WIL HOUSE’S FLUTING DEVICE
The following is a diagram of a fluting tool designed by Wilford House, a master of the
indirect percussion technique. He made the jig base of his from one solid piece of hickory
or oak, using a router to cut the designs in the jig base. The slide was another piece of oak
with a strip on nylon on one edge. The nylon served as a support for the tip of the point
being fluted. The slide was secured with two bolts and wing nuts. The point to be fluted
(after base preparation and preparing a fluting platform similar to a regular fluting
attempt) was placed on the floor of the jig with the base of the point resting against the
pry bar. The prybar extended about ½ inch through a hole in the base, the very tip of the
pry bar on the platform. The slide was secured tightly against the point ensuring the
prybar remained vertical. Then the pry bar was rotated so as to apply pressure on the
platform where the flute would be removed. There were also two strips of nylon running
he full length on each side (inside) of the base. These held the point in the center of the
base and cushioned the point as pressure was applied. Following are computer generated
diagrams of the apparatus. Remember, my knapping skills are comparable to my drawing
skills, therefore, before you attempt construction get a good look at Wil’s device.
Base routed from one piece approximately 15” X 3 “, height 1 “.
The Base
Nylon strips glued in (2)
The Slide
Holes ½ dia. Slot cut thru base.
The Pry Bar
2 ½” X 3”
Hard drawn copper, ½” X 8”
Wood slide with 2 each ½ “ holes for bolts and wing nuts
Nylon strip to cushion tip of point during fluting
Prybar
Point
Slide
Slide