ID help

[Kahrnut]

Is that the character " Pi" cast in the bottom?

" 12 " (sideways)

 

[Kahrnut]

Personally, I wouldn't put it directly in a bed of coals. If it has any stress cracks it could split.

 

[Retired Army]

Personally, I wouldn't put it directly in a bed of coals. If it has any stress cracks it could split.

I’m going to try the solution you posted a link to. Keeping it wet will be the issue. Probably soak a rag, lay it on and cover with plastic.

 

[Retired Army]

Yes sir, I was just making a point that the self cleaning oven definitely got it clean. Of course that cauldron may be too big for the oven anyway. Fire, hot bed of coals does the same thing.

Yeah, too big for oven.

 

[DinkyDau]

If it were mine I would have it Sand Blasted first..Then use Canola oil coat and cook in the coals, not flames inside and out. This will take several times and Fires..Best way I know to keep Cast iron from cracking it not taking it off the fire until the fire is out..Let it cool down with the coals..I have also done this when welding an inboard outboard eng. manifold..Cast iron can be a fickle metal...Here is an example of sand blasting that my Brother @sniper22 did for an old piece I restored. Good luck!

 

[Retired Army]

If it were mine I would have it Sand Blasted first..Then use Canola oil coat and cook in the coals, not flames inside and out. This will take several times and Fires..Best way I know to keep Cast iron from cracking it not taking it off the fire until the fire is out..Let it cool down with the coals..I have also done this when welding an inboard outboard eng. manifold..Cast iron can be a fickle metal...Here is an example of sand blasting that my Brother @sniper22 did for an old piece I restored. Good luck!
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Sandblasting was my initial thought. Kahrnut thought it may lessen the value and wear down whatever grain/marks there are. I’ve never restored cast iron and don’t want to ruin it. I appreciate the insight.

 

[DinkyDau]

Sandblasting was my initial thought. Kahrnut thought it may lessen the value and wear down whatever grain/marks there are. I’ve never restored cast iron and don’t want to ruin it. I appreciate the insight.

Here is an example of before and after on makers mark.

 

[Retired Army]

Here is an example of before and after on makers mark.
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That looks awesome! Mine is so old I can’t find a makers mark yet. At least I think it is. I found a cast iron collectors forum that I’m going to search. Just like I did here lol.

 

[DinkyDau]

That looks awesome! Mine is so old I can’t find a makers mark yet. At least I think it is. I found a cast iron collectors forum that I’m going to search. Just like I did here lol.

Best of luck with your Venture! Keep us informed

 

[CAD Jedi]

I used to do some blacksmithing and some repair. You can use a wire wheel on a cordless drill or air die grinder, just be careful on how fast you go. it is a lot of work to clean the rust off. I have also used a large bead/walnut shell blast cabinet. I would not use anything that is used for cars, could really damage the metal, especially if the rust has gotten into it badly. After it is really clean, then you can go through the traditional seasoning methods, if you want to eat out of it. If you just want to preserve it and not use it to eat out of, you can you can just spray it down really well with WD-40 and just let it dry, I have done that with many lawn ornaments, and it lasts a long time.