I’ve got a nephew that does aluminum and brass casting.  He built his own furnace and if I decide I need yet another hobby I can use his rig.

As for archery I build my own gear.  Only thing I haven’t done yet is knap my own points.  My wrists won’t hold up to it.

How cool would it be to have gold inlays on your bow !!!!

Aeronut,  I seem to remember reading somewhere about Ishi knapping pressure flakes with a stick that went up into his armpit to give him more leverage.

Sorry for the late reply Richard.

Most knappers refer to that as an Ishi stick.  It will give you a little more leverage on forming the flake then you use a smaller tip for the fine finish.

Here’s some of my tools.  I have some longer ‘sticks’ that I made from Delrin plastic.  All of the flakers have a copper tip and the black ones have an allen wrench screwed into the back end to use replacing the copper tip.

Totally Cool !!!!!

Far and away more better than my crude efforts. I understand the basics but have just not devoted the time to become skillful. Like many difficult skills, the proficient knappers make it look soooo easy.  Might be something to practice while waiting for the catfish to hit the bait.

I have done a lot of lead casting ( bullets ) a little silver ( nugget for a pocket watch fob ) no gold etc.

I enjoy watching a good Knapper at work but have not attempted It myself. Looks like aeronut is a master of the art. Interesting tool set up …

Scout aka Ray

I’m just a crude amateur Raymond.  I have done some knapping but my wrists just won’t let me do it.  The next day after doi8ng any of it I can barely move my hands.

I also have done a LOT of lead casting through the years making bullets, jig heads, and fishing sinkers.

Aeronut

Yes , I understand. My wrist and thumbs know exactly where of you speak!

I can still do my leather projects , but it is more difficult and slower…

Scout aka Ray