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My boy went and machined his lodge!
Ya Boi is accidentally pretty smart. One of the biggest issues I have with Lodge cast iron is the poor bottom finish - such rough tool marks. I have sanded the bottoms smooth on several of the pieces I've gotten over the years. A quality smooth finish, (like you find on good vintage cast iron pieces), makes for easier curing and a slicker surface.
So do what Lodge didn't do and sand those insides shmoove.
Well, I didn't get it because I don't know very much about cast iron cookware or the Lodge company, so I was grateful for their explanation 🤷
It’s turns into all sorts of drama and flame wars from people who care way too much about ever smaller details.
- according to Lodge, their pans are intentionally rough to better hold seasoning. It’s easier and more forgiving: you don’t have to follow a strict process.
- according to other manufacturers and people here, a nice smooth surface gives a smoother seasoned result. You may have to follow a stricter process to keep it seasoned but the results can be better.
Personally I find the Lodge approach compelling. My cast iron is pretty much non-stick and the only real care most of the time is cleaning them right after dinner and not putting away wet. Oh yeah, and get a chain mail scrubber: so much easier to clean with in case something does stick
lol I can totally see how specialty cookware like this is ripe for that kind of devolution. Thank you for the context, and the tips!
phrasing
We're not doing phrasing anymore.
Boom... Bumper!
It works if you don't get it too smooth. One of my daily drivers is a 18 buck walmart ozark trail I sanded down a bit. I left it rough enough that the seasoning sticks. Did four layers of seasoning. It does a great job and cleans up quick.
I sanded down a bit.
That's the key. I sufferred for 20 years with a cast iron pan that barely worked. I always assumed it needed one more coat.
Eventually I gave up, sanded it with 220 grit, cleaned it with acid to remove any rust, then immediately coated with oil and started seasoning process . It's like the teflon that everyone said cast iron could be and I thought they were exaggerating.
