Some people can flute points with direct percussion, but it is very difficult to do successfully. This page focuses on fluting with a jig like the steel one below. This is by far the best fluting jig I have ever seen because it is so sturdy.

One of the most crucial factors in driving off long flutes is the shape of the preform. If the preform has any concave areas from the base to the tip, the flute will stop there and may even break the preform in half. Flutes, like any other flakes, travel best along a smooth, slightly convex area. The tip of the preform must be well rounded, a pointed tip will break too easily while fluting, because it presses very hard against the block of wood. You can make it pointed after fluting is completed.

CREATE A PLATFORM:

Make a platform in the center of the base that projects downward, and is angled towards the side to be fluted. Pressure flake two thinning flakes, one on each side of the platform, on the side to be fluted. Dull the platform thoroughly with the grindstone.

Put the preform in the fluting jig as shown on page 8 with the side to be fluted facing the leather pads. The fluting platform should be facing up and the rounded tip of the preform down against the wood block. Adjust the fulcrum and the slanted block of wood in a manner so that when the lever tip is placed on the fluting platform, the handle end of the lever will be slightly upfrom being horizontal. The angle varies slightly depending on the situation, but with practice you will be able to better guess the correct angle. Put the tip of the lever on the fluting platform near the edge as shown:

Close up of top.

Front view.

If you are right handed, hold the preform in place with your left hand. This is to prevent it from falling and breaking when the flute breaks off. Pull up hard on the lever with your right hand to remove the flute. Stand on the base of the fluting jig with both feet while doing this in order to prevent the jig from moving.

Your preform should now look similar to this Clovis preform – fluted on one side:

Create Second Platform:

 Create a platform for the flute to be removed from the other side. This should be identical to the first fluting platform, just on the other side. The point will lose some length during the creation of this platform.

REMOVE THE SECOND FLUTE:

Place the preform in the fluting jig as before (the side to be fluted facing the leather
pads), and remove the flute. Trim the basal edges, and make the tip pointed. Grind the
hafting area and base dull with the grindstone. You are finished!

The finished Clovis point.

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