re: Lodge cast iron, anybody cook with it?

I use two methods to strip iron.

Lye bath to remove old seasoning and gunk.
Electrolysis tank for removing rust.
I do a lot of iron so have setup both tanks.

Both methods are gentle on the iron, very effective and will not alter the iron in any way. Collectors will know if you sanded or used a grinder/wire wheel to remove rust and consider the piece destroyed. If you are not interesting in retaining collector value then you can grind/sand away. Also I would not throw iron in a fire. You will probably get away with it with heavy BSR or Lodge iron but older iron may warp.

If you have a couple pieces to do you can use Easy off for stripping old seasoning and vinegar to remove rust. Google both and you will find instructions on how to do it. Not much to it.

For seasoning I use Crisco. Cheap and works as good as anything. I can post instructions on my method but it can get long.

I would stay away from Flax Seed Oil. A lot of people have had problems with it flaking off.

Sorry for the long post, I like discussing iron.