Cleaning table saw blades

[Cary Medley]

Does anyone have a safe effective way to clean table saw blades? I don't want to use anything that would damage my blades.  

[Al Lander]

Cary,

I use a pitch and resin remover and a brass brush, soak the blade and brush.  Also good for router bits.  I get mine from Rockler but is should be available from any woodworking supplier.  Here is a link to a kit from Rockler.

http://www.rockler.com/router-bit-and-saw-blade-cleaning-kit

[Cary Medley]

Thanks Al, how long do you usually have to soak the blades? And can you save the solution and use it again?

[Al Lander]

Cary,

I use the concentrate and mix it with two parts water, soak for 5 minutes.  I have never tried to save the solution for re-use, I will normally clean several blades with the same batch.  I am not sure if the solution has a shelf life or if the resins will thicken it over time.

[Cary Medley]

Thanks for the info Al, I'm ordering some right now and will give it a try.

[Jay Boutwell]

  Hi Everyone,  Been working wood for over 27years cutting all kinds of wood with my blades.  I have always used oven cleaner and water and then give them a good wipe down with a dry rag and spray on some wd 40.  I have never had a problem with damage or not being able to clean a blade.  I have even used it on chain saw chains and it works well.  I have not even had to use any scrubbing either.   It is like everything else everyone has something to sell you that is labeled for a certain thing and you pay through the nose for it.   I use expensive blades (Forrest brand) and certainly would not want to use something that would harm the metal in the blade.  Oven cleaner is quick and I have found it to be excellent cleaning method and it is cheap.  Spray it on let it set a few minutes and hose it off and dry and oil it and start cutting again. 

[Bobby]

I'm with Jay on this. I've used oven cleaner for years without a problem. It's cheap, easy and effective.

[Wayne Breaux]

Thanks Guys for info. because I have been looking at the stuff in the Rockler catalouge also, I'll try the oven cleaner. Thanks Again

[Robert Brennan]

Oven Cleaner is OK, ond works well.

Use it outside on newspaper and wash off with kerosene or similar is best to try to avoid using soap and water. But if you do have to use water make sure as Jay indicates you apply any water displacing and rust protection fluid after.

You can also use automotive carburetor Cleaner which is usually in a spray can.

Dont forget the disposable protective gloves as the chemicals you will be useing have a  de fatting effect on skin.

[Leslee]

 I use 409 with a wire brush. I soak my saw blades for about 45mins. to hour. It cleans them really good. I would rinse the 409 off with water and dry then spray WD-40 on both sides of the blade. It works great and it did't cost too much. Unlike the stuff the Rockler puts out.

[Cary Medley]

Thanks everyone for sharing your cleaning tips. I was going to order the Rockler  blade cleaning kit, but they wont have any until June. I've been pretty busy lately and have had any time to get to my blades, but I'm going to a couple of ideas here today and see which I like best.

[Eariyya]

Hey there! I've had success cleaning my table saw blades by using a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Just let the blade soak for a bit, and then gently scrub with a soft brush. Remember to dry it thoroughly afterwards to prevent any rust. Avoid harsh chemicals that might harm the blade's coating. Hope this helps!