Author Topic: 16 camp oven in bad condition (Read 2865 times)

Brad Chalmers · « **on:** April 27, 2020, 10:33:15 AM »

I recently bought an abandoned farm. This weekend I found this camp oven in the back of a barn on the property. I wouldn't buy anything in this condition but I still would like to get it in usable condition if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2020, 10:35:16 AM »

Second pic

Russell Ware · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2020, 12:43:16 PM »

Judging from the lid, this is a #16 oven.
If you would like to restore it, first give it a good scrub down with soapy water and a stiff bristled brush. After that, I’d look for any damage like cracks. It might not be worth restoring if there is any serious damage. If there is still any organic matter on it, you’ll need a lye bath to remove that. Then it will need a whole lot of electrolysis and continued scrubbing until you can get down to bare iron. A #16 is a big and heavy piece. You will need a good sized electrolysis tank to hold that job.
It can be done, but needs serious work.
I wouldn’t be surprised if pieces of iron actually flake off from the oven in the electrolysis tank.

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2020, 02:29:13 PM »

Yeah I know it's a 16 that was a typo, just edited that. It's super heavy and huge. I had an electrolysis tank years ago. May build another but like you said it would have to be huge.

Dwayne Henson · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2020, 05:51:43 PM »

Im aure you've seen the prices 16 COs bring, or were bringing on eBay. Unless cracked it is worth cleaning up.

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2020, 07:37:30 PM »

Yeah I seen some crazy prices on Ebay. I washed it and couldn't find any cracks and was surprised to see the inside looks pretty good. I can't find any marks other than the raised 16 on the lid. Any ideas of who made it ? Thanks

Dwayne Henson · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2020, 09:10:00 PM »

Looks Lodge,

Duke Gilleland · « **Reply #7 on:** April 28, 2020, 08:24:13 AM »

It's a Lodge and currently probably the most sought after piece Lodge ever made. Out of production about 7-8 years ago. One option is you might try vinegar/water soak and KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON IT for a start. Cheaper than building an electro. rig just for one piece.
A few pits gives it a little history. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2020, 08:09:45 PM »

Got a quick electrolysis tank set up this evening. Russell you where right about the large flakes coming off. Fingers crossed.

Dwayne Henson · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2020, 09:32:39 PM »

Duke Gilleland · « **Reply #10 on:** April 29, 2020, 05:28:02 AM »

That don't look good [smiley=scratchchin.gif] [smiley=sad.gif] BUT! She might bake again! found an ol' Blacklock skillet in Col. Goodnight's dug out in the Palo Duro years ago [smiley=grin.gif] Had half BB size pits in it. After being told it couldn't be used again, fried bacon and eggs in it a few days later. Big Texas Windy [smiley=icon_bananas.gif] [smiley=horse.gif]

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2020, 06:01:01 PM »

20 hours in and the outside is looking pretty good. The inside looks pretty bad [ch128078].

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2020, 06:02:25 PM »

Inside

Dwayne Henson · « **Reply #13 on:** April 29, 2020, 06:47:12 PM »

I'd look up seasoning with Pam and try that. That'll cook again. And right now Lodge ain't making anymore of those.

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #14 on:** April 29, 2020, 06:54:26 PM »

Pam has been what I have been using for years. I will give it a few more hours in the tank than season it later. Thanks

Paul Beer · « **Reply #15 on:** April 29, 2020, 07:34:26 PM »

Brad, you might consider using a rotarty steel wheel in a hand drill on that inside...I use one regularly on finishing pieces like this and it polishes out after the electro....But I think it will cook again also...and Pam is a good finish after using Crisco for the inital seasoning...Baking for sure...Good luck... Paul

Duke Gilleland · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2020, 07:13:24 AM »

Reminds me of that ol' 1965 movie "The Flight Of The Phoenix"! [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Paul Beer · « **Reply #17 on:** April 30, 2020, 08:40:35 AM »

Yeah Duke, that was quite the aircraft they rebuilt...that was shot in the dunes by Yuma and I got to talk to one of the guys that flew it...said it was a real kick...

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2020, 10:47:49 PM »

I am really surprised how good its turning out. The lid is still in the tank. I have one coat of seasoning on the pot. Hoping I can get it finished tomorrow. The entire lid and pot have shed a layer.

Brad Chalmers · « **Reply #19 on:** May 01, 2020, 12:52:50 PM »

I know it's not a collective piece now but but it is usable, and that was my goal. It definitely has character. It is setting with a 12 deep for size comparison. Thanks for the advice [ch128591].

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Author Topic: 16 camp oven in bad condition (Read 2865 times)