Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: GaryR on August 18, 2014, 04:42:39 pm

Title: Sealing shafts
Post by: GaryR on August 18, 2014, 04:42:39 pm

I've heard PatB say he's used pine varnish, can someone explain this to me please?
Gary

Title: Re: Sealing shafts
Post by: Pat B on August 18, 2014, 04:54:01 pm

Gary, I dissolve hard, brittle pine pitch in denatured alcohol to make the varnish. Then just brush it on. When the alcohol flashes off(evaporates) the shaft is coated with a thin layer of pitch. I also use this to seal sinew wraps on arrows.
 If your pitch is not hard and brittle the varnish will be sticky when applied.

Title: Re: Sealing shafts
Post by: GaryR on August 18, 2014, 05:11:12 pm

I have a little hard pitch but to make sure before I make a batch is there a recommended way to speed up the drying of some softer pitch?
Thanx PatB,
Gary

Title: Re: Sealing shafts
Post by: Pat B on August 18, 2014, 07:27:59 pm

Softer pitch has to be cooked to burn off the turps. If not, they will naturally dissipate but it takes a long time.

Title: Re: Sealing shafts
Post by: GaryR on August 18, 2014, 07:37:12 pm

PatB you say dissolve it in denatured alcohol, why not isopropyl, its just to melt it down and then evaporate anyway right?

Title: Re: Sealing shafts
Post by: Pat B on August 18, 2014, 08:14:08 pm

Denatured, Isopropyl, moonshine, your favorite liquor, probably acetone or any volatile solvent that is compatible with the pitch will work. I keep a can of denatured alcohol handy so that is what I used.

Title: Re: Sealing shafts
Post by: GaryR on August 18, 2014, 09:51:17 pm

Quote from: Pat B on August 18, 2014, 08:14:08 pm

your favorite liquor

Now that's just wasteful. I'll use isopropyl, it's horrible over ice anyway, and a little cheaper.

Title: Re: Sealing shafts
Post by: JoJoDapyro on August 18, 2014, 11:42:17 pm

I used Acetone, seemed to work ok.