The question that how to clean a table saw blades arises in every contractor’s mind. Your table saw is a machine that produces straight, smooth cuts. To maintain the condition of your saw’s blade and allow for continued use, it needs routine maintenance like cleaning when necessary and oiling before each usage to ensure optimal performance.
The cutting process will leave behind dirt and residue, which can affect its performance over time; therefore, cleanliness should be at an all-time high when using one of these machines to get accurate results each time.
Reasons for Cleaning Table Saw Blade
The prolonged use of a saw can dull the blades and compromise their ability to cut with precision. It is especially true when dealing with hard materials, where friction from resin build-up also increases.
A blade that is too worn out would not have enough power behind its stroke; this makes it more dangerous than a sharp blade. Therefore, you should give your table saw blade a quick cleaning every two or three months.
When you do, please take the opportunity to closely examine each tooth on its tip and make sure they are not damaged or worn out. If many are dull, consider sharpening them yourself with some triangle files that can be bought at any hardware store.
However, those who have carbide-tipped teeth must go through professional sharpeners to not get damaged. In addition, the regular maintenance and sharpening of blades are more cost-effective than buying a new blade altogether.
When Should You Clean your Table Saw Blade?
The table saw blade should be inspected for pitch and resin build-up. This can frequently lead to an unproductive cutting experience, so you must take the time when your saw needs cleaning.
Cleaning your saw’s blade is important to keep it in good condition. If you find that there is a lot of grime on the blade, use an oil-based cleanser or wipe it down with a damp cloth. In addition, cleaning becomes more important when you use your saw more frequently.
So, keep checking your blade on and off to ensure it’s accurate working for your projects.
Things You Need to Clean Your Table Saw Blade
In order to properly remove grease and dirt from the blade, you need to have the following things:
✔️ Protective gloves; so you do not injure yourself while cleaning the blade
✔️ Aluminum pan and clean water
✔️ Washing and cleaning agent – You can also use the laundry detergent
✔️ Cleaning brush- it can be either a plastic one or the soft-wired one
✔️ Hairdryer ✔️ Resin remover ✔️ Paper towels
Seven Steps Process to Clean the Table Saw Blade
If you want to clean your saw’s blade, then follow the below-mentioned step-by-step guide to properly remove the debris and grease on the blade.
1st Step – Remove the Blade
The first step to clean the blade is to remove it from the saw. In order to safely remove a blade from your table saw, make sure you have unplugged the saw and always hold onto the safety guard when doing so.
This will prevent accidental start-up, and you will be saved from any kind of potential hazard. In addition, to remove the blade, first, loosen the arbor nut with a wrench and then unscrew it using fingers.
Next, take out any washers from around blades before removing them altogether, so they do not get lost during the process.
2nd Step – Dip the Blade in Resin Remover
To ensure the best possible outcome, fill your shallow pan with enough resin remover so that it is covered to about 1-inch above its bottom edge. Then dilute using warm water (depending on what type of product you are using, this may differ.
Place blade into the diluted mixture and mix by hand. You can leave the blade in the resin remover ideally for thirty minutes. This adds an extra step, but it softens up all of those stubborn residues and leaves the blade with a smooth finish.
3rd Step – Clean the Outer Edge of Blade
Carefully take out the blade from resin remover. You need to do it very cautiously to avoid any kind of injury. After that, take a brush and clean the outside edges of each tooth. To avoid dulling blades, you should do this in a circular motion, not against them. Moreover, it will be hard to do so.
If in that process, you feel that the residue on the teeth is stubborn, then you can also make use of a scouring pad. This will definitely help in removing the dirt and grease off the blade.
4th Step – Scrub the Blade
After you have cleaned all of the outside edges, it is time to take a look at the inside of the blade’s teeth. Remember that when working on these areas, use either a brush or scouring pad with warm water for cleaning any residue from within. Again, you have to do it all in one direction to prevent dulling.
5th Step – Rinse the Blade
The blade will be covered in suds from the resin remover and cleaning process, so you will have to rinse it off. You can simply do it by cleaning it from plain water. But make sure you wear gloves when you do so.
6th Step – Dry the Blade
You should thoroughly dry the blade after washing it to avoid developing rust. You can use a hairdryer for this purpose. Moreover, you can also use a paper towel to even dry the traces of moisture on the blade.
7th Step – Use Dry Tool Lubricant
Once you are done with rinsing and drying the blade, it’s time to use the dry tool lubricant. It helps a lot in keeping the blade in the best condition. You can easily access it from any hardware store or a DIY outlet.
You can use a paper towel to make sure that the lubricant is set on the whole blade. Once you are done with this process, you are ready to place the blade back in the table saw.
In case, you want to visualize the process,
Find Out: The Best Table Blades in the Market
FAQ’s
Q1: What is the essential element in cleaning the table saw blade?
Ans: The best way to clean a table saw blade is not always definite. However, caustic chemicals like sodium hydroxide (lye) can be an effective and safe alternative for those who do not want the hassle of cleaning their equipment with other expensive cleaners.
Q2: How to clean a table saw blade from rust?
Ans: A good way to get rid of surface rust is by using a synthetic scouring pad or sandpaper. You can also use some kind of lubricating mineral oil. Simply apply the product with your hand, then wash together in order to remove all residue.
Q3: Should you wax your table saw blade?
Ans: Using paste wax is the best way to lubricate your table saw’s blade, which will help you make smoother cuts. It also fights against friction and heat from breaking down wood during production with the ease of use.
Q4: How do you keep a saw blade from rusting?
Ans: The blade of your saw is one part that needs regular maintenance. Make sure it is clean and free from resin or pitch by wiping it down with a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly after cleaning if you want to prevent rusting.
Final Word
Anyone who owns a fine table saw, thinks of why and how to clean a table saw blade. Keeping your table saw blade in top condition is key to its accuracy. In this article, we have thoroughly explained how to clean table saw blades. By reading the step-by-step guide, you will be able to efficiently clean the blade.
Moreover, in order to boost the efficiency and performance of the table saw, you need to check the blade once in a while. Keep sharpening and cleaning the blade for optimal performance for your next cutting project.
