Cast iron prep/care (smelting pot/ingot molds)

[MAGA]

I acquired a lodge cast iron sectioned cornbread pan that was stored in my parents outbuilding for a few years and it is well seasoned and but dirty (enough stuff to smear your finger in)
Also I am actively looking for a 10" skillet or Dutch oven to use for smelting

Is there any special prep I need to do for use with lead? Get the seasoning off?
Also does surface rust hurt? And how would you keep it from rusting after use? Any special care?

Thanks!

[GhostHawk]

I have an old cast iron 7" fry pan that I cast with for 4 decades.

No prep, bottom rust's a bit from time to time. When I see it I rub a little bullet lube into it.

Get it hot, the lube/oil is going to burn off anyway.

For easy rust prevent a can of WD-40 or heck Pam would do. Once it is cooled scrape it clean, bit of 0000 steel wool and give it a spray of some kind of oil.

Good till the next time you need it.

Now seasoning cast to cook with is another matter.

[lightman]

I spray my cast iron ingot molds with whatever type oil that I have laying around the shop after a smelting session. I usually don't bother to degrease them unless they have been idle long enough to collect dirt and dust. Then they get a shot of brake cleaner.

That iron corn bread mold might have more value as a family heirloom or a useful cooking device than as an ingot mold. Just a thought, but people collect older cast iron cook ware.

[DerekP Houston]

Just don't ruin a good wagner or griswold. Do what you will with those lodge pieces though. If you are smelting lead in it I assume anything cooking related will cook off as it heats up and just deposit carbon in the lead. Stir well and good luck

[MAGA]

I spray my cast iron ingot molds with whatever type oil that I have laying around the shop after a smelting session. I usually don't bother to degrease them unless they have been idle long enough to collect dirt and dust. Then they get a shot of brake cleaner.

That iron corn bread mold might have more value as a family heirloom or a useful cooking device than as an ingot mold. Just a thought, but people collect older cast iron cook ware.

Thanks!
Luckily it's not a family heirloom my parents bought it a couple years ago and even after many uses they never got it to where the cornbread didn't stick so I think they just gave up on it
Lucky me :mrgreen:

[DerekP Houston]

Thanks!
Luckily it's not a family heirloom my parents bought it a couple years ago and even after many uses they never got it to where the cornbread didn't stick so I think they just gave up on it
Lucky me :mrgreen:

that's pretty standard for 'new age' cast iron from lodge. Its nothing compared to the original stuff my grandparents grew up with and its why I collect antique cookware.

[Echo]

I painted most of my ingot molds with Hi-Temp (1300*) paint. But no matter what, iron (and steel!) WILL rust! the molds are doing OK, but they look a little funky...

[lwknight]

I have never done anything except wipe out any excessive rust with scotch-brite and never had any trouble. Just don't leave them out in the rain and everything will be just fine.

[D Crockett]

I am going to give those that use cast iron pots to melt lead in a safety tip what ever you do do not hit the side of the pot with your ladle to nock out any lead that has built up in the ladle I used to use a cast iron pot and did that one day to nock out some junk in the ladle and quicker than you can blink a eye there was a hair line crack in my pot with a thin stream of lead pouring out of the pot, (what a mess ) that is when I went to a steel pot and never had a bit of trouble with it. D Crockett

[lwknight]

Yes, it is true that using cast iron has a possible drawback that could get someone hurt. Always setup as if you think there might be a leak spring in your pot someday and you will do just fine. Thanks for the reminder D. Crockett.