Cleaning pitch off Saw blades

markap · Post by **markap** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:58 pm

Got some dirty, clogged blades and bits. What do you use to clean them?

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:00 pm

Use cheap spray oven cleaner. Just WATCH OUT for the smell.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 5:07 pm

markap wrote:Got some dirty, clogged blades and bits. What do you use to clean them?

I worked through that issue several weeks ago. what a mess. Since then I purchased the only simple and effective solution I have managed to find. Check it out for yourself:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page ... ning%20kit fjimp:)

mickyd · Post by **mickyd** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:03 pm

Internet says "Simple Green" concentrate is the way to go. I have no idea but that would be my first approach.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:12 pm

mickyd wrote:Internet says "Simple Green" concentrate is the way to go. I have no idea but that would be my first approach.

I tried that stuff. It works to a limited degree. The fumes are enough to inhibit ones breathing and the elbow grease required could wear an old guy out. I like the idea of depositing the blade into a closed container and allowing the cleaner to break down pitch naturally. fjimp

recurvearcher · Post by **recurvearcher** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:54 pm

I've used Automotive Bug'nTar remover with some success.

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:00 pm

The Wood Whisperer demonstrated the Rockler cleaning kit (and warns against oven cleaner) in one of his videos.

http://thewoodwhisperer.com/episode-28- ... t-settles/

The actual demo starts at the 4 minute mark. The pan he is using looks exactly like the cheap pan I got at Walmart for changing the oil in my truck.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:21 pm

My answer is LIQUID DISH SOAP! It works very well! For a pan I use one of those plastic containers that frozen food comes in. Really cost effective since both items are already available in the household.

tnerb · Post by **tnerb** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:31 pm

markap wrote:Got some dirty, clogged blades and bits. What do you use to clean them?

I use 90% IPA for slightly pitched blades and Acetone for the heavy stuff. Wear some vinyl or rubber gloves tho.
Brent

wgander · Post by **wgander** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 12:41 am

I've been satisfied with oven cleaner. I let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe the blade with a green 3M pad. A thorough rinse with fresh water and towel dry: blade looks new.
The video says caustic stuff can weaken the bond of carbide tips but cites no facts and I don't know if there's any truth to that.

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Cleaning pitch off Saw blades

Cleaning pitch off Saw blades

cleaning saw blades