Pitch has been used for many centuries in metalsmithing amongst other crafts. Pitch is an adhesive that is very dense and has about the same ductility of lead at room temperature. When warm it becomes fluid and sticky. Its main purpose is for work holding in the arts of chasing and repousse, engraving, stone setting, and metal carving to name a few. The main advantage in chasing and repousse, is that it leaves no air behind your piece, so the metal moves only under the tool allowing the most precise detail. It also holds your piece firmly in place leaving both hands free to hold the hammer in one and chisel in the other.

Pitch is very heat sensitive. If you would like it harder, cool it down by sticking it in the fridge for a little while. If you want it softer, warm it with a heat gun.

The 8" deep Grobet pitch bowls take just under 4 pounds (2 bags) of the California Red to fill them. While Otto Frei's 8" deep bowls are a little larger, and take just under 6 pounds or 3 bbags of the California Red to fill them.

The Califorina Red pitch fills approximately 20 cubic inches per pound or 40 cubic inches per bag. Larger containers can be old cast iron frying pans, woks, fabricated metal trays at least 1/8" thick. I like to make trays out of a 3/4" plywood base and 2"x2" walls. To figure the area of a square container multiply height x width x length.

California red chasers pitch is available in 3 consistencies: a soft, medium, and hard. Each consistency has its own use, and can be mixed to fit personal preference. It is sold in 2 pound bricks.