r/CastIronRestoration

I’ve got this mfin beauty I found on fb marketplace - already removed and refurbished the wooden handle and this thing is gonna be GORGEOUS once I can strip it down and reseason it. Problem so far is all I’ve tried is a chain mail scrubby, baking soda, vinegar, salt & elbow grease and I haven’t made a ton of progress cleaning it up. My question is WHAT DO I WANT TO BUY OR BORROW TO GET THIS THING TO BARE METAL SO I CAN RESEASON IT? How do I get the last of the old seasoning and rust off? I’m intrigued in this as a hobby or side hustle, I think it’s really cool, but I’m still too much of a noob to know how much time, effort and tools I actually have to invest in.
Thanks for any advice!!

I’ve been giving away cast iron antique pans of my collection as gifts. I cook my favorite meals and record them ( hand written recipes) and then give it to the recipient with age of the pan and who it belonged to. Is this a gift younger people appreciate? Dutch baby pancakes.

I just bought this number 10 something at a automobile swap meet. Gave $10 for it. No idea what it is. I have my fingers crossed that it’s a Griswold. The shape of the handle kinda makes me think it is. What do you all think? I’m gonna put it in a lye bath now. Probably unveiled what it is in a few days.

Gave a few pans their first run. Brownies seem to be about as good as cornbread for seasoning. Don't get it twisted, I do like cornbread! Lodge star, unmarked turks head, and the little Favorite Piqua 2 got what was left of the batter.

Hi! I am interested in restoration and antiques. I bought a cast iron pan in a charity shop to learn before trying to restore my other pots/pans (with a higher sentimental value).
So far I have been scrubbing it with steal wool for what feels like hours and using oven degreaser (for several hours at the time). There are still some spots with carbon build up.
Does anyone have any advice on how to get rid of it? Either for this project or in general?

Pictures
1-2: when I bought it
3-4:
5-6: today