PENMART01 wrote:

> "Bob Myers" > writes:
>
> >In unpacking some boxes that had been in the basement for years,
> >I came across some old cast iron that I can remember my Dad using
> >thirty years ago. At the time, of course, these were all well-seasoned;
> >I remember them all nice and black, and of course they turned out
> >many wonderful meals. But they've been packed away and unused
> >for at least 20 years now - Mom never used them, and I stored these
> >boxes after she died a couple of years ago. Today they're rusty in
> >spots, and just in general don't look like something I want to be
> >cooking with. I'm wondering if anyone has pointers on restoring
> >old cast iron to service. I've been thinking that coarse steel wool
> >or even sandblasting could get the accumlated rust and crud off,
> >and then treating it like new, unseasoned cast iron would be the way
> >to go. Any thoughts on this?
> >
> >Yes, I know I could go out and just buy new - but since this stuff's
> >sort of at "family heirloom" status, I'd sure like to restore it and use
> >it.
>
> Best way to clean cast iron is with a stiff wire brush... get those rotary
> types that will chuck in your drill motor... 0ne to two buck each at you rlocal
> hardware emporium.
>
> But first ascertain whether your family jewels are of a quality worth your
> ministrations. Much cast iron cookware, especially those purchased as sets,
> are of very poor quality and are hardly worth their weight in doorstops. Good
> quality cast iron cookware nowadays is relatively low cost so you may instead
> be better off opting for brand new rather than make do... you'll be much
> happier with pieces that you personally choose to suit your cooking style and
> you may actually use. However, cookware you lived 20-30 years without will in
> all probablity after all your toil reviving will never get used and end up back
> in the same storzage boxes. Bottom line is you give no indication of which
> pieces you have so I can't give you any indication of which pieces are worth
> considering for reviving.

Do the truly old and sturdy ones have any antique or collector value?

Gary



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