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making pine pitch

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keekeerun:
If I'm not mistaken, do I have to add charcoal to the pine pitch, If so whats the ratio. anybody know.   THANKS

El Destructo:

--- Quote from: keekeerun on March 21, 2008, 10:29:59 am ---If I'm not mistaken, do I have to add charcoal to the pine pitch, If so whats the ratio. anybody know.   THANKS

--- End quote ---

Well for Starters....you dont need to make Pine Pitch.....you just pick it off the Pine trees...  >:D  >:D  >:D...Pine Pitch is dried Pine Sap....you need to gather it from the Sides of Trees...or if necessary....Make some small cuts in the Bark and collect the Pitch as it oozes out.....

I make my Glue wth a 4-1-1 rule......4 parts Pitch....1 part Charcoal or Wood Ash....and 1 part Lard

Heat slowly in a small soup can in a pot of water (or a double boiler) until melted completely......remove any debris that is in it....bark.....dirt...etc.....  Stir in the wood ash....or charcoal and small amounts of the animal fat until the consistency is approximately like Elmer's glue......  Don't overheat or the turpentine will separate from the rosin, weakening the glue, and potentially catching fire from the turpentine fumes!!!!! :o :o

The glue may be used as-is or poured onto waxed paper and rolled into balls or a cylinder as it cools......I like it like this .....because it can be used like a glue stick..... heated with a lighter or candle to soften and apply.......

Pitch glue made the same way without the animal fat is a good waterproofing seal on sinew wrapping.......  hope that this helps ay out.......

lowell:
Will the sap come from the trees in the winter or is it better in the summer/ growing season??

  Also what is the purpose of the animal fat if it can be made without it??

  keekeerun.... Thanks for the question!!! ???


 And yankeemongiat... Thanks for the answer!!!! ;D

El Destructo:
I only take the Lard out for when I am making it to water proof with....for Hafting ...I use the Lard always...it is put in there for One Major reason...It keeps the Pitch from getting Brittle when aging....you can use Beeswax also...works as good....I just use Lard....cause it's alway in the Kitchen!!!

As for the question about when to get the Sap....anytime on an Evergreen...but the best time is in the Spring and Summer Months

Pat B:
The fat makes it less brittle and the charcoal adds body. I usually use bees wax for the fat part. I have heard of folks using dried rabbit or deer droppings instead of charcoal.The fibers in them add the body to the pitch glue.   
   Do be careful when you melt the pitch. It will catch fire if you are not careful.    Pat 

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