- Remember: Cast iron is FRAGILE, can and will break. Cast iron should be wrapped in a bubble and/or foam ball to prevent breaks and cracks from the box handlers in shipping.
- I find that the children's foam tubes for swimming playtimes are great for wrapping iron handles. Cut the piece 2 inches longer than the handle and cut a cross or X in the end as long (deep) as the handle. You can use a filet knife for this. Slide the handle in and tape securely to the pan. For legged dutch ovens,again cut the tube 2 inches longer than the legs and do the same for all legs. After you foam wrap the bottom part by itself, tape securely and the tube pieces cannot come off in shipping. This can also be applied to the bail handle by splitting the tube lengthwise, slide in the bail and tape it around - prevents the bail from banging up against the griddle or oven.
- Bubble wrap, then foam wrap and tape all securely so it cannot slide off. Of course, this takes you buyer an hour to dismantle (LOL!), but they get it as you sent it!
- For extra precaution, wrap cardboard around that and TAPE.
- Then you can package in a sturdy box with your ever present peanuts, newspaper, plastic bags, etc. to fill out the box and provide a modicum of cushion. Or wrap in old foam mattress pads or camping pads,Tape it up and mail.
- REMEMBER: CAST IRON IS AS FRAGILE AS GLASS.
- Another idea is to buy an appropriate sized rubbermaid tub and use this instead of a box - gives the box handlers handholds and they can pick them up easily - these can be duct taped in warm weather or strapping taped in cold weather, written on with indelible markers and sent USPS. I have used these successfully with USPS and with the airlines and no problems.
- Other than the tubs which cost about $4.00, most of my packing materials are used and foam is bought at garage sales in the form of chair pad cushions, sleeping bag pads, mattress pads, etc. at a nominal cost.
- I have shipped No.14 dutch ovens with long handles, no. 16 legged dutch ovens and many other iron and odd sized items without mishap.
- Yes, it takes time....but it gets there as you sent it!
Anyway, better print this as I may close this account due to EBay's imbecilic policy changes unless they reconsider. Here is hope that they will reconsider their policies and return to the original mission statement,
Guide created: 10/01/06 (updated 08/04/09)
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