Working with Pitch:
Hafting, Bonding and Waterproofing
(As featured in the May 2009 issue of Practically Seeking)
A pitch stick is your storage device and applicator all in one. Pitch can be used to cover cordage or other porous materials as a waterproofing agent, or to bond pieces together such has hafting an arrow point onto a shaft.
Now that you have a collection of prepared pitch sticks based on last month's instructions, here is the way to use them to secure arrow points or other blades.
The adhesive qualities of pitch are minimal, as it acts mostly as a filler, but following these instructions will help achieve maximum bonding.
NOTE: ALWAYS USE CAUTION and good judgement when using pitch! It is extremely flammable and the fumes are toxic. Always process and use in a well-ventilated area.
Tips & Tricks for working with Pitch:
- It is much easier to keep your pitch from getting too soft too fast if you use indirect heat, such as a piece of warmed soapstone as seen below, or campfire coals.
- To use pitch for waterproofing, ensure the materials you wish to seal are well coated, then use the smoothing technique in Step 6 to create a nicely burnished surface.
Step-by-step Instructions for Using Pitch Sticks:
- Begin by slowly heating the items you want to bond together. I prefer to use indirect heat, such as a very warm stone, but direct heat, such as flame or a stove burner, will work as well. Heat the pieces until they are very warm to the touch -- hot enough that the pitch will begin to melt a bit when touched to the objects. This will allow the pitch to penetrate the surfaces, improving the bond.
- Heat your pitch stick until it begins to melt just slightly and becomes
almost gummy. Do not allow the pitch to become to hot so that it starts
to drip as this makes it much harder to control application.
- Apply a small amount of pitch to each of the surfaces you want to bond together. Notches need to be filled about half full and flat surfaces must be well coated.
- Put the pieces together and align them into their finished position. Hold them carefully in place until the pitch and the pieces have cooled.
- Scrape away any excess pitch using a stone flake or knife blade.
- Heat a small stone or other object with a rounded edge and use it to blend and smooth the joint. Be careful not to overheat, as you don't want to change the bond or allow the pieces to slip. The objective is to only make the surface nice and smooth.
- Scrape away any remaining residue and wrap the join with sinew or other
material, if appropriate.
