Resins

Information provided from The Traditional Bowyer's Bible, Bois d'arc press:

Injured conifers, especially pines and spruces, "bleed" pitch or rosin, and although not particularly strong, if prepared correctly it is flexible and waterproof. Fresh rosin is too sticky and must be heated or boiled to thicken. (Caution pitch is flammable and should be heated outdoors and with great care.) Heat the rosin just enough so that when cooled to room temperature it is firm, but not brittle. Old, hard rosin can be softened by melting and adding new rosin or beeswax. To increase strength, add about one-tenth (10%) powdered charcoal to the melted rosin. Charcoal can also be pressed into the surface after application to eliminate any stickiness.

I have watched the Australian Aborigines making their spears. They split the wooden shaft of the spear and insert the spear head, (a deadly looking long barbed head carved from hardwoods), along with tree resin from Eucalyptus or Acacias, then they bind it tightly with string made from human hair, cover the binding with more resin. Then they twirl the join over a smoky fire.

Offered by Jan.