How Do You Clean Rust Out Of ....

[riverwalker76]

I bought a Lee Production Pot IV from a guy at the Flea Market this morning for $10. I also got a few cast iron muffin pans and an iron skillet from him for smelting for another $10.

The problem is .... all of this stuff is rusty inside. I know how to season cast iron, but what do I need to do to the inside of the pot on the Lee melter to get the rust out? I knew it was salvageable, and thought I'd ask how to clean it up from you all.

Thanks

[GT27]

Naval Jelly at your local auto parts...

[riverwalker76]

Naval Jelly at your local auto parts...

This is just a thin film of rust. It's not the deep pitting rust that you might think. Could I use a Brillo pad or steel wool to get it out?

[dragonrider]

Brillo pad, steel wool, sandpaper, sand/bead blasting. Most anything will get it out. The hot lead won't know the difference.

[mooman76]

I wouldn't worry about it myself. The loose rust will float to the top and be skimmed away. It won't hurt a thing and the pot will get some rust on it with use anyway. I keep my pot filled when finished.

[Mk42gunner]

I wouldn't worry about it myself. The loose rust will float to the top and be skimmed away. It won't hurt a thing and the pot will get some rust on it with use anyway. I keep my pot filled when finished.

I'm with Mooman on this one. You could scrape any loose rust out with a screwdriver; then when you flux the melted lead, any that you miss will float to the top.

As far as your ingot molds go; the rust will act as a mold release, allowing the ingots to pop out easier.


Robert

[riverwalker76]

Sounds good. I thought I'd go ahead and ask the questions now instead of waiting until the last minute. I probably won't do any smelting until the weather cools off some anyway.

Thanks for the advice.

[DLCTEX]

Use the citric acid solution in the shooting thread and then scrub with a plastic pot scrubber.

[WHITETAIL]

I would just start with a brillo pad.
No need to get it spotles.
Just clean it with hot soap and water
and a brillo pad.
Then put it over a good heat and get it hot so to dry thoroughly.:lol:

[Shiloh]

This is just a thin film of rust. It's not the deep pitting rust that you might think. Could I use a Brillo pad or steel wool to get it out?

That is what I would do. A stiff wire prush would work well. The grill brush I have is curved at the front so it would reach and work on the bottom of the pot.

Shiloh

[MtGun44]

Leave rust in the ingot molds, it prevents sticking. If you clean them you will
be sorry.

Bill

[oldtoolsniper]

Leave it in the pot and cast away! The rust will float to the top.