Cast Iron window pulleys – What to do?
I’m starting to extensively refurbish the 23 existing 100-year-old DH windows in my house. Part of the process involves removing the window pulleys and using my bench grinder to take off all of the 16 layers of paint.
I finished the first set about 6 weeks ago. After I cleaned all of the paint off, I had a nice clean black iron surface. I used my buffing wheel to buff on a compound (can’t remember which one at this point), lithium greased to the axle and thought I was done.
Fast forward to today. I was examining my handiwork this morning and I noticed some oxidation on the faces of the cast iron already. I can only imagine how bad this is going to look in several more months. The biggest problem is that to fix the pulleys, I have to open up the access panels, untie the weights, and pull all of the rope out.
I’ve just started window #3 now, and I need advice on how to proceed with these pulleys before continuing any further. Do I need to spray a clear coat? Do I need to use a specific buffing compound?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Replies
rasher,
In the old days the iron pulleys received a coat of varnish to stop the rust. A tough, long-oil varnish is best since it won't easily chip off.
Bill
Now you know why they had 16 coats of paint on them. The only (fairly) permanent fix is to have them chrome plated.
There are rust converters too, but to work, you have to leave a fair amount of rust on and that may interfere with the working of the pulley. They chemically change the iron oxide into phoshate or something.
Have you looked into having your pulleys powder coated?
I've refurbished dozens of these at my 100+ year old house. Ran into the same Q that you have. Considered lacquer but settled down on a combo rust protector and lube. Several heavy coats of Boeshield T9.
6~7 years later, with a gentle spray of lube on the wheel axle yearly, still in good shape.
Be mindful when you "grind" of the old paint that is probably loaded with lead!
Airborne lead dust is quickly absorbed into your body through moist lung tissues.
Lead poisoning is a serious condition.
A little lead goes a long way toward messing with your essential bodily functions.
Be careful...paper masks will not protect you.
...............Iron Helix
And wherever the grinding is being done, everything is being coated with lead dust. Hope there's no kids or pets with access to this area.
a coat of boiled linseed oil on bare metal leaves an attractive, protective finish -
Coat of BLO - Now that's what I'm looing for. Thank you!