Think your saw blades are getting dull? Maybe they just need a good cleaning! This article shows you how to clean saw blades the right way.
Over time, pitch and sap can collect on the teeth of your saw blades. You may also experience glue build up if youve been working with a lot of plywood. A dirty blade can cause burn marks and splintered edges on your cuts.
Cleaning your saw blades is one of the secrets to prolonging the life of your power tools. Dirty blades will increase friction and stress the saw’s motor (or your arm, if it’s a handsaw) because it has to work harder to make the cut.
Once you learn how to clean saw blades, youll be surprised by the increased cutting power and reduced tear-out. Also, Ill give you some tips and tricks to tackling this task safely to avoid cutting yourself or exposing your family to harsh chemicals.
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With your blade removed, place it in an aluminum pan and completely submerge it in water. Next you can add some laundry detergent. I used a 12″x18″ pan and about a cup of laundry detergent.
Best brushes for cleaning saw blades
A toothbrush is perfect for cleaning saw blades because its stiff enough to remove gunk, but its not abrasive to the point that it scratches or damages any coatings.
We all have an old toothbrush lying around. However, if youre cleaning a lot of saw blades, you might consider buying a pack of them, so you always have one ready.
Tip: Consider trimming the bristles with scissors, making them stouter and harder to bend out of shape. I have a few toddler sized toothbrushes left over from when my son was little that I keep in the workshop just for this purpose!
Along with the toothbrush, you may also need a stiffer wire brush if you have a really dirty blade. This pack has steel, brass and nylon brushes to cover all your needs!
A steel bristle brush is fine to use on plain steel saw blades. However, if youre cleaning a Teflon-coated blade, steel might be too abrasive.
Instead, you can try a brass brush instead. This will still have a high level of stiffness; it just wont be as damaging to the carbide tipped teeth. You can also opt for a nylon brush that can remove tough grime without scratching the finish.
Best containers for cleaning saw blades
You need a shallow container that can submerge the entire saw blade, as well as some water and the cleaning solution. It doesnt have to be very deep, but it should be wide enough for the blade to sit flat inside. Here are some ideas:
- Five gallon bucket. Some people choose to use a five gallon bucket to soak multiple blades at a time – especially if you have a wide variety of circular saw blades and table saw blades.
- Five gallon bucket lid. You can use just the lid of the five-gallon bucket for cleaning one saw blade at a time—its cheap and the perfect size. Also, the center of these lids usually has a small indent. This indent lets you remove the blade by lifting from the center to prevent cutting your hands on the sharp teeth.
- Baking sheet. An old baking sheet or disposable aluminum pan is another popular option. The pan gives you enough room to flip the blade over and clean both sides while keeping the liquid contained.
- Collapsible cleaning tray. There are cleaning trays made specifically for saw blades! Theyre made of silicone and collapse flat for easy storage in your workshop.
How to clean a table saw blade – soap and water
FAQ
How do you clean resin off saw blades?
How do you clean a carbide saw blade?
Coat the blade with silicone spray after cleaning to keep carbide teeth clean longer. Plan routine deep cleanings two to three times per year. For a homemade saw blade cleaning solution that also removes rust stains, try soaking the blade in undiluted white vinegar instead of a commercial cleaner.
How to clean saw blades?
Oven cleaner is another popular option for cleaning saw blades. However, oven cleaner is also toxic, so you may want to consider it as a last resort. You may want to experiment with different cleaners before deciding on the best one for your needs.
How do you clean a circular saw?
Mix one part of Simple Green with three parts water in a shallow container. Remove the saw blade from your circular saw, being careful of the sharp teeth. Place the blade into the cleaning solution and let it soak for a few minutes. Scrub the blade’s teeth and any gunky areas with a toothbrush or a small brass brush until they are clean.
How do you clean a cordless saw?
Before taking your saw’s blade out, ensure that the saw is either unplugged or turned to the “off” position for cordless varieties. Once it’s safe to begin, remove your saw’s blade and take care to avoid touching the sharp teeth. In a shallow container, combine your cleaning solution with water if recommended.