Author Topic: Don't kick me out of the forum  (Read 4665 times)

Offline Anthony Averella

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Don't kick me out of the forum
« on: August 07, 2016, 10:40:33 PM »
I'm probably going to commit the worse possible mortal sin in CI  collecting there is. I want to convert some cauldrons and pots into planters.
 I found some candidates in Vermont that would replace some old clay pots on my steps and porch. They've all had white vinegar and water soaks and are looking better than they did when I bought them.
 My question is what special pre rust treatments would be appropriate if any?  They will be subject to the outside throughout the year. I don't want to drill drainage holes for I found out the process can be tedious with a hand drill. I don't have access to a drill press. Thank you.  :)

Offline Stephen Amaral

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2016, 01:32:55 AM »
I would suggest two options; get them powder coated, which would be the best protection or a good quality epoxy spray paint.
"Well here's another nice mess you've gotten me into."  Oliver Hardy

Offline C. B. Williams

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2016, 08:19:49 AM »
I wouldn't do it, but they are your pots.
Hold still rabbit, so I can cook you.

Offline Roger Muse

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2016, 10:57:13 AM »
The decision to turn a cast iron cauldron into a planter should be driven by the fact that the cauldron is damaged beyond the point of use for any other purpose.

To take a cast iron piece that is still usable for its intended function and relegate it to planter duty just isn't right.

There are enough actual junk pieces out there to meet the need for cast iron planters.

Offline Claudia Killebrew

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2016, 12:21:03 PM »
I've got one. It's been in the family for ages so I don't know who drilled the hole, but it wasn't anyone I know. It's been painted only and that was also a long time ago. I'm assuming some sort of Rust-Oleum paint. Red outside, black inside.

Offline Valerie Johnson

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2016, 01:59:11 PM »
If you have no other use then why not make a planter out of it, as far as drilling holes, cast iron is relatively soft and drills easily, a small electric drill will do the trick, drill the holes first then use a primer and a good Rust Oleum type of paint.

If you don't want to drill then realize that plants in containers with no drainage do sometime suffer from stagnation problems and root rot.

You can always use artificial flower/shrubs,leaves in it and keep it in a covered location so not to cause any damage, We have several large stoneware crock in our home which we use for various purposes, We have a tall butter churn crock that has artificial grasses and leaves in it and it looks very nice next to our inside stairwell, we use a large 6 gallon sanitary stoneware crock which I made a wooden lid for and we use it for dog food in our pantry, we have another large crock on our heart which holds fire starters,matches and kindling and my gloves for opening the lid on my wood stove, I also have one of those 3 leg bulge pots on the heart filled with fatwood strips.

Let your imagination run wild, an old cast iron scotch bowl or crock filled with fruit on the counter or table can make a lovely but useful container.

Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2016, 03:43:11 PM »
I would first ask...

The Cast Iron pieces (cauldrons and pots) in question....

Who made them, are they in good condition, and how old are they?  What is their real $$ market value? What is their possible historical value?

Showing us some pics, including markings would be helpful, otherwise I cannot responsibly encourage turning them into outdoor pieces.  My conscience as a Collector just can't go there, after seeing rare and beautiful pieces destroyed forever, by those that have come before..  :'( :'(

Offline Anthony Averella

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2016, 05:53:26 PM »
Here are some pix.  These are 1 day after white vinegar and water soaking.  They still have quite a bit of rust and "crud" on them.  [/img][/img]

Offline Anthony Averella

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2016, 05:55:02 PM »
Here's 1 more pix.

Offline Jim Glatthaar

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2016, 10:25:55 PM »
Anthony, we have all seen pieces in worse condition be beautifully restored either as collector or user pieces.  I would think in those terms. 

Offline Claudia Killebrew

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2016, 12:53:48 PM »
I agree with Jim. Those are nice. Restore them and look for one that is already cracked to make a planter with. I wish my planter didn't have the hole. It would have been a nice bulge pot.

By the way, Hello neighbor!  [smiley=wavey.gif]

Offline Anthony Averella

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2016, 02:35:20 PM »
You guys are the best.  You've talked me into restoring them.  I'm in the process of doing that right now.  Stay tuned for pix.
 Nice meeting you Claudia.  We're only a few minutes away.  :)

Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #12 on: August 09, 2016, 03:34:15 PM »
Anthony, why don't you look for some of those newer Asian/and elsewhere produced, potji pots and cauldrons and turn them into outdoor decorations?
maybe from a local scrap yard.   ;) ?

Offline Anthony Averella

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #13 on: August 09, 2016, 04:39:54 PM »
Good idea,  thanks.

Offline Anthony Averella

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #14 on: August 10, 2016, 10:55:26 AM »
Here are some pix after restoration.  I noticed a marking of "HF8"  on the smaller piece and "16" on the larger piece.  To go along with their gate marks.  Any idea on the age of them and the manufacturer?  I know it probably would be difficult. ftp://[ftp][/ftp]

Offline Anthony Averella

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #15 on: August 10, 2016, 10:57:47 AM »
Here's the last piece. ftp://[ftp][/ftp]

Offline Harry Riva

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #16 on: August 10, 2016, 07:52:39 PM »
Wow, you did a first class job on restoring those. When you find you sacrificial iron pot try finding a spray can of a product called Extends. I used to get it at HD. I used it on a huge cast iron cauldron 15 or more years ago and it has sat out in the elements ever since with very little, if any, deterioration.
Harry

Offline Anthony Averella

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Re: Don't kick me out of the forum
« Reply #17 on: August 10, 2016, 08:38:48 PM »
Thanks for the info Harry.  I'm familiar with Extends. I didn't know that they still made it.