cast iron fry pan myths

I just got my 6 cast iron skillets back from TurboDiesel. None of it is old/antique or high end pieces, as far as I know.

Is this guy nuts or “heretical” regarding sanding cheap cast iron?

He goes to great lengths to say to NOT do this with valuable or otherwise collectible cast iron.

I’m thinking of doing this with two of my skillets, just out of curiosity. I did a quick search for “orbital sander cast iron” and came across these videos.

 

Lye bath, e tank rust removal, and 3 layers of new seasoning. First thing my 10 year old wanted to do was bake chocolate chip cookie mix in corn bread pan. Which he did and served ice cream on top of the cookie brownies.

 

I've wire brushed a d sanded cast iron when the need arises. I got my sister some Lodge cast iron from the factory outlet in TN. I got stuff from the seconds pile. Some didn't season evenly, some needed some sanding to smooth out casting flaws. I lye bathed them all and re-seasoned. Better than factory new now.

Wire brush helps remove spalling red rust on poorly treated cast iron. Then lye, and electrolytic derusting. Depending on the pitting I may opt to sand too.

I like the lite #3 skillets because they're cheap. Wife uses them to cook garlic, mushrooms, scallions....to add into larger dishes.

 

I’ve now had a chance to unpack and examine the six skillets that make up the remainder of a my once larger cast iron collection.

Judging by what I’m seeing, I had completely forgotten what I had, and it might be a big mistake to do any kind of sanding or polishing.

I guess I had sold off the lesser quality stuff I had as part of the collection.

Any input on approximate manufacture dates or other info on these pieces would be immensely appreciated. If you have any rough idea of value, that would be helpful too.

Copco - nothing on handle - 10” or 12”?


Erie - nothing on handle - 8” or 10”?


Griswold - 6 on handle - 6 on bottom


Wagner - 6 on handle - 6” on bottom


Wagner - 6 on handle - 6” on bottom


Wagner - 3 on handle but measures 4-5”?

 

The Griswold and Erie have the highest value potential...from what I have seen sell. They are all good looking and easily brought back up to full use condition.

 

Initially a double post....so here is my future e tank.

 

We do the same.
(Apple pie on the right)

 

I dug back through the thread. I forgot I had asked about a couple of these a number of years ago (I’ve had five strokes so memory ain’t great!)

You had commented back then that the Erie was over 100 years old! So no, I don’t think I’ll be sanding any of these that survived my downsizing a couple years ago.

But now I’m going to start haunting yard sales, looking for a cheap “modern” cast iron skillet I can experiment with.

 

I see the Wagner 1891 Original (made in 1991) series skillets sometimes. Miss July found one at a yard sale for $5 with the sticker still on it. They work great and are indestructible.
I got a rusty one last year for $3. It's one of my go-to skillets now. (Square one in pic )
The round 1891 behind it is a yard sale special also.

 

Here's the sticker. (Not my pic)

 

Was on the hundred mile yard sale 2 years ago and saw a griswold. About 18" skillet. Guy had it priced at $1800. Book says it's worth $900.
It was nice!...but not 900 (or 1800) nice!