help!

[jayman448]

Snapped six points today. And ive been snapping them all the time since my first overshot break. (I tink im shy of another overshoot so im roing something equally bad. But idk what that is.. frustration!!!!

[bubby]

Any more info, there's a million ways to snap a point

[caveman2533]

Percussion or pressure?  Pictures  would help us alot.  What stage are you at when snapping?

[jayman448]

Its all during pressure. Ive just been working glass so i dont ever use percussion at all. They snap on a diagonal with a light S curve about half way - 2/3 they way up the point.

(Side note) i have a heck of a time thinning. Would an ishi stick help?

[Chippintuff]

It sounds like you are getting too much pressure perpendicular to the plane of the point. I suggest three things: 1) put something stiff behind the point so that it does not bend when you apply pressure. 2) be sure to put most or all the pressure in the direction you want the flake to go. New knappers almost always let the angle of the point change as the pressure builds. 3) Have somebody watch your holding hand to see if the point rotates any as you apply pressure. Have fun. We have all been exactly where you are.

WA

[jayman448]

thanks a ton. last question. im a little lost on "perpendicular to the plane of the point." explain please?

[bubby]

Mpst of my work is all pressure too are you using a hand pad i can post some pics of my set-up if you want

[jayman448]

Im using a thick leather scrap but am unhappy with this set up. Press off a few flakes and then it forms to my hand so im worried to snap off the tip in the concavity so i flip it over and continue untill it forms to my hand again

[Chippintuff]

Perpendicular to the point's plane. Some would say "down". Some would say "across". That is putting the pressure toward your palm. In the direction of the flake's intended path is putting the pressure toward your wedding ring. Some call that "in".

You may find that a slotted stiff backed flaker pad works best for you. If you have more questions, please post them.

WA

[JackCrafty]

Try Using a rounded pad for most of your flake work during the thin stages.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2PzROHE8_Y

[bubby]

this shows my handpad made with some brass plate and mudflap, and just how I use it bottom pic first

[caveman2533]

yep buy your pics your putting to much pressure down on  the point and bending it. To me your holding the pad backwards, put it in the palm of your hand and hold the point with the finger tips. Flake then comes of between the pad and the point pressure it towards your palm and "in" on the point, and yes an Ishi stick would maybe help, especially early stage, when you need the power.

[bubby]

Caveman I'm just showing the original poster my hand pad, and beings i am self taught thats how i hold it, my thumb puts even pressure on the point i don't snap too many points with the pad

[jayman448]

so is the brass plate between the rubber?

[bubby]

No its the base, one full length rubber and the top is two pc with the notch so the flake releases better, like caveman said i do hold it bass acwards but it works for me