Quoteand abraded(ground with an abrading stone or soft rock) to strengthen it so that the flake will travel.
 

I would assume some of the reason modern heads are generally of better quality than relics is our ability to access tools for this purpose. Also, I imagine few Indians had access to the variety of quality material afforded today.

Would a diamond grinding stone on a dremel tool be a common modern tool of the trade?

Yes, a platform is a place to get a bite.  And I think the main reason that some of the points today look better(to some, anyway), isn't necessarily because of the tools available...some of the best work I've seen is done by abo knappers with historically correct tools.  I think that the reason is because knappers today have all the time they want to make a nice point, and aren't depending on it to survive.

I have never seen anyone use a diamond grinder in a dremel tool to abrade.  I would think it would be way to much.  Most use either a sandstone rock, or some type of grinding stone, like a whetrock or piece of grinding wheel.  The platforms will crumble if they aren't abraded for strength, so that is a very important part of the knapping process.

Shawnee, I can tell by the posts you have made here that your coming right along. You been paying attention. Keep up the good work. Mike Smyth

Are there any how-to websites on this matter?  I've got a bunch of obsidian but need a refresher on basic terminology etc.  Thanks!

Thanks Mike.  I'm trying.  Still not turning out anything too impressive, but they are getting a little thinner, and a little better.  And I'm not ruining quite as much rock as I was for a while.

Ursus, there are a lot of sites that will help...probably the best way to find them is to do a search for "flintknapping" on the internet.

Maybe some of the real flintknappers will get on here soon and list some of them for you.

There is currently a thread (another one) about Knapping Material where I listed some valuable help type URLs, though i'm a beginner too.