Q For clean, burn-free cutting at the table saw, I understand that it’s important to keep your blades clean. So what’s the best way to remove the hardened pitch that builds up from regular use?
A During use, blades gradually become contaminated with pitch and other materials that cling to the teeth. This buildup (as shown, top right) can make a blade perform as if it’s duller than it is. In addition to affecting cut quality, the buildup increases friction, which attracts more pitch, which in turn diminishes cut quality. In the worst case scenario, pitch buildup can affect a blade’s working life.
Like other remedies, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I’ve tried lots of products to clean blades, including mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, and oven cleaner, and discovered that there’s no need to resort to toxic chemicals. You’ll get great results from environmentally friendly cleaners like concentrated citrus degreaser (sold at home supply stores) or commonly available Simple Green concentrated cleaner. The cleaning process only takes about 10 minutes and results in better cuts and longer blade life because the teeth don’t overheat.
To clean a blade, place it on an aluminum pizza tray or a scrap of plywood. Spray undiluted cleaner on the teeth, let the blade sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the teeth with a brass bristle brush (photo, bottom right). Afterward, rinse the blade well with warm water to remove the cleaner and gunk residue.
As a final step, dry the blade well and spray it with a metal protectant to prevent rust. There are plenty of rust protectants on the market for this purpose, and WD-40 works fine too. Spread the protectant all over the blade, and then wipe off the excess with a clean, soft rag.
—Paul Anthony, author of Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Tablesaws
