Question on saw blade maintance......

I use a general purpose called “Dirtex” in a spray can, I buy it at Ace Hardware and have used it for years. Spray it on, let it soak a while, scrub with brush and rinse off with water. Wipe blade with an oily rag, works great for me, great cleaner for most things, my wife uses it a lot as do I.
Smitty

Your blades are most likely getting dull if they have been getting resin and dirt buildup. This heats up the tips and causes them to lose their sharpness. Most table saw kickbacks are caused by trying to force wood through a dulled blade. It tries to grab the board and pick it up.
A reputable saw sharpening service is more safe than using cleaners. Their are some types of woods (mainly softwoods that have a lot of sap and pitch which load up blades fairly quick. In those situations, you can generally clean the pitch buildup from the blade and keep cutting.
It is ALWAYS better and a must to use very sharp blades while working with wood.

-- Oldworld, Fair Oaks, Ca

Oven cleaner works pretty good too.

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

I have the Rockler kit. It works well and is reasonable priced.

I have used oven cleaner but get the cheap stuff at the dollar store. The cheap stuff has lye and works the best.

-- Don, Pittsburgh

I use Krud Kleaner, you an get it at the Orange box. Just make sure you rinse with water and dry afterwards. A sharp blade is a must.

-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"

I’ve always heard that using oven cleaner containing lye (sodium hydroxide) will damage the brazing that holds the carbide teeth on your blades… dunno if that’s true or not. Has anyone had any problems with using lye oven cleaner? Here's a pretty good article about blade cleaning, other cleaners, and oven cleaner... worth reading.

Here's another LumberJock topic with more info....

—Steve

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Thanx for the info!!!

-- Steve-o

Simple Green works good also and won’t burn your hands.

-- waroland, Mount Juliet, TN

I’ve been using easy-off Oven cleaner for years with no ill effects to the blades!

-- Chris

I have a bottle of Woodcraft resin cleaner the pink stuff that is concentrated. I use an open toped automotive drip pan. The bottom is perfect size, about 11 inches. Fits my blades perfectly. Add to that an old toothbrush and I have what I feel is the perfect kit.

Marcb, I was thinking of doing that same thing. I noticed the the pitch and resin removers are only about $10 at most woodworking sites, so that may be my best bet. Im sure I can find an old oil pan or shallow bucket. As for the toothbrush, theirs always my wifes…... ;).......(just kidding, she would definitely kill me for that one).

-- Steve-o