r/castiron • u/JustinitsuJ • 1d ago
Saved these 2 pieces from their scheduled death
Found these 2 pieces that were ready to be tossed. I'd never restored any cast iron before but always wanted to try (I only own a couple modern pieces). Seemed like a good adventure, and I'm super happy with the results. I need to work on my seasoning skills a bit, but I think they turned out well. I originally was going to sell both to a good home as I don't have room for them. But I think I'm in love with the Wagner so I might just keep it and pass along the Dutch oven.
Wagner Ware 8 Made in USA 10 1/2" Skillet
Chicago Hardware Foundry Dutch Oven Diamond 8 A
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u/JSuarezXX 1d ago
What did you use to clean them up? I’ve picked up a few cast irons recently that can use some cleaning up
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u/JustinitsuJ 1d ago
The Dutch oven I let soak in a tub with 50/50 vinegar & water for about 45 min, then scrubbed hard with steel wool. Did this about 4 times but there was still some buildup.
I switched to trying the yellow cap method in the FAQs (wish I would have started here) for about 24 hours (one session was enough). I sprayed both with the yellow cap stuff, double bagged and set on my deck. After 24 hours I took them out. The skillet wiped clean and was ready for seasoning after that. The Dutch oven still needed 2 more rounds with vinegar.
After that, did about 3 rounds of seasoning in the oven, canola oil about 450 for one hour.
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u/Hero_Of_Rhyme_ 1d ago
I’ve always used a 5 gallon bucket and lye based drain cleaner crystals for my thrifted pans
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u/reallywaitnoreally 1d ago
Rescue pans.