Do Table Saw Blades Really Need Cleaning?
Asked by CuriousCrafter92
I've heard mixed opinions on whether or not it's necessary to clean table saw blades. Mine is about a year old and I've used it moderately. Is cleaning them just a gimmick, or does it actually make a difference?
Answers
Honestly, I've been woodworking for fifty years and can’t say I've ever cleaned a blade. Once it gets too dull, I just send it to sharpen. But I don’t work with much pine, so that might be why.
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I clean my blades as much as possible. A spray bottle with Simple Green and an old toothbrush can help get rid of all that sticky gunk. It’s surprising how much better they perform when clean!
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Definitely clean your blades! I use a 5-gallon bucket lid with some Simple Green and a brass brush, and it works wonders. It really helps keep your cuts smooth, especially if you're using a lot of resinous woods.
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ToolTamer21: For sure! Also, if you do a lot with softwoods, it might be worth keeping a separate blade just for those.