Derick wanted a detailed view of my ABO tools so here is a list of tools and basic uses.
Punch-used to feather ridges after percussion
Ishi stick- used to thin and set up all isolated platforms. The antler in this tool is two inches long. When it is worn down small rocks are put in the hole to expose more antler. When the antler is no longer long enough it is removed and placed in the hand held pressure flaker.
Hand held pressure flaker- used to set platforms up that require more of a downward force. This tool is used ofter to brush the platform to remove small flakes just before abrading. The antler tip is a little sharper ground and is from the ishi stick spent antler waste. The waste from the small hand held pressure flaker antler will be cut into pills that will be dropped onto to hole as spacers.
Ulna bone- I have been told that it is a little long but it works great now and so it should get better with age. I use it to push very small deltas off as i am finishing a point. This the last tool in my hand as i am finishing a point.
Abrader- Small stone rock used as the last prep of an isolated platform. I do not abrade heavy because doing so will make it hard to remove a bending flake.
Antler boppers- I have about five of different scale. I use a heavy one in reduction an i hit about 1/3-1/2 of the way up the platform to try and cut the stone in half to reduce material.
Fingers- the left hand is very important! TO PREVENT STEPS DURING PLATFORM PREP. Place a finger under the platform to create steep angle and short flake formation. TO RUN FLAKE WITH ISOLATED PLAFORMS create a V with your fingers and place finger tips to each side of nipple. This will create a channel for the flake to run when striking with antler.
Notch antler thin- This is for punching notches and pushing notches with pressure.
Tip punches- these help reverse platform and remove stacks.
Bulb of percussion flakes from heavy reduction of non-HEAT TREATED STONE. I believe that when the bulb is placed on a hinge and struck it is a good technique because the greatest energy is transfered do to the shape of the cone. I have never heard anyone say this so it might be my own idea "MAYBE"
Anvil stones-Different size for large or small work. These help prevent over shot.
