Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Ed Brooks on September 17, 2014, 11:43:27 am

Title: cherry pitch?
Post by: Ed Brooks on September 17, 2014, 11:43:27 am

I guess my addiction is contagous. My son came home with a bag of cherry pitch for me. My question is there any use for it? Thanks for looking. Ed

Title: Re: cherry pitch?
Post by: RBLusthaus on September 17, 2014, 12:37:23 pm

not that I am aware of.  I tried to make glue or varnish from it, but the pitch would not melt down - - it remained gummy till burning.  Too many pine trees around to mess with that stuff any further, so into the compost pile it went. 

Title: Re: cherry pitch?
Post by: Pat B on September 17, 2014, 01:30:07 pm

Ed, see if it dissolves in alcohol. If so you should be able to make varnish.

Title: Re: cherry pitch?
Post by: Ed Brooks on September 17, 2014, 02:05:52 pm

Thanks for the replys. Pat is rubbing alcohol good enough to try? Ed

Title: Re: cherry pitch?
Post by: mullet on September 17, 2014, 09:49:14 pm

Citrus sap doesn't melt down either. We used to chew it like gum when I was younger.

Title: Re: cherry pitch?
Post by: Pat B on September 17, 2014, 11:09:14 pm

It should Ed. Any solvent should work.

Title: Re: cherry pitch?
Post by: aaron on September 18, 2014, 08:27:59 pm

I have used cherry sap successfully to mount points and haft knives. I soaked it in water until it had become flexible, then haft and let dry. If it gets too dry it becomes brittle, but can be softened by wetting. So, no heat, nothing to mix , just add water.
This should work with other fruit tree saps too. I want to try some quince sap I got recently.

Title: Re: cherry pitch?
Post by: Ed Brooks on September 19, 2014, 02:07:28 pm

Thanks for the feed back guys. Ill give the alchol and water a try. Ed

Title: Re: cherry pitch?
Post by: Pat B on September 19, 2014, 02:24:04 pm

Ed, the cherry sap may have to dehydrate before the alcohol will work, but I don't know that as a fact.