Re: [ATM] Making the pitch tool

["Jerry B. Hillman" <JBHillman@ev1.net>]

John,
Pitch isn't difficult to melt.  I use a Coleman camp stove. I put the pitch
in a 3 pound coffee can, put it on the stove and heat it up.  It will take
the better part of an hour. Usually about 40 minutes unless you are in a
hurry, but then you may make it to hot, ie boiling, and cook off the
solvents which will make it too hard.  Take your time, heat it up slowly,
work in a well ventilated area, and you will be fine.  As far as flamable
gases, be as cautious as you want to.  Unless concentrated, they won't
explode.  If you try, you can set the can of pitch on fire, but it isn't
like working with a explosive vapor like gasoline. It isn't even as flamable
as motor oil.  I use a blow torch to melt the pitch off of my tool.  Helps
prevent contamination of the pitch with pieces of plaster tool material,
preps the tool for the next batch of pitch, and if I set it on fire, I just
remove the torch. It will go out on its own.
Or you can be careless, work indoors, heat the pitch to a full rolling boil,
fill the unventilated room with flamable gas, then light a match.  Does the
phrase "Hey guys, watch this" ring a bell?

Clear skies, Jerry

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