We research in-depth and provide unbiased reviews and recommendations on the best products. We strive to give you the most accurate information. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Wood-based materials build up on the blade over time, and this in turn causes it to become dirty. Wood-based materials can cling to the teeth and body of the blade, increasing friction and increasing heat. These substances also insulate the blade, accelerating the dulling process and causing it to distort. Additionally, a dirty blade generates smoke and slows down feed rates. This is why it is essential to clean your blade periodically.
Soaking in kerosene
While common household cleaners may work, you may be surprised at the amount of residue some of them will leave behind. For instance, a pine-based cleaner I used once produced marginal results on a lightly contaminated blade. I had to apply several applications and scrub with a nylon pad to remove the buildup. Kerosene is another option that can remove tough residue. It is highly caustic and can cause a fire hazard when applied to bare metal.
Sodium hydroxide/Lye is readily available at janitorial supply houses for around $2.00 per pound. To soak a saw blade in kerosene, you’ll need a large bucket with a lid. You can also add a cleaning solution such as 409 or Simple Green to the bucket. To make the soaking process easier, you may want to add a few marbles to the bottom of the bucket. This will prevent the blade from resting directly on the bottom of the bucket, making removal much easier.
Soaking a table saw blade in denatured alcohol is one way to get rid of pitch and paint on your blade. It also works quickly and doesn’t damage the factory coating or paint on your blade. You can also use a brass brush to scrub the blade clean. Some woodworkers follow up by applying Boeshield t-9 to the blade after the soaking process is complete.
If you’ve been noticing the blade’s vibration and excessive noise, you may want to re-flourish it by using a paste wax. This paste wax helps to keep pitch from sticking to the blade, and makes cleanup easier. Just be sure to avoid silicone-based paste waxes, as they can interfere with the finish of the wood. You should also wipe down the blade after soaking it with a paper towel or compressed air.
While this might not be the best way to clean a saw blade, it’s a good idea to soak your table saw blades regularly to avoid any buildup. Pitch and glue can collect on your saw blade’s surface, making it less effective. Clean the carbide tool bodies before brazing and welding them. And while you’re at it, soak your table saw blade in kerosene and WD-40 spray to keep them from rust.
Using a toothbrush
The most obvious method of cleaning a table saw blade is by scrubbing it with a toothbrush. A standard steel bristle brush will do, but it’s not a good choice for blades coated with Teflon. Instead, you should use a brass or nylon bristle brush. While these options will remove grime, they won’t scratch the finish.
To get a good clean, you’ll need a shallow tray. The lid of a 5 gallon bucket or an old Frisbee can work. A shallow tray allows the blade to sit flat, and the cleaning solution to reach it thoroughly. For best results, use a brass or stainless steel brush to remove any dirt and grime. If your blade is Teflon-coated, it’s a good idea to trim the bristles of your toothbrush to improve its effectiveness. If you don’t have a brass brush, try scraping pitch with laminate sample chips.
Another way to clean a circular saw blade is to soak it in denatured alcohol. A solution of denatured alcohol dissolves the resin in about five minutes without damaging the factory coating or paint on the blade. You can also soak the blade in water in an electric fry pan and scrub it with a brass brush. Kerosene is a great blade cleaner, but it has flammability issues. But it’s worth trying if you need to get rid of stubborn spots.
You can also use a carpenter’s pencil to remove dirt and debris from a saw blade. These tools are great for deep cleaning, but be careful to not overdo it! A good idea is to clean your saw blade twice or thrice a year, to avoid causing damage to the metal surface. This way, you can extend the life of the blade and avoid expensive resharpening and blade replacement costs.
Cleaning your table saw blade is essential, as they tend to become dirty over time. Wood glue or pitch can cause the carbide tips to become clogged. This causes poor quality cuts and difficult operations. Luckily, cleaning your table saw blade is as simple as rinsing your razor. The entire process takes about 20 minutes and won’t damage your budget. And it’s much safer too!
Using a caustic
Before you use a caustic cleaner to clean yur table saw blade, you need to be sure that you know what you are doing. Caustic cleaners should be used carefully, as they can weaken the cobalt-binding carbide particles in your blade. Also, do not use oven cleaner on your table saw, as the strong chemical can corrode the coating.
Sodium hydroxide/Lye can be purchased at most janitorial supply stores for less than $2 per pound. Place individual saw blades into the solution with a rod over the top of an open drum. Make sure the blade is suspended by a wire hanger. Then, add a small amount of a good machine coolant concentrate to the water to rinse the blade.
You can use a hair dryer or an air compressor to dry off the blade. You should also dry the blade thoroughly before installing it. You can also use mineral oil to remove heavy rust from your table saw. Apply it liberally before scrubbing. Use circular motions while rubbing. After cleaning the blade, plug it in to the power supply to ensure that it functions properly.
Using a caustic cleaner to make a table saw blade is a bad idea. Caustic cleaners can weaken the enamel on your table saw blade, which will lead to corrosion. You should always use soap and water to clean a blade, as caustic cleaners can harm the coating on the blade. If you don’t like using soap and water, you can use it on another blade.
Simple Green is the most effective all-purpose cleaner for blade cleaning. It is strong enough to clean out residue but not toxic. Use a nylon or plastic bristle brush to clean the blade thoroughly. Once the blade is completely dry, use a blowgun or an air compressor to dry out any excess moisture. You should also be sure to follow all safety precautions to protect the blade and yourself.
Using oven cleaner
Whether you use an electric or manual table saw, using oven cleaner is a good way to keep your blade free of gunk. This cleaner works by dissolving the resin without affecting the blade’s factory coating. It also doesn’t produce fumes, so you don’t have to worry about the smell. Moreover, it can be used to clean various types of metal tools, including table saws.
Oven cleaners are made from sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. Sodium hydroxide can be harmful to the skin and respiratory systems. Using oven cleaner to clean a table saw blade may also damage the carbide coating or brazing on the blade. You should use a safe, non-abrasive cleaning solution if you’re not sure about using oven cleaner.
Afterward, you should rinse the blades thoroughly with clean water. Do not leave the cleaning solution on the blade. Leaving it on the blade will cause corrosion. You can reuse the cleaning solution on other blades, or dispose of it down the drain. Once the blades have been thoroughly rinsed, pat them dry to prevent rust. You should also avoid leaving the cleaner on the blade. It’s better to dry it and pat it afterward to avoid rust.
If you’re concerned about the smell of oven cleaner, you can use Simple Green, a non-toxic, concentrated all-purpose cleaner. It’s affordable and biodegradable, and was originally created for industrial use. Oven cleaners may harm the carbide tips on a table saw blade, which may lead to it becoming detached during use. So, always use a safe cleaning solution on a table saw blade and follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
