cosmetics

[C. B. Williams]

I have my own opinion, but I just wanted a little feedback of what others might think.
OK, you have a nice #13 skillet or a bundt pan or other rather pricy item. The only little imperfection is some rough casting spurs around the handle or the center of the bundt pan.
Do you use a dremel or very small file or other device to take these unsightly burrs off? I'm not talking a real alteration, just some cosmetic adjustments. Don't forget that the casting sprues were ground off at the factory, so it's not like you will be the first to do any grinding on your item.

[C. Perry Rapier]

Hello C.B., yes, I would, and do, do that. In my opinion, its a good idea. You're only doing what could have and possibly should have been done at the factory. One of those little triangle files is a good tool to use for that.

[C. B. Williams]

Thanks Perry. I have a set of small 'diamond files', of various shapes, actually they are called files and are not really files, in that they have no teeth, but diamond surfaced faces, and do a great job on things like this.
I was of the same opinion as you about the cosmetic touch ups on cast iron, I just wanted another thought of two. C B

[Troy_Hockensmith]

C.B.

 I really don't think anyone could holler foul for that clean up work because I doubt it  could be spotted.  Course if it had no seasoning on it, it might be seen but I doubt once seasoned anyone (ecspt of course CIC) could tell it from factory work.

[Scott Sanders]

C.B.  ........  Thanks for bringing this topic up to the forefront.  Now I don't feel so bad (not that I ever REALLY felt bad) about doing the exact same thing you are talking about.  I also have removed some extra iron that I felt probably should have been removed at the factory during the clean-up process.  It does make the item look better without changing the original structure or design of the item.

Scott...... [smiley=agree2.gif]  

[Dwayne Henson]

I have "cleaned up" some of mine. I view it about the same as cleaning bugs off a windshield of a car that you're selling.

[C. Perry Rapier]

It just so happens that I have a piece that I am going to do just what we are talking about with. I think its a perfect example and so I took a picture of it. If you look at the piece, over at about 3:00 o'clock, you'll see what I mean. Its a glob that squeezed out of the mold and the work, in my opinion, could not get a big grinder in there to remove it, such as with a skillet, and so they just passed it on. Here it is.

[Duke Gilleland]

Thanks for bringing this "grey" area up C. B. [smiley=thumbsup.gif] Would like to hear other opinions... :-/

[Tom Penkava]

If you look at the piece, over at about 3:00 o'clock, you'll see what I mean. Its a glob that squeezed out of the mold and the work, in my opinion, could not get a big grinder in there to remove it, such as with a skillet, and so they just passed it on. Here it is.

Some very valid opions being expressed here, so here is my view point.
By cleaning up stray bits of casting "flash" , you are only doing what was impractical to do in a manufacturing enviroment - either due to equipment restrictions or economic considerations.  It neither adds nor detracts from present value, as it does not alter a piece from the orginal patent design.

[C. Perry Rapier]

If you look at the piece, over at about 3:00 o'clock, you'll see what I mean. Its a glob that squeezed out of the mold and the work, in my opinion, could not get a big grinder in there to remove it, such as with a skillet, and so they just passed it on. Here it is.

Some very valid opions being expressed here, so here is my view point.
By cleaning up stray bits of casting "flash" , you are only doing what was impractical to do in a manufacturing enviroment - either due to equipment restrictions or economic considerations.  It neither adds nor detracts from present value, as it does not alter a piece from the orginal patent design.

Well, I think your opinion pretty much sums it up Tom.  ;)