Are you stressed thinking of how to clean a table saw blade? Well, you are not alone as this is something that most people struggle to do. Just like any other thing that we use, the table saw blades also get dirty. Whether it is liquid or sticky saw dust, dirty blades leads to poor quality and hard to make cuts and are also very dangerous to use.
Why should you clean a table saw blade?
During use, a table saw blade get sap, pitch, and other wooden materials that can make the blades teeth and the surrounding body areas. If you do not clean these substances, they increase friction that later generates higher levels of heat.
The dirt can also cover the blade and prevent the average dissipation of heat thus increasing heat buildup higher. Excessive heat does not only accelerate the dulling process but can also make the blade warp or distort when in use, which increases chances of kickback or binding.
A clean and sharp blade is safer for you like the tool operator.
In most cases, when the blade appears dull, all the machine needs is a good cleaning, and it will become as shiny and sharp as new. Here is a step by step guide on how you can clean your table saw blade.
What you need
- A soft wire bristle or a plastic brush;
- Laundry detergent;
- Water;
- Aluminium pan;
Step 1- Removing the blade and submerge
Once you remove the blade from the table saw, place the blade in the aluminium pan and submerge it in the water completely. After that, add some laundry detergent.
Bottom-line
If the blade is very dirty, removing the stiff dirt with a firm wire brush before you place it in water is a good idea.
Step 2- Stir and wait
Stirring and waiting is a crucial step and a straightforward one. The only thing you need to do is to stir the detergent added to the water and leave it for ten to fifteen minutes and start working. The safest ways to stir the liquid is placing the finger in the hole that is found at the center of the blade and then moves the blade in a circular motion. A brush can also help in this step.
Bottom-line
Always remember that the saw blades teeth can still hurt you even when not connected to the power socket. With that in mind, always stir the liquid before dipping in the blade.
Step 3- Scrub the blade
It’s now time to remove all the dirt! With the use of a wire bristle or a plastic brush, start scrubbing off the dirt from the blade. The brass brush is the most effective for this work.
Bottom-line
By scrubbing the blade, you can remove even the sticky dirt or debris and get sharper, and a cleaner table saw blade. However, remember that the blade is still sharp and so you need to take care to avoid cuts. Always clean with your gloves on.
Step 4- It’s time to dry your blade
After getting rid of the dirt, you should never leave your blade wet. As we all know, water and steel are not the best of friends, and you would not wish to see your blade with rust right? With that in mind, completely dry your blade after washing it.
Bottom-line
Since water likes to stick in between the teeth and crannies, you may choose to blow-dry the blades a bit to make sure the blade is completely dry.
Step 5- Reinstall the blade back to the saw
The next and the last step is, reinstalling the blade back to the table saw. After that, plug the saw back into the power socket ready for the next task.
Bottom-line
After cleaning the blade, you will surely get a cleaner and a smoother cut.
Even as you get a cleaner as well as a smoother cut, it will be easier to clean the blades if you clean them on a regular basis, i.e., before the residue becomes thick and sticky as a result of the heat it generates.
Besides, just like with other maintenance tasks, regular machine cleaning improves performance and extends its lifespan!
