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copper bopper problems

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carpenter374:
hey all. i think i've pretty well got the pressure flaking down but the copper percussion flaking has got me pulling my freakin hair out. i can use the tool to take good flakes but i incessantly break spalls when im trying to thin them. i use a small bopper and still break tough chert with them. it tends to break right at the time when its still too thick to pressure flake but its getting close. what are some of the finer points of the technique?       thanks               -carpenter

Hillbilly:
Sounds like mainly either a support problem, or hitting too high. Always make sure a platform is below the centerline, and support the piece evenly, but not tightly. If you pinch the point too hard, it will invariably break when you hit it. Endshock is another major cause of breakage. Try to thin the ends before the center, the ends are the most dangerous place to hit a point. Have you tried using antler instead of copper for percussion?

carpenter374:
id like to try antler. i have a few deer antlers but they're kinda small. bout an inch in diameter. will those work?

D. Tiller:
Antler will still cause the same problems untill you learn how to support the preform and create your platforms before striking. Also the ammount of abraiding you use is really important. A little abraiding can go a long way. If you use to much the flake will have trouble detaching and too much energy will be imparted into the pre-form causing it to snap. Also, dont put to much presure on the center of the platform from above as you stike it. This will cause presure to build up a that point and snap! Also put a finger or some part of your hand against the opposit edge, make sure you have some type of protection on your finger, this will take out some of the excess vibration from the strike.

Hope this helps!

David T

carpenter374:
thanks ill work on that.

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