To check the bottom of your pots and pans for flatness, use a straight
edge, such as a ruler, on the bottom surface. If it rocks back and
forth, you may wish to replace it.
Joel (4/05/06)
sent the following information on welding a cracked cast iron pan:
I saw your
"Warped or Cracked Cast Iron Pots"
web page today and have a few suggestions.
Breakages such as the ones described on your site can be
fixed. Cast iron is hard to weld but it can be done. A welder
specifically experienced with cast iron is what is needed for proper
repairs.
You have to thoroughly clean the part then
drill 1/8" holes at each end of the crack.
Next preheat the entire part (500 to 1200
degrees F).
Then weld while still hot with a nickel alloy
filler metal. Right after the weld bead is finished it should be
peened for about a minute to relive stress.
After welding the part must be cooled down
slowly over several hours to avoid cracks next to the new
weld.
Question:
I just purchased a beautiful antique cast iron tea
kettle from a thrift store. Once I returned home and started to clean it
I realized there was a long crack around the bottom of the kettle. Do
you know of any way I can repair it? Thank you for taking time out for
my email. - Romel Washington (10/18/03)
Answer:
I don't believe that you can repair a cracked cast iron
pan or kettle. I would just display it in your kitchen as the antique it
is. I had my favorite cast iron frying pan crack and break. All I could
do was throw it away.
Feedback:
Thank you so much for your reply, and I will do just that display it as
the antique it is :-).
Question:
I have a cast iron pan that
is a little warped, and also has some hot spots. Is it possible to "unwarp"
the skillet? - Brenda (5/10/03)
Answer:
I don't believe that you can repair this
pan easily or cheaply. It would probably cost you
more than just replacing the cast iron pan.
Peter
Marino sent me the following information on electrolysis:
I saw your web site, very nice! Two bits of information for you. Cast
Iron can be welded (MIG welder). Electrolysis works very well for rust
removal. Check out the following pages:
Electrolytic Derusting
David
G. Smith has a web page with his technique for cleaning old cast iron
pans:
Cleaning &
Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware
Glenn
Vaniman (12/03/03) sent information on welding broken cast
iron skillets:
There is a method of welding Cast Iron that has worked for me. You
be the judge if you want to share this. The first thing I welded was
a broken cast iron hinge for a very nice wood burning stove that I
got for $15 because the antique store owner thought it
couldn't be fixed. My best friend taught industrial arts and
told me how to fix it. The big problem with welding cast iron is
cracking when weld cools.
Here's how you avoid this. In a
forge or other major heat source you heat the cast iron part to be
welded to a dull red. Then while still very hot you arc weld
the crack or broken pieces together with Stainless Steel
welding rod, then let the whole welded part cool on its own at room
temperature. Apparently this method avoids the uneven cooling that
causes cracking. I did the hinge and a broken disc spacer by this
method and they both remained intact with no cracking!
I'm not a welder, but did these projects in night school. Hope
this is of interest.
Question:
Do you know of anyone that can repair a cast iron
skillet. My best friend had a cast iron skillet that belonged to his
Mother. The skillet is over 50 years old and has great sentimental
value not to mention the fantastic food that has been prepared in it.
Here is the problem, his 22 year old son took it camping and used it for
a hammer. Ergo, he broke a hole in the bottom. Could you please let me
know if I can send it somewhere to have it repaired for him. - David
Moore (6/30/02)
Answer:
I'm sorry but I don't believe you can repair this pan. It sounds beyond
repair! If you search out garage sales, flea markets, and/or thrift
stores, you probably can find a similar pan. I did this when my favorite
cast iron skillet broke.
