Potential bad ideas and cast iron presses. Suggested oils?

So, I recently got ahold of a Young America 4x6 (thanks for the identification Bob and dickg) press from the 1870s. The whole thing is cast iron, hand-inking so no delicate rollers to contend with. The whole thing is also rusted, slightly pitted, but definitely usable (the threads of the screws for instance are in fantastic condition, but will probably be replaced anyway for ease of maintenance as suggested by another user). Either way, the thing mostly has to come apart anyway, and it’s a pretty simplistic machine. This is the first press I am completely restoring.

My immediate thought for the parts that come off and aren’t related to precision (the handle, the base, etc) is honestly to just strip them as far as I can get them, and treat them exactly like I treat my cast iron cookware, season them in the oven. I’ve been restoring cast iron cookware from complete rust state to slick nonstick beasts for more than 20 years. I know this is a tad ridiculous. Can anyone think of a downside for doing this to part of the press? Even just the handle? I’ve never really had an issue with breakage or brittleness or anything, even restoring cornbread pans of the same age.

Other than that I read a lot about how and how not to clean this. I am going to opt for a combination of a vinegar soak (maybe salt if needed in areas), then a short dip in a baking soda and water solution, the “car wash” method (except really just taking a pressure washer to it), scotch brite pads and then oiling it. I do not expect the “water” stages to last more than a half hour max. Is this a good idea? Can anyone recommend an oil to prevent re-rusting? We’re going to use Park Tool Polylube in the moving parts.

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