSC07362-1.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g228/jcinpc/cabs%20and%20slabs%20and%20jewelry/DSC02845.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g228/jcinpc/cabs%20and%20slabs%20and%20jewelry/DSC02840.jpg)
Title: Re: heat treating?
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 15, 2012, 05:42:58 pm
here is how I do it

WOW!  That coral is almost too pretty to be busted into gravel! 
Title: Re: heat treating?
Post by: mullet on September 16, 2012, 12:52:35 am
Yes Sir! That's why when you find an artifact down here made from it, (preferdly a Newnan, or Hillsborough) they are worth a few thousand dollars a piece.
Title: Re: heat treating?
Post by: boughnut on September 18, 2012, 01:30:31 am
Looks like a great Idea I have an old broke down grill I am going to turn into something similar to what you have there.  I tried heat treating in my oven once and when I got to chipping at the stone it was all cracked up and fell into pieces.  Hopefully I can get it right this time.  I have made many obsidian points and some flint from slabs and a few from spalls so this will be a first should I spall the stones out first then heat or leave them hole I have also seen on youtube where guys soak them in water till they are ready to start flaking is this also a good practice to use?  Thanks for the info guys and those are some beautiful stones.  and if it makes a difference in answering my questions I will be heating flint.
Title: Re: heat treating?
Post by: Mike_H on September 18, 2012, 12:47:34 pm
I use a slow cooker with the insert taken out.  It's used just like the turkey roaster, but doesn't get as hot.  Still works though.