How to Make a Copper-Tipped Pressure Flaker

Arrowheads are made with pressure flakers.

The art of flintknapping, or making arrowheads, depends on the use of pressure flakers. Copper-tipped pressure flakers are used to remove parts of knapping rocks, flaky rocks that are used for arrowhead-making. The copper-tipped pressure flaker features a sharp tip and sturdy handle to remove the layers of rock. Pressure flakers vary in length and sizes. They were originally made using bone or deer antler. Pressure flakers are now easier to make with readily available supplies that can be found at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

• 7/8-inch wooden dowel, 12 to 22 inches long
• 3/4-inch to 1/2-inch copper reduction coupling
• Pencil
• Hand saw
• Awl
• Sandpaper
• Epoxy-based glue
• Copper rod, 3/16-inch diameter
• Drill
• Hammer
• File

Instructions

1. Place the wooden dowel next to the copper reduction coupling. The end of the wooden dowel should be flush with the part of the coupling that stops at 1/2-inch diameter and starts at the 3/4-inch diameter. Sketch a line on the dowel where the coupling ends. Using the sketched line, continue drawing around the circumference of the dowel.

2. Cut the wooden dowel along the line you created with a hand saw. Cut into the dowel at 1/8-inch thickness around the circumference.

3. Rest the 1/2-inch end of the copper reduction coupling on the dowel's end that you just cut with your hand saw. Center the coupling and draw a circle around its circumference onto the dowel.

4. Use the circle shape you drew as a guide to cut four square lines, to create a square. The cuts should continue down to the 1/8-inch cut you previously made. Cut down each corner of the square to the 1/8-inch cut to create an octagon. The octagon shape works best since it does not allow the copper reduction coupling to move or slip.

5. Sand the hexagon-shaped end of the dowel until the coupling is well-fitted. Place the epoxy-based glue on the hexagon-shaped end. Place the coupling on the dowel, with the 3/4-inch diameter side first.

6. Make a pilot hole with an awl, in the center of the copper reduction coupling and the wooden dowel. Using a drill, create a 1-inch hole using the pilot hole as a guideline.

7. Place a 2-inch copper nail or rod into the hole. Secure the copper rod into place by hitting it with a hammer. Hammer and sand the tip of the rod to create a sharp point.

References

• Practical Primitive; Flintknapping - Making an Ishi Stick; February 2009
• Primitive Ways; California Knapping; Paul D. Campbell; 1999

Resources

• Wilderness College; Flintknapping Tools; Dave Scott