SE Asia tree resin

Ian · 22nd May 2023, 01:34 PM

Hi Jeff,

First thing I would try is heating a small sample gently to see if driving off some of the moisture helps to thicken the resin into something sticky like treacle. If it does, I would test it with two pieces of wood and see if it binds flat surfaces together. Then try with irregular surfaces of wood. Then with wood and a piece of scrap metal. Try not to get too many bubbles in it when it thickens.

This is what I have seen Filipinos do with tree resins. As far as any additives to improve the bonding, I have no idea.

JeffS · 22nd May 2023, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Jeff,

First thing I would try is heating a small sample gently to see if driving off some of the moisture helps to thicken the resin into something sticky like treacle. If it does, I would test it with two pieces of wood and see if it binds flat surfaces together. Then try with irregular surfaces of wood. Then with wood and a piece of scrap metal. Try not to get too many bubbles in it when it thickens.

This is what I have seen Filipinos do with tree resins. As far as any additives to improve the bonding, I have no idea.

Good tips. Do you happen to know if the resin you saw in use in Philippines is almaciga resin? I brought some of that back from Palawan (crystalized).

Ian · 22nd May 2023, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffS

Good tips. Do you happen to know if the resin you saw in use in Philippines is almaciga resin? I brought some of that back from Palawan (crystalized).

I don't recall now Jeff. The demonstration I saw was in Central Luzon, near the former U.S. naval base, put on by the Aete people. I posted an article by Fox (PDF format) some time ago which talked a lot about native plants used in making bows and arrows, including the use of resins to affix arrow points. You will probably find something relevant in that article.

The Fox article is attached to this post http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...2&postcount=17

Tim Simmons · 22nd May 2023, 06:05 PM

I have been interested in natural resins as glue. I have bought crystalline resin lumps from ebay. However the cherry tree in my garden produces resin {Gummosis} which I thought was interesting. Only small amounts but useable.

kai · 22nd May 2023, 09:57 PM

AFAIK, resin that is fluid tends to be utilized for surface treatment of wood (as a local alternative to shellac); I believe dipterocarp resin was mentioned in the book "Spirit of Wood".

Resin for setting a blade into the hilt is usually solid and mixed with beeswax (to make it less brittle) and a filler like brick dust (for better overall hardness). This needs to be done upon melting the resin & wax - be very careful since it is easily flammable and sticks to the skin like hell! There are volatile components in the resin and, thus, expect pungent smell or even smoke - best prepared outside (without open flames to avoid ignition) and with dedicated gear. Don't try it in a kitchen...

Exact ratios depend on the ingredients. Alan posted a traditional recipe here a good while ago which can serve as a good starting point. Some experimentation will be needed if you try other ingredients.

Regards,
Kai

A. G. Maisey · 22nd May 2023, 11:27 PM

Kai is absolutely correct, I could not have said this better myself.

What is needed is a substance that in Jawa is called "damar selo" = "rock resin", hard irregular lumps.

In Central Jawa the preparation & use of this material is regarded as a specialist job, it is not quite as easy as it sounds.

22nd May 2023, 01:34 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,524	Hi Jeff, First thing I would try is heating a small sample gently to see if driving off some of the moisture helps to thicken the resin into something sticky like treacle. If it does, I would test it with two pieces of wood and see if it binds flat surfaces together. Then try with irregular surfaces of wood. Then with wood and a piece of scrap metal. Try not to get too many bubbles in it when it thickens. This is what I have seen Filipinos do with tree resins. As far as any additives to improve the bonding, I have no idea.

22nd May 2023, 06:05 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	I have been interested in natural resins as glue. I have bought crystalline resin lumps from ebay. However the cherry tree in my garden produces resin {Gummosis} which I thought was interesting. Only small amounts but useable.

22nd May 2023, 09:57 PM	#5
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	AFAIK, resin that is fluid tends to be utilized for surface treatment of wood (as a local alternative to shellac); I believe dipterocarp resin was mentioned in the book "Spirit of Wood". Resin for setting a blade into the hilt is usually solid and mixed with beeswax (to make it less brittle) and a filler like brick dust (for better overall hardness). This needs to be done upon melting the resin & wax - be very careful since it is easily flammable and sticks to the skin like hell! There are volatile components in the resin and, thus, expect pungent smell or even smoke - best prepared outside (without open flames to avoid ignition) and with dedicated gear. Don't try it in a kitchen... Exact ratios depend on the ingredients. Alan posted a traditional recipe here a good while ago which can serve as a good starting point. Some experimentation will be needed if you try other ingredients. Regards, Kai

22nd May 2023, 11:27 PM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	Kai is absolutely correct, I could not have said this better myself. What is needed is a substance that in Jawa is called "damar selo" = "rock resin", hard irregular lumps. In Central Jawa the preparation & use of this material is regarded as a specialist job, it is not quite as easy as it sounds.