restoration help

[crisb]

I am fairly new to blacksmithing, and have recently acquired an champion blower and forge #1 from a family member. All the pieces appear to be there except the belt hood and handle. It is fairly rusty and I am wanting to return it to bare metal but am having difficulties on whether I should use oil or some protective paint. It will be out side most of the time and I will not be able to use it much till I get out of school, so I am just looking for something to tinker with.
Thought and opinions are appreciated.

[DSW]

Hello and welcome. Take a minute to complete your information and add your location to your profile. It helps when guys know where you are located many times when you ask questions and they can make suggestions as to what local groups you might like to join.

 

 

There are a number of ways to get back down to bare metal. Sand blasting, electrolytic rust removal, wire brushing just to name a few. Some processes work better for some parts than others. I'll let some of the other guys make suggestions about how to protect metal outside. I usually paint, but I'm not sure I'd do that to my antique forge. One nice thing about old iron vs steel is that it rusts a certain amount and then sort of stops or at least slows way down, so it's not quite as critical as with steel.

[Jim Coke]

Greetings Chris,

 

Clean it up with a wire brush .. Lube all the components ... identify the worn parts and repair....  Buy yourself a wheel barrow handle and fit it up ...  Give it a go ...  after you are happy with its performance.... clean again and spray it down with barbeque high temp paint... no need for primers...    Later if you wish manufacture a hood but not required for the first road test....  I prefer just a wind brake on portable forges...   Good luck and I wish you well

 

Welcome and forge on and make beautiful things

Jim