Low pressure glass bead blasting

[J Cullie]

Picked up a #8 Griswold waffle iron the other day and was wondering if I could use this method for cleaning it prior to re-seasoning it. The equipment I have is very controllable and works well at very low pressures. I can use virgin glass at like 10-20 psi and have a very gentle cleaning action and I feel will avoid work hardening the surface. Is this a bad idea? Will it becoming grayish from the cleaning turn black again once seasoned? Or should I just scrub it? It is in good shape. Not really seasoned though. It looks like it just sat around and got a tad of surface rust. Using the blaster is just so much faster than scrubbing..... Your thoughts

Here's a look

 

[Doug D.]

In the collecting world, anything that changes the original surface texture even subtly is to be strictly avoided. Soda blasters have been used without issue on some really tough cases. But in this case, it appears there's not really much point to even electrolysis. I actually don't see anything there that a soak in 50/50 vinegar/water for 30-60 minutes and a not too-strenuous scrub with steel wool wouldn't solve. In other words, I wouldn't throw technology at it just to be doing it.

 

[J Cullie]

Sounds good. I'll get going on this and see how it goes. I'll follow up with some after pictures.