Speedy, have you got a 100mm angle grinder? If so, go and buy a 'twist knot cup brush' to fit it - it will rip paint and rust off incredibly fast. .
I can vouch for that, having treated a fire damaged steel base recently. Made quick work of the surface rust and damaged paint without grinding away the good steel.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
