Found a small smelting pot

[Jim22]

I found a small cast iron pot on Ebay. It's eight inches in diameter and has a steel bail. It has some surface rust as would be expected. No pits, just some red spots. Do you all think I should sand it off before using it? I'm using a single burner propane stove to heat it with an adjustable - up to 20 psi - regulator. I have been keeping the regulator cranked down but it will make some serious heat.

Jim

[country gent]

A wire brush or even a pad of steel wool will clean it up fine. But it isnt really necessary, the crud will float to the top when you flux the first time

[Jim22]

A wire brush or even a pad of steel wool will clean it up fine. But it isnt really necessary, the crud will float to the top when you flux the first time

Thank you. Makes sense.

Jim

[Retumbo]

My cast iron ladle is permanently rusty

[Kylongrifle32]

I would just put it to use as is. You can toss a hand full of gravel in it and spin it around by the handle.

[Walter Laich]

I'm OCD enough to clean up the outside if needed. Probably would do a bit of work on inside--big chunks.

do realize ▲ that is totally not required but then that's me

[wilecoyote]

not required but,
if you prefer to be cheap & lazy, fill it with white vinegar,
if you want to go faster, use phosphoric acid instead.
both will dissolve the rust in a short time.
then finish with steel wool, if you want.
rinse or even better rinse with baking soda and lube it.

[imashooter2]

A wire brush to knock off the loose stuff, then onto the fire with it.

[John Guedry]

Everything I use in casting/smelting is rusty.

[Land Owner]

"Found a small smelting pot..."

to fill a small mold
to make a small boolit
to load over a small powder charge
to fill a small brass case
to shoot through a small-bore gun
with hope for a small group.

It's a Small-Small World after all...