Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: Hickoryswitch on October 28, 2008, 09:03:06 am

Title: How to get a good spall
Post by: Hickoryswitch on October 28, 2008, 09:03:06 am

 I just got some obsidian that is in pretty good size chunks. I have yet to be able to get a spall I could make into something. Mostly I keep getting small chips or something that looks like a step fracture. I've made a few points out of glass so I've never really had to start from the beginning. Any tool recommendations would be appreciated too. I'm really new at this.

 Thanks
      Wayne

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: mullet on October 28, 2008, 09:10:33 am

  A nice solid rock seems to work best for me with obsidean. You need the proper angle and abrade the surface you are about to strike. You don't have to hit Obsidean very hard to get a nice spall. It requires more follow through when you strike it.
  There are some good videos on You Tube showing this.

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: Hickoryswitch on October 28, 2008, 09:14:57 am

I've watched a couple vids on you tube but now I can't.  I have the old and slow dial up here and you tube is blocked at work. What works best for a bopper for obsidian? Antler?



 Thanks
     Wayne

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: Hardawaypoints on October 28, 2008, 10:54:51 am

Antler will work fine as it is softer and has some "grip". Using something too hard will only shatter the piece.

Jim

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: Keenan on October 28, 2008, 11:11:57 am

   I use a good size elk antler base and just like Eddie said, not a real hard blow but good follow through. Obsidian will flex allot before letting lose. Make a platform. Suspend the core on your finger tips with your palm up and the platform on the bottom side of the core and facing you. With the other hand take a smooth strike by bending at the elbow (not the wrist) downward toward the palm of your hand the spall will fall into your hand. ;)

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: jamie on October 28, 2008, 11:17:42 am

PROTECT YOUR HAND :o. ie leather pad or glove

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: Hillbilly on October 28, 2008, 12:52:41 pm

For spalling obsidian, I like a big, soft hammerstone. It's all about the angles, and like Eddie said-follow through is critical. Always hit a platform that is a less than 90 degree angle and below center line, and grind it good before you whack it. You want to use a glancing blow, not straight in.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/hillbillync/Flintknapping/spalling.jpg)

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: Keenan on October 28, 2008, 01:11:36 pm

Goos pics and description Hillbilly.
Thanks Jamie; Forgot to mention that ::)

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: Hillbilly on October 28, 2008, 01:48:08 pm

Yeah, obsidian spalls coming off can remove important appendages.  :o

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: Justin Snyder on October 28, 2008, 01:57:08 pm

Im glad the rock got there.  Be carefull, it is sharp.  :o

Title: Re: How to get a good spall
Post by: Hickoryswitch on October 28, 2008, 03:58:01 pm

Tahnks everyonefor the info. The pics really made it easier to understand. Thanks justin for the rock.