All,
   The general consensus from the replies I have received both on and off
the list is that this type of aggressive conservation technique destroys
alot of study opportunity.  The artifacts I was looking into trying this
technique on are cannonballs.  I know there are cheaper and easier ways
to do this kind of large ferrous object, but I simply wanted to try
something new (other than the hammer and chisel method!).  Besides, who
has the money for any of these archaeometallurgist studies.  I know,
maybe in the future.  Don't worry about it, I will not knowingly destroy
any possible information routes available to us!  Thank you for all who
responded.
 
--
Steve Boxley,  Ja.T., M.N.
The Virginia Foundation for Archaeological Research, Inc.
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