Re : ATM Inexpensive sources of pitch

[Bratislav Curcic <epabcc@epa.ericsson.se>]

> ... road tar <as> interesting alternative to pitch. How can I make it
> harder or softer?

Add rosin and beeswax. 60% of tar to 35% of rosin to 5% 
of beeswax is a good starting point.

> special considerations when pressing, polishing, chanelling,

Yes. Cook the hell out of the bloody thing. Apart from too much 
solvents, it often has nasties like sand in it, which will sink
to the bottom when stuf becomes very liquidy. Try not to boil 
it though. Goes without saying that you shouldn't use bottom 
inch or so from the pan ... Or filter it well. 
Or even better, both.

Bratislav