Cast Iron Milling

M

MDFraley

Member
Many times we have read threads posted here regarding pitted cast iron deep scratches etc. and most always there is simply no fix for the issue.
Since technology has long passed the cast iron age and there seems to be no end to what can be achieved these days, I have been wondering here of late if it would be possible to incorporate some sort of milling machine or laser machine to restore these pitted/damaged pieces of the past without ruining them from such a process?
I spent the better part of the last hour looking at some being offered on the internet and was amazed what they can do. They are for sure cost prohibitive for the average collector/hobbyist but it may pay off if such a service was offered by someone with an interest in saving these collectables with a new cooking surface and upgraded appearance.
Knowing that we have such a mix of interested collectors does anyone have any worthwhile information to share with us?
 
Since a milling or laser machine removes material, how could that be used to restore pitting and scratches? If the idea is to remove enough material to level out the pitting you'd end up with a much thinner pan, with its own potential problems. IMO.

That said, I know a relatively recent startup called Stargazer Cast Iron is trying to produce modern pieces with some vintage performance qualities, and they CNC mill the surface smooth. But that's producing new pieces, not restoring damaged vintage ones.
 
Too many are too thin already. A pit can be 25% of the thickness or more. I wasn't comfortable taking a few thousandths off a Lodge cooking surface and wouldn't even try that on a Griswold.

Hilditch
 
MD
Eric and Hilditch are correct. It all depends on how thick the remaining cooking surface will be. I wouldn't be hesitant to take several 1,000ths off a post 1965 BSR or Lodge as they are thick, heavy pans. Grandma's #12 Griswold is another story entirely.

I do believe I remember you took a few thousandths off a pan with sand paper. Lots of work but if it yields a good cooking surface it may be worth it.

Happy hunting

Jack
 
JMoss said:
MD
Eric and Hilditch are correct. It all depends on how thick the remaining cooking surface will be. I wouldn't be hesitant to take several 1,000ths off a post 1965 BSR or Lodge as they are thick, heavy pans. Grandma's #12 Griswold is another story entirely.

I do believe I remember you took a few thousandths off a pan with sand paper. Lots of work but if it yields a good cooking surface it may be worth it.

Happy hunting

Jack
Click to expand...

Guess I've had too much time on my hands here of late. The Fall allergy season is here and this year it has kept me inside more than I want to be plus sleeping hasn't been all that great either. Was watching a lot of U-Tube video's and researching the CNC Milling machines when I thought about incorporating their precision work toward a cast iron cooking surface. One video in particular talked about milling to a four micron exactness (0.000,004) which is fairly thin.
I realize the pitting is sometimes pretty bad but in some instances it is minor thus maybe this process would work. I've attached a link to some video's that you may or may not want to view or you can just Google CNC Milling Machines and review them.
Saw your post on Canton so I assume that you didn't make it to the Fall Round Top Show? I wanted to go but opted out due to this allergy stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4jwVdFsoGo
 
KevinE said:
FWIW, the older cast iron wasn't milled. It was ground--with grinding wheels.
Click to expand...

I had a very rough newer Lodge round handled griddle. I used a nice flat honing stone to smooth out the cooking surface. The repetitive motion is like therapy for me as it relaxes me. Took a few hours a night over several nights to get it to a reasonably smooth cooking surface. Just used cooking oil for the honing. Same stone I use to sharpen knives.

Would never consider using a stone on any of my Griswolds.
 
Don't think I ever implied what brand or thickness of skillet this process would be best on. I understand everyone's concern regarding thickness and appreciate your input. I was really trying to find out if anyone did this type of service for cast iron skillets. I actually had one (1) CIC member that provided me with a link for exactly what I was looking for. I will not reveal that CIC member nor the link that was provided because it would not be fair to them nor the free publication of the business that does it.
If, or I should say when I have one of mine done I will do a before and after pic to share with this forum.
Thanks in advance....
 
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