Just acquired a 30lbs cast iron lead pot. Both inside and outside are covered with rust. It looks like the pot has been to hell and back.I like to clean it up because it cost me only a buck and it has a strong handle on it. Any ideas how to clean it with the least amount of effort, What chemicals ( if any) to use on it.
Thanks Marlin

The way to clean it with the least amount of effort is to bead blast it.

Bead blasting is good.
But if ya are cheap like me,just build a fire and stick the pot in it.
I do this to old cast iron skillets and pots and it works.
Leave the pot in the fire until the fire burns out.Don't leave it over night or it will draw moisture and rust again.

Thanks for the advice. Bead blasting is $ 20.00 I cannot build a fire here.How about heating the pot over a outdoor gas stove for an hour or so.Will that do it? Thanks Marlin

If you have an angle grinder, you can use a wire wheel to get the rust off. All the effective rust removal methods I'm familiar with need either lots of elbow greese, or power tools.

Honestly, a bit of rust really isn't an issue. My bottom pour furnaces have built up some rust on the inside and still work fine.

Hot water, soap and steel wool applied with lots of enthusiasm.

That should get it clean enough on the inside for a lead pot, don't worry about the outside.

Sandpaper and Elbow grease is about the cheapest way I know of.

I have a Sears sand blaster (cost about $80) that I bought years ago when used with fine sand it will clean up anything.

Draw back is you need a large volume air compressor and it is slow you also need to wear a sand blast hood to keep it out of your eyes. I still want one of those sand blast cabinets.

Thanks all for your input. Used steelwool and navy jelly.Had that around.Then filled with water and soap and heated to a boil .Looks fairly decent. Will try to melt some lead tomorrow.

Works great.. Melted 25 lbs. No problems.