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Pitch glue recipe for arrows
Otoe Bow:
Sorry guys, I know this has been covered several times before, but I can't seem to get the "search function" to... well....function. ???
I need a recipe and instructions on pine pitch glue (I think it's 1/3 pitch, 1/3 charcoal, and 1/3 herbivore manure (dried)). Also, how do you go about mixing it all up, heating to mix, etc, etc.
Thanks a bunch.
Mike
Hillbilly:
Mike, the formula you mentioned works well, or substitute beeswax for the doodoo, or just 50/50 pitch/charcoal works. It's not set in stone-if it's a bit too brittle, add more charcoal, wax, fecal fiber, or whatever. If it won't set up and stays too soft, add more pine rosin. I heat the pitch up until it melts, let it heat a while longer to drive out some of the volitile oils, then mix the other stuff in. A coleman stove and metal coffee can works well, and you definitely want to do it outside. Hot pitch reeks, smokes, and burns like napalm.
Pat B:
Mike, I use 1/3 of each but instead of dried herbivore manure use finely ground charcoal or fine saw dust. The manure works also. The bees wax makes the glue less brittle and the "filler" adds body. The way I do it is to heat the pitch(cleaned of debris) to melt it then add the wax and charcoal. You will want to start off with brittle, hard pitch to begin with or cook it until the volatile components evaporate. If not the pitch glue will remain sticky until these components evaporate off. Be careful because it is highly flammable.
After combining the components put a stick about 1" into the melted glue, stir a around a bit, remove it and dip in cool water and repeat the process. This will build up a glob of pitch on the stick for ease of use. Make up as many stick as you have glue to work with and carry them in your tool box or pack. All you have to do is reheat the glue for use. Pat
Otoe Bow:
Thanks guys. I kind of knew, but wanted to get the take of those that have done it before. I think I'll try it on a Coleman stove and coffee can out in my shop (or just outside the overhead door). I originally thought of using a torch, but I see the problems in that now. I'll keep you posted on the results.
Mike
JackCrafty:
Personally, I think pitch works fine by itself. I've added powdered charcoal and sawdust to it but it looks lumpy when cool and I haven't noticed any improvement in the glue....so my formula now is just pitch with a little lamp black (if I want a black looking glue..or paint). I haven't tried adding dung, though, so maybe that's my problem. ;D
The hardest part of working with pitch glue, for me, is the open time. The glue cools and hardens really quick. I use a heat gun set on low (aimed at the glue joint) to maintain the temp while I'm working.
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