Primitive Archer

I do about the same as Pat, I usually make it for glue so as I mix I just drip a little out on a sheet of paper, let it cool, then bend the paper, if it breaks I add a little more wax, if it is still sticky I add a little more charcoal, to use to seal a bow I would guess a little more wax but as said you just have to play with it until you get it where you want it, also as said be careful and out side is best I think for safety sake. 
 Pappy

Sorry to hear. RIP Glenn. Thank you for helping with this site

Bjrogg

You have to be very careful about rendering pine pitch. It is very volatile and can burst into flame if it gets too hot. It's best to do this outside for safety sake. That said, I use a veg can on my wood stove. I do watch it closely and remove it from the hot surface before it gets too hot. Also, it will give off a heavy pine scent that might be offensive to other inhabitants. Outside it shouldn't matter.
 I think a double boiler might not get hot enough to melt the pitch but it might be hot enough to keep it liquid as you are blending the other ingredients.
 I've never used a recipe but just add enough bees wax to make the pitch less brittle, maybe 2/1 pitch/beeswax. I use finely ground charcoal and again enough to give the mixture body. That you will have to play with. This is what I use for hafting points and blades. For a bow finish you probably want more wax and/or lard, maybe equal parts of each. It needs to be more of a paste than a glue.
 I also make a pitch varnish for waterproofing sinew wraps on arrows. I dissolve the hard pitch in denatured alcohol. A pint size canning jar works well. Just add the pitch and cover it with the alcohol and give it a day or two to dissolve. If you keep the lid on the jar it will keep indefinitely. If it thickens you and always add more alcohol.
 

Ok, WOW!

Nice little package came in the mail today!  My kids were excited to see what was inside (I was too) so we tore right in.  I was shocked, and I mean shocked, as I pulled the contents from the tube.  This bow is beyond any expectation I ever had, not just for this trade but for any bow in general.  Im stunned.

My "requirements" for the trade were that I love short bows.  The challenge was go as short as you can with the best draw weight and length you can.  How about a 52in ntn bow that pulls 54lbs at 22in.  Yeah thats awesome!  And its yew, sinew backed, and the tiniest little tips, and a bear claw rest!  Again, WOW!

Just realized I haven't given credit to this expert bowyer.  My bow was built by Steve, aka walski.  Who ironically enough had a had in my build this year since I used a stave he gifted me last year after the trade to build my bow. 

Steve, to answer your question, this doesn't meet, it far exceeds my expectations, this is a thing of beauty and a true work or art as well.  I am humbled by this gift and grateful for the effort you put into it.  It's already taken its spot on my wall of go to bows (only 3 on that wall). 

The weather here has been horrible lately, so no shooting today, but I'll hopefully get it out this weekend for a shoot and some better pics.  Until.then, here's the unboxing pics.

Ok. I’ll give it a go.  Thanks.