How to Clean a Table Saw Blade: #1 Best Guide

How to Clean a Table Saw Blade

Before you begin the process, make sure that you have the correct cleaning agent for your blade. Abrasive disc blades usually need a mineral spirits cleaning agent. While carbide or segmented blade will work better with a higher concentration of cleaning agent since they have a harder surface.

Materials Needed:

• Paint Thinner
• Cleaning Agent or Cleaning Solution
• Steel Wool or Brass Brush or Wire Brush
• Mineral Spirits
• Brass Brush
• Bit Cleaner (Works for your Arbor Lock)

Duration: 15-30 Minutes

Budget: $50-$100 (USD)

Steps:

1. Begin by turning off the power to your table saw and let it completely cool down. Make sure that your riving knife is in position and you have removed any loose material from the table of the saw.
2. Remove any dust and debris from around and on top of the arbor lock to ensure that it is clear and free of any obstructions.
3. Start by prepping the area around the blade. Use your cleaning agent to scrub all dirt and grime from your table saw top.
4. Remove any debris from around the arbor lock to ensure that it is also clear and free of any obstructions. While you are doing this, be sure to handle all cleaning materials very carefully and safely so that no fumes get in your eyes or on your skin.
5. Next, use a wire brush to remove all rust from the arbor lock and make sure it is clean as well before proceeding. The wire brush can also be used on the rest of the blade while you are at it.
6. Next, use the paint thinner to clean the blade. Take a small amount and apply just enough to the blade so that is not absorbed by your fingers. The thinner will help create a unique neutral environment for your blade and open up the pores of any rust on its surface. Now you can begin cleaning in earnest using either a chemical-free mineral spirit, bar soap or water solution. Work the solution into the blade with your fingers or a brush. Work it into every nook and cranny. You may need to use different solutions for different abrasive types of blade like carbide, tungsten or stainless steel. Don’t burnish it if you are using a steel wool, paper towel or other abrasive type cleaning media.
7. After you have applied the solution to your blade, you will want to “sweat” the blade to loosen up any remaining dirt and grime on its surface. This can also be done by rubbing a small amount of pressure with cleaning solution on a damp cloth across the surface of the blade.
8. Abrasive blades such as disc blades need a stronger cleaning agent such as this one which can be made at home. First, mix up some soap with water and then add it to some soap flakes in a pot. Heat this together on low heat for about 10 minutes until it becomes warm, but not boiling hot.
9. You then take the solution off the heat and let you blade soak in it overnight. When you get up in the morning, you should scrub off any remaining dirt and grime. If there is any rust, repeat the process.
10. Any time that you are working with a chemical cleaner or de-rusting agent, always ensure that there is good ventilation in your work area to allow fresh air to circulate. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from anything splashed on your skin or clothes. Because these chemicals may be harsh on both humans and tools, be sure not to get them on your tools or hard surfaces around you as well.
11. Be sure to brush off any debris from the blade and continue to do so as you are cleaning. Do not use the blade to shave or sand since this will cause uneven and often times damaged surfaces.
12. You may want a bit cleaner for your tool now and again, but after a while, you will find that regular cloths and paper towels are just fine. In addition, it is possible to use a high-powered blender such as the one on your food processor to quickly remove stubborn rust in your blade.
13. After you have put the saw blade to rights, check the arbor lock for any grime and dust that may be in there. If it is dirty, take out a dry rag and wipe out what you can. Use the thinner to remove the rest of the grime from inside of it.

Now that your blade is clean, make sure that it stays clean by using a bit cleaner when necessary.

Most blade bearings are made out of bronze. If your blade uses one of these, you may get some rust inside your arbor lock to make it sticky and hard to turn.

1. First, make sure that there is enough lubrication in the arbor lock by using a light coating of petroleum jelly on the inner surface before turning it.
2. If there is still any gritty material in the lock, use a fine grade wire brush to clean it out.
3. You may then want to repeat this process regularly because a dirty arbor can shorten the life of your blade.

After you’ve done all of these, you now have a clean saw blade!

How to Clean a Table Saw Blade

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