Witches Cauldron or Soup Pot

[Howard Bevan]

Today I came into possession of a large old cast 3 leg pot with no markings that I can find yet It measures 22 wide at the mouth and 15 deep inside the pot. Now for my questions. How best to clean it and season. This baby ain't gonna fit in my oven. Thanks for any help on this. I'd like to have a bean soup and weiner roast later this summer.

[Jim Glatthaar]

Howard, on the cleaning and restoration board there is a thread where someone used a piece of rebar inside a similar cauldron to clean it, basically using the piece itself as an electrolysis storage container.  You should check out that thread.

As for seasoning, you might have to use a grill with a high domed lid and season in there.  I'm not sure it will fit though.

[C. Perry Rapier]

Hello Howard. Your piece sounds interesting. Can you possible post a picture of it?  :)

[Duke Gilleland]

Might have to take it where you can build a fire outside to season it :-/ Depends on the size

[Howard Bevan]

I was thinking about some sort of reverse electrolysis and that thread is just a great idea. My pot's a WEE bit bigger than that though. It has no rust and a good bit of old sticky food grease inside ( YUK ) with the outside painted. I'll try to get some pics up today or Monday. I,ve got to come with a plan for a swingable stand for it to control heat. It came with a 3legged stand high enough to build a fire under but that gives no heat control.

I just found this interesting tidbit. No need for pictures as this is THE pot I have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtas_mMg9_s

Well no stand needed apparently

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qAK5nyYgOE

[Jim Glatthaar]

Howard, great pot.  You must be really looking forward to getting it.  And seasoning it.

And those were great videos although I thought the guy seasoning the pot left too much grease on it, but the pot looks like it came out just fine. 8-)

[Howard Bevan]

Too much goop for me too and I think he got it a bit too hot. I have the inside cleaning  down pat but the outside is gonna be a stinker. My friend has a steam jenny that may take care of the outside. I'll keep you posted on the progress. I also noticed the few times I've seen the pots used for cooking they were always suspended over the fire. Nestling in the dirt with the fire in a ring looks the way to go though.

[Roger Muse]

Consider using paint remover on the outside.  The thick stuff used for furniture.  It is basically a lye gel.  After the paint is gone, use your friend's steam jenny to clean off any remaining paint remover.

[Howard Bevan]

I found this today. Unfortunately it's made in CHINA. Good selection and in talking with them they sell a good bit of it. Lots of other useable things  like paddles and skimmers too. Even a tripod!

http://www.agrisupply.com/stew-pots-cast-iron-cookware/c/5400012/