Rusty ingot molds

[wbrco]

Got a steal at the Rutlidge Flea Market a few weeks ago.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170602/916d0037f39c6f933ca0fc11aa352b6e.jpg

So short of a bunch of elbow grease, any advice on getting the rust off?

I was thinking some of the new water based rust remover that I see on my car shows, but I'd have to buy 2 gallons. I don't know anyone with a blasting cabinet, and the last time I took some small parts to get blasted I got charged an arm and a leg.

Anybody in the St. Charles MO with a blasting cabinet that I can use?

[standles]

Check out cleaning by electrolysis
http://www.castironcollector.com/electrolysis.php

[mold maker]

If you intend to use them, the rust is cosmetic. Brush/scrape the loose stuff away and enjoy them. No matter how well you clean them, the rust will reappear. It actually helps the lead ingots to release.

[TexasGrunt]

Evapo Rust will clean them up, but rust on casting stuff doesn't bother me.

[Kraschenbirn]

If it were mine, I'd just hit it a lick or two with a small wire brush and start casting but if you really have the urge to clean it up, there's some stuff called 'Crud Cutter' that's the best I've ever found for rust removal. Brush it on, let stand for 10 minutes, rinse off with water and a bristle brush. It has a phosphoric acid base so DO NOT...repeat DO NOT...use it on anything with a finish (paint, gun blue, etc.) you'd like to preserve.

Bill

[RMII]

Been there, done that. As others have stated, just brush it off and pour. Unless for some reason you feel the need to have perfect looking ingots.

[waltherboy4040]

Gallon of white vinegar is cheap and effective

[hunter74]

My ingot moulds have more rust on them but the ingots turn out just fine, so it doesn't worry me, but that's me...

Sent fra min SM-G930F via Tapatalk

[rmatchell]

If you really want them blasted I can help you out but I would hit them with a wire brush and call it good.

Im in Hillsboro but up that way often

[mold maker]

If the metal is really pitted with rust, totally removing it could leave a surface that grips the ingots. Chemically removing the rust wont leave a smooth surface.
I'd do a cursory scrape cleaning and call it good.

[Littlewolf]

white vinegar soak will turn the rust to a black gunck tha t rinses right off w the garden hose BUT like everybody else has said rust on smelting gear is a good thing

[Echo]

I cleaned several in Evap-O-Rust, rinsed them off, and painted them with Hi-Temp (1300*) paint, hi-temp primer first. Seem to be holding up.

[Leadmelter]

Evaporust will fix it in one day.
Leadmelter
MI