Filled with a special material that softens when heated to hold small, fragile, or irregular pieces for engraving, setting and finishing. Fits any vise or engraving block.

The GRS PitchBowl and PitchCup are made to hold irregular or fragile pieces including gun parts, jewelry, fossil specimens, and more. The GRS PitchBowl is designed to mount onto any GRS vise by clamping the jaws to the 3/4" (19.06 mm) wide bar mounted on the bottom side of the bowl. The smaller PitchCup has a 1/8" (3.18 mm) wide bar for mounting in the jaws of the BenchMate series of tools. These products are filled with an asphalt-base material called “pitch”. There are several ways to embed an object into the pitch. The most common is to heat the pitch and push the part into it until it reaches the desired depth. Another method that works well for some pieces is to heat the piece itself and place it on the unheated pitch. Some users like to heat both the pitch and the part. A small propane torch works fine as a heat source, but care is necessary to avoid overheating the pitch. A superior heat source is an electric heat gun. Once the pitch has set firmly, the embedded part is ready for use. When the work is completed, reheat the pitch and remove the piece. Some parts can be removed without reheating the pitch. Pitch that adheres to the part can be removed with a degreasing solvent.
A little experience will help considerably in developing a good technique for using a these products. You will find that your GRS PitchBowl and PitchCup have several unique uses that ordinary holding methods will not accommodate.


Softening the Pitch From above, heat the surface of the pitch with a torch or heat gun. When using a torch, DO NOT put the flame against the pitch. If material starts to smoke, the flame is too close. Soften the surface, not melt it, with the heat waves. Test the surface with the edge of a coin or tool until the desired softness is obtained. Carefully press the item you want held into the softened material and let cool. Remove the item by heating the pitch the same way and then lift the item out. Cleaning the Pitch Soften, then pick out debris with a knife or tweezers. Wipe cooled material with degreasing solvent.