Author Topic: Pine Pitch Score (Read 3448 times)

RidgeRunner · « **on:** June 09, 2012, 11:52:05 am »

A few days back I noticed that a dead tree had fallen over the fince on the south property line.
I could tell from the road that it was a dead pine... but thought nothing of it.
Monday after work I went over with my chainsaw to cut it off the fince.

I found a Vergina Pine that was completely incrused with pitch.
Took the saw to it so it's weight could be removed from the fince.

There is a 12' log left. I removed about 10 pounds of "dirty" pitch from the log.
This will have to be cleaned.
There is about 1/2 pound of "clean" pitch in the small bucket.

I dought I got 1/4 of what was there. Will be going back for more some day soon.

David

Bevan R. · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2012, 12:03:32 pm »

Nice haul and save!!

DGF · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2012, 12:18:24 pm »

That is a nice haul! Good find!

criveraville · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2012, 02:13:26 pm »

Nice haul

Cipriano

Llamma1 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2012, 06:59:50 pm »

Nice hall. I always carry a chunk of pitch in my day pac. Best way to start a fire wet or dry.

Pappy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 11, 2012, 08:33:42 am »

Man ,nice score,I can't seem to find it in that kind of quantity around here.

Pappy

RidgeRunner · « **Reply #6 on:** June 11, 2012, 11:14:49 am »

Pappy: I will bring you a can full next time I ride up. Don't let me forget.

Anyone have any ideas on how to clean, what will most likely be,
50 to 75 pounds of dirty pitch?

?

I have melted small amounts in a open pot and just pored the liquid off the top. Works OK with small batches. Would take forever with this much.

David

Pappy · « **Reply #7 on:** June 11, 2012, 11:23:29 am »

I have done smaller batches myself,I guess you just need a bigger pot,

and spoon off the debris as it heats up ,then pour it off like a smaller batch.

Pappy

DGF · « **Reply #8 on:** June 11, 2012, 11:37:49 am »

I just did a small amount using a method I found on youtube. I poked holes in a sheet of aluminum foil to act as a strainer and placed it over a catch container for the purified pitch. I placed the nuggets on the strainer and set them on fire. As it melted and strained I added more to continue the process. When I ran out I just let it cool and I had a soup can of pitch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYhKhwTVePI

A bigger catch container and a dollar store colandar may work for the quantities you'll be doing.

Dan

RidgeRunner · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2012, 11:37:39 am »

I have been looking for a STEEL five gallon bucket with a lid that will seal.
All five gallon buckets seem to be plastic these days?

Have plans of making a oven/still sort of thing.
It would drain the hot pitch out a hole in the bottom and vent the gasses out a tiny hole in the top. It should work.

Will keep looking for that bucket.

David

HoBow · « **Reply #10 on:** June 12, 2012, 11:52:10 am »

Try using a popcorn tin. I have one of those 3 gallon tins that is nearly full of pitch and this is what I was going to use to clean it all up.

RidgeRunner · « **Reply #11 on:** June 12, 2012, 01:43:26 pm »

HoBow:
I think there is a popcorn tin in my pile of junk now. Will have to find it.
The lid will fit tight enough to keep the fire out so it should work.

Were you planning on making a oven/still type thing out of yours?

David

Primitive Archer