If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time using power saws to cut various materials, from wood to metal and plastic to any other material. The saw blades are made to withstand the most severe cuts (which is a good thing considering how expensive they can be!)
However, it is possible for your blade to get clogged with resin, pitch, and other materials over time. This is often mistaken for a dullening of the blade. Many craftmen purchase new blades to replace their old one.
You don’t have to replace your saw blade in most cases. With a little elbow grease, you can return to the same results as when your blade was new. We will show you how to clean your saw blades so that you don’t waste your money on blades that you don’t need.
What You’ll Need
It is simple to clean saw blades. You will only need a few cleaning products and the cleaner of choice. There are many products that can clean saw blades.
There are a few products that can be used to clean saw blades like Rockler Pitch & Resin Cleaner. This cleaner/degreaser works well, as does almost every other cleaner.
Another popular way to clean saw blades is with oven cleaner. Oven cleaner can be toxic so it is best to use as a last resort. It is possible to try different cleaners before you find the right one.
Wood Magazine’s extensive review can help you decide which saw blade cleaner is best for your needs.
- Any cleaner/degreaser (Simple Green or Rockler Pitch & Rein Cleaner) will work.
- Large enough Tupperware for your saw blade
- 00 steel wool
- Brass brush
- Buy towels
- Blade lubricant
- A compressor or a can of compressed Air
Step 1: Remove The Saw Blade
First, remove the blade from your saw. The method you use to remove the blade from a saw will vary depending on which model it is.
Step II: Mixing The Cleaning Solutions
Most cleaners that work well with saw blades are sold in concentrated form.
To find out how to dilute the product, first read the instructions on the bottle. Follow the instructions on the bottle if your blades look clean. If your blades are covered in pitch and resin, you might want to dilute the cleaner slightly or not at all.
After you have mixed the cleaning solution, place it in a container large enough for your saw blade. There are some companies that make large bowls that can be used to clean saw blades. You may need to look elsewhere if you don’t find one. I use large Tupperware that I stole from my kitchen to clean my blades.
Step 3: Clean The Blades
Once you have your cleaning solution ready, simply drop your blade into the container. Make sure it is completely submerged in the cleaning solutions.
You can grab a cup or coffee now, but you should leave your blade in the cleaning solution for at most five minutes. You can leave the blade in the cleaning solution for a few more minutes if it is covered with gunk.
After the blade has been in contact with the solution for a few minutes, it can be removed and you can continue cleaning. You will need some abrasives such as a brass brush, steel wool, or Scotchbrite cloth to do this.
You will need to take a deep inhale and start thinking about safety mode. You’ll be working with a saw blade and your fingers will touch the teeth. To avoid cutting yourself, work slowly and carefully.
Start by using the toothbrush to clean each tooth. Pay extra attention to any areas that are stained. After you have given your blade a thorough cleaning, use steel wool or Scotchbrite to finish the job. This step is the most hazardous. Be extra cautious when cleaning around your teeth.
To help you get rid of stubborn spots, add some undiluted cleaning solution.
After you have cleaned your blade thoroughly, dry it with a towel. After the blade has dried, I use my air compressor for any water remaining in the blade’s crevices. A can of compressed air is sufficient if you don’t have one.
Step IV: Lubricating Your Blade
The cleaner not only removed all gunk, but also any lubrication that the blade might have had. It is a good idea for you to apply a thin coat of lubricant before you start to use the blade again.
This is why I use a saw-blade lubricant stick. Spray lubricants are also effective. Use whatever you’re comfortable with.
The Final Word
The key ingredients to cleaning saw blades are elbow grease and patience. You can restore your saw blade to its former glory with a few household items and some scrubbing. It takes less than half an hour.
