On the Youtube channel EatTheWeeds, there’s a video about how he cleans off cast iron pans using an electrified water bath. Seemed like a pretty hardcore setup. I’d link to the video, but I’m on a computer that blocks Youtube. Otherwise, I think a wire brush would work better than steel wool. If you use a baking soda and salt solution, the abrasiveness of that would probably help, and I’m pretty sure baking soda helps to get rust off. Maybe squirt a bit of vinegar onto the baking soda, get it to foam up.

Someone suggested that I take it down to the auto body shop and have someone sandblast it.

Heat the pieces in the oven until they are really hot. Take a thick cloth coated in cooking oil and rub the castiron down really good. When they cool down, wipe off any excess oil.

Here is the link to the Youtube channel video @incendiary_dan mentioned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfvHUahZYgM

Hmmm, sandblasting might be a bit too rough. But hell, maybe not, cast iron is pretty hardcore.

I would cook it. :)
I did this (go about halfway down the page) once with a friend cleaning up hers while we hung out for the day. I kind of love cast iron anything.

Bonus, kiln posts are crazy inexpensive. Since you’re going to be cleaning so many items, I would do it like that. You’ll never finish it by hand scrubbing and an auto body shop will charge you quite a bit.

Now, how about you send me a #10 Griswold skillet or equivalent for all my help? ;)

Oh, if you do decide to go with the kiln post / oven deal those posts I linked to will work. When it says ‘good to cone 10’ that means it’s good enough for about 2300° F, if my ceramics memory serves me. Google could confirm but I’m lazy.

If it were I, I would get a Dremel or similar multi tool and wire brush attachment and take off much of the bulk with that. Then soak it in oil like WD40 or honing oil and use a med grit stone to take off the rest.

@asmonet Sorry my #10 griswold came from my great grandma, too much sentimental value. My favorite it my mother’s 4” fry pan, I think it is wagner.

Sandblasting is really the only way to get through all that pitting and rust! We do it in scouts all the time!

If you have it blasted, Make sure you use crushed walnut shells! It will remove the rust and yuck, but will not pit the metal. Please, please dont use silica based blasting media!!

@WestRiverrat Well, now I not-so-secretly hate you. :)

@asmonet I am going to try your method, but with charcoal in my fire pit.

Personally, I would take it to work with me and fix it there. Read on…

@incendiary_dan It depends on the blaster. The foundry where I work has some that are for use only on easily damaged stuff like aluminum; the pressure and the “sand” are adjusted accordingly. Of course, we don’t let the new guys and temps touch those since it takes a bit more delicacy than blasting a thick part made of something like Inconel or our usual blends of steel.

@WestRiverrat: I imagine it should work, good luck! Let us know how it turns out!