Wood handles on my WI

[Stephen Amaral]

I have my grandmother's Puritan WI with wood handles.  They are pinned on the iron halves with rivets.
My question is, will it hurt the value to remove the rivets so I can remove the handles so I can put the iron in an electro for cleaning?  Thanks for your help.
Steve :-/

[Cheryl Watson]

Sounds like a Puritan WI, made by Favorite.

I would not remove the pins.  They are 'peened' rivets, and I was afraid of cracking the cast handles.

I sheathed my handles, and placed in a custom depth lye bath, and then hung in the electro with custom hangers, to keep them above the water line at just the precise spot....

(Nitrile glove, with rubber band interior and exterior...)

[Stephen Amaral]

Thanks Cheryl.  Great idea and my electro is set up to do just that.

[Stephen Amaral]

Ok, now that the WI halves are cleaned with the wood handles still attached,  I still have to season them and I am wondering if the oven temp is going to damage the wood handles.
Anyone have an idea?

[Tom Neitzel]

Here's what my No. 9 looks like with just mineral oil.  This was soda blasted with just masking tape protecting the handles.  Before on the bottom just for fun.  Just took a few minutes to clean up.

Tom

[Cheryl Watson]

Stephen, I seasoned mine on the Weber Q grill outside, with the wood handles extended out the side(end openings) toward the side shelves....  worked good for me.!  Kept the wood handles off the heat.. :) :)

It is my pride and joy...

[Tom Neitzel]

 Very nice Cheryl.  I think we've given a new meaning to "Show us your Favorites."

[Stephen Amaral]

Wow!  Thanks for the pictures, folks.  They look great. I'll try the Weber method.
Steve

[Cheryl Watson]

My VERY FIRST waffle iron, too!

Goodness, that seems like a Long time ago, but in reality is not! :) :)