Richie Dagger Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 I just acquired a new cast iron firepot, and I'm wondering what, if anything, I should do to it before its first use to maximize its lifespan. It's my understanding that a lining of fireclay is not needed for heavy cast, and can actually induce corrosion by trapping moisture. I'm wondering if anyone has tried coating one in waterglass or porcelain glaze? If nothing else, I may season it in the oven with some flaxseed oil, like you would cast iron cookware. Thoughts or suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 How do you remove old seasoning? A common method is to burn it off at temps way below forging temps! They are not designed to have anything done to them but use them! I've be using the same firepot since 1985, still going strong. How long does yours need to last? If you want to maximize it's lifespan keep it dry and don't crack it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubalcain2 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 to paraphrase what TP said, you don't need to do anything. keeping it dry is the best thing you can do. anything else is essentially a waste of time at best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie Dagger Posted October 25, 2017 Author Share Posted October 25, 2017 23 hours ago, ThomasPowers said: How do you remove old seasoning? A common method is to burn it off at temps way below forging temps! Yeah, I figured you'd have some loss nearer the heart, but wasn't sure of the extent. 23 hours ago, ThomasPowers said: They are not designed to have anything done to them but use them! I've be using the same firepot since 1985, still going strong. How long does yours need to last? I'd like it to last a couple of generations, at least. 35+ years isn't bad though, I suppose, if you factor continual usage. 23 hours ago, ThomasPowers said: If you want to maximize it's lifespan keep it dry and don't crack it. Yeah, moisture would be my primary concern. In my locale, it's not unusual to have 90% humidity or higher at least half of the year. After a little more thought, a coat of waterglass or porcelain would likely bond with clinkers and get chipped during their removal. Guess I'll not worry about it then. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 I'd like my truck tires to last a couple of generations too; but they were not designed that way. They are a consumable and are replaced as needed. (You notice you can buy firepots that are modern castings? Even when you can't buy the forges they were made for new anymore?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkie Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Richie, never pour water on a hot firepot; it can crack it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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