Large shell, how to clean it?

[ServiceRumDiluted]

A quick report on my trying out grit blasting. I took a shell in very similar condition to the one in the OP into the cabinet. The grit worked wonders on the iron, taking it back to bare metal in seconds, some of the original stamped letters are still discernible as are some lathe marks. The driving band fared less well and though cleaned have a rather 'abraded' appearance. Grit blasting will mangle aluminium, copper and brass, but for these glass bead blasting gives very good results. A quick coat of Kurust et voila;

All in all from mud to good was about 45 minutes work. But I'm lucky having access to a proper blasting cabinet. It you want a really good job doing I'd definitely hunt down a friendly blaster and have a chat.

Edited 1 August , 2014 by ServiceRumDiluted