Cleaning A Saw Blade

In this video I will walk you through the steps that I take when cleaning saw blades in my shop. Whether it is a table saw blade, track saw blade, or any other blade, these are the steps that I follow in order to ensure they are clean.
Let me know what you think in the comments section below. If you have any questions you can also leave them below or you can head over to Instagram and follow me there and shoot me a DM. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about this video or anything else.
Thanks!
Jason
Find me on social media!
Instagram: @bentswoodworking
Facebook: Bent's Woodworking
Website: www.bentswoodworking.com
Affiliate links to the tools used in this video below:
DISCLAIMER - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Forrest Woodworker II Blade amzn.to/2ZvDXUB
Simple Green amzn.to/3851L5W
Stiff Bristle Brush amzn.to/2wcf6Mt
Bucket Lid www.homedepot....
Terry Cloth Towel amzn.to/32xcC7u
Maroon Pad amzn.to/2HYnkun
Camera and Audio Equipment I Use
Canon EOS 90D amzn.to/38527cM
Sigma 18-35MM Lens amzn.to/2TpnLU6
Rode Wireless Go amzn.to/32yBzz4

[@brianb9410]

Simple green works great. I cut the matching bucket down to 2 inches tall instead of using a lid. This very short bucket is super useful for all sorts of cleaning tasks.

[@TheLukkystrike]

Just noticed my saw blade was dirty today and this video hit my feed... Google is listening! Albeit thank you for this, I needed it.

[@bentswoodworking]

Always listening 🤣

[@bobhally2951]

Great tip Jason, I clean my blades the same way. simple, cheap,quick.

[@bentswoodworking]

Works great!!

[@stevenjordan6389]

Cheap and quick.Just the way I like it.Thanks.

[@rjtumble]

Ive been using CMT Orange and like it. When i run out of that, I’ll give simple green a try, I’m already using that for tons of other stuff.

[@bentswoodworking]

I have tried the CMT Orange as well and really like it.

[@jayescreations489]

I used the orange to clean tracks and rollers on my radial arm saw. Was a first for me. then lubricated the rollers. being retired is a full time job.

[@pmelchman]

excellent job and demonstration. cleaning can also extend the sharpness of the blade keeping it cooler

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks Patrick! 👍

[@realpdm]

Never thought to use Simple Green which I already have. Thanks for sharing!

[@bentswoodworking]

Works well!

[@philthephlier]

I will try the Simple Green. I have had very good and rapid cleaning of each tooth with Aero Kroil and a a small bronze bristle brush. About 3 seconds of scrubbing each tooth after applying a small amount of The Aero Kroil the tooth on one side of the blade is absolutely free anything but carbide. The simple green is cheaper I think and worth the try. I love your idea of the Home Drpot lid and will pick one up next trip. Aero Kroil is an amazing product for cleaning any gummed up mechanism. It is do much thinner than WD 40 and seeps under and releases any contaminant found on anything metal.

[@GongaDuck]

Nice tutorial! Simple, inexpensive way to clean table saw blades. I think I have a blade on my miter saw that needs this type of treatment. Will definitely be using this!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@warrensmith2902]

Leftover COSTCO plastic pie carriers work as well for holding the cleaning fluid of your choice. .

[@bentswoodworking]

Great tip!

[@JD.5150]

I’ve been using Trend Tool Cleaner for my blades and files. Great idea with Simple Green though. 👍

[@bentswoodworking]

Seems to work very well 👊🏼

[@abejowilly]

Good idea, good lock on the move

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you

[@pcproz3215]

Thank you for the cleaning tips, I have a few old blades that could use some attention. Are you going to cover any sharpening tips for the saw blades? That would be great if you could. Thanks again.

[@bentswoodworking]

No, I like to send my blades to get sharpened when needed

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Loved the tutorial Jason! I have a blade that needs cleaned right now and already have everything you used at my house/shop. I can't believe I never thought of using Simple Green. I always have it around because I like using it for a number of tasks. Thanks for the great tips!

[@bentswoodworking]

Has worked well for me for quite some time. 👍

[@leatherbydragonfly]

Excellent video Jason. Cleaning blades is a necessary evil of our hobby.

[@bentswoodworking]

For sure! I should be better about it though 😜

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Great thank you!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@richardshort4587]

You can also use Mean Green you get in a spray bottle at most box stores and is cheaper, won’t hurt metal and is biodegradable same as Simple Green. Mean Green comes in 40 oz bottles so no need to purchase a gallon bottle like with Simple Green.

[@brandonevans3682]

Thanks for the info!! I love your clamp collection!!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you 👊🏼

[@bobbysharp]

Everybody is moving and we weren't that far apart. Good luck on the move.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you

[@CasualBuilds]

It was great meeting you last weekend, Jason! Your session was awesome and learned a bunch of new tips and tricks for growing the channel. Thanks again!

[@bentswoodworking]

Awesome, I am glad that you found the information helpful!!

[@russalbright4213]

Great job as always Mr. Bent! Good to see a new video from you.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks Russ!

[@nei5553]

Nice video. I'm not sure what happens if you get Simple Green in your eye, but I always wear safety googles when doing this type of thing. I learned the hard way with a harsher chemical I was using to clean my deck. Thanks for the video

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Great video, Jason!!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks brother! 👊🏼👊🏼

[@karpinteroinhinyero6030]

Same Woodworking here bro.. nice Tip.. :)

[@bentswoodworking]

👊🏼

[@22illingworth]

Another great and informative video..... couple of questions.... 1) do you buy expensive blades or cheap ones? 1) is there any reason you clean the blade? 3) for us Europeans what would a suitable alternative to Simple Green? is it a washing up liquid?

[@bentswoodworking]

1. Yes typically I do 2. To remove the resin from them 3. You can just use soap and water 👍

[@delo56]

Dawn dishwashing liquid and water is great for cleaning router bits and saw blades. Cheap, easy, and safe. Put water in a container, a squirt of Dawn, stir. Submerge bits or blades. In a few minutes the deposits will loosen and what still remains can be removed easily with a toothbrush. Dry with a towel. Remember to remove bearings from router bits first as the Dawn will strip the lubricant from the bearing.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks for the tip!!

[@jayescreations489]

This is actually the first blade clean I have done. I used dawn, it took longer. that's what I had on hand. next will be my dado blades.

[@paulquiring4045]

Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@bobd5119]

Dish detergent works, too. And letting the blade soak for "a while" (20 minutes?) softens the glop a lot. I rinse my blades, dry, spray with WD-40, and dry.

[@bentswoodworking]

Good to know, thank you!

[@montet202]

Wax instead of wd40. Much cleaner. Keeps blades cleaner, longer.

[@woodworkgalerie1837]

Hi, I am from Austria. I heard there are special cleaners for saw blades, household cleaners could attack the solder joints. Greetings from austria

[@bentswoodworking]

I have heard the same, specifically the carbide tips. However, I have never experienced any issues

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I use Krud cutter and an old bucket lid from drywall mud! A12 inch blade will fit in the lid fine. As for the brush I use a Cheap Harbor Freight brass brush, and I do rinse and dry off my blade. The Krud cutter came about as the solution I used on my diamond plate stones as a lubricant when sharpening hones and chisels, the wife always has me clean the top of stove, I have not let her in on my Krud cutter secret.🤣🛫

[@bentswoodworking]

Great tip!

[@sacasticus]

I use dawn dishwashing detergent and water and a bucket lid.

[@bentswoodworking]

Nice

[@jimstewart1044]

Ironically, I have a couple blades that need cleaned and we are in the process of moving tomorrow. I'll definitely do this. Thank you!

[@bentswoodworking]

Good luck with the move.

[@jimstewart1044]

@@bentswoodworking 👍

[@mundlkalli4396]

Thank you very much for the nice demo. I know its not rocket science...but still...there is a way of doing things. may I give you some suggestion. the camera didnt pick up the sharpness of the blade/teeth. The reason for that is your camera settings. Your aperture is fixed on one focus point which was your face. Its tack sharp (because thats your focus point/ camera setting) and the blade was blurry because it was outside the focus point. Hope that helps. And PLEASE this was no criticism just a pointer !!!! Thank you again for the nice demo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I subscribed

[@amorgan5844]

Great upload! Any chance you can do a video on shop organizing and utilizing shop space? Find myself always in my own way and the shop a mess after a project or two.

[@bentswoodworking]

I am actually in the process of moving my shop and will be going from a dedicated shop back to a garage and have a lot of content that will be structured around that and shop layout and organization.

[@amorgan5844]

@@bentswoodworking looking forward to it!

[@carlos1000rr]

I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know your suppose to wash saw blades 🤦🏻‍♂️ Thanks for the video!

[@bentswoodworking]

👍

[@scottr8588]

Basic but important

[@justforkiks29]

What is the purpose of cleaning the blades? Is it for aesthetic reasons or for functional reasons?

[@bentswoodworking]

Functional reasons. Helps keep the blade sharper longer and helps prevent things like burning the wood. 👍

[@everettneil6860]

To reduce friction and wear,friction causes heat and distortion is the damage ,if a coolant was added to a saw during operation it reduces heat and assist as a mild lubricant .

[@johnross9369]

That is a upcoming project I've been kicking around. Glad too see Simple Green works well for it. Just have to remember not too apply the ol' army method and rinse with copious amounts of water. Another great video Jason, thanks. Where is it you plan on moving to?

[@bentswoodworking]

I’ll be heading to Indiana

[@mcooper320]

I read, but I don't have any direct knowledge, that some chemical or acid in Simple Green(green version) can damage the solder that holds the carbide tips to the metal blade body. The purple heavy duty organic version of Simple Green does not have that chemical or acid. I think I heard it from James at King's Fine WW. Anyone heard of this ?

[@justinjones9255]

Michael Cooper heard the same on Stumpy Nubs and he recommended the SG HD version.

[@brianp1993]

Yeah I have seen a letter either from simple green or from Forrest saying not to use the green version but the purple version of simple green saying the same thing. I am trying to remember where, maybe lumberjocks or a KZbin video.

[@brianp1993]

It was sawmill creek site sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?149002-Response-from-Simple-Green-about-Cleaning-Saw-Blades

[@brianp1993]

Also here on Simple Greens site. simplegreen.com/cleaning-tips/rooms/garage/saw-blades/

[@bentswoodworking]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing!

[@everettneil6860]

Soak the blade in diesel fuel, then after scrub it with a soft brass wire brush,I use diesel fuel at work to remove sap and pitch from machinery and 7 feet diameter circular saw blades,clean with a solvent, brake solvent,fast and easy.

[@AlAmantea]

Jason, Go to your local dollar store and pick up some "LA's Totally Awesome" cleaner. Works faster, better, cheaper, non toxic, and can be used for many other uses,, too! I don't even have to remove my blades to clean them. A quick spray on the teeth, wipe it down, and you're good to go!

[@bentswoodworking]

Good to know, thank you!

[@lgzz4885]

I used to just buy new blades (diablo/Dewalt) but I bought an older Festool track saw and a higher end 12” blade so I figured it was time to clean/sharpen my blades to extend their life. Simple green is nice bc I don’t feel the need to typically wear gloves bc it tends to be “safer” then other harsh cleaners. Ie: oven cleaner 😳 burn your finger prints off!? What’s an easy way to clean in the gullets or the inside part of the tooth? I tried nylon/brass brushes & I didn’t find it super effective, it seemed to still leave some pitch leftover. I was thinking the rubbing the pad in there. Granted the smaller blades are easier but when I’m doing it on a 100t 12” shit gets time consuming, individually trying to get in each fillet x2 (each side)

[@bentswoodworking]

I have found just using a brush works just fine.

[@TeamProsperity]

Simple Green huh? I have used that for other things but not for cleaning pitch off blades. I was never impressed with Simple Green but it looks like it works rather well. The solution is pretty dirty. I also use a brass bristle brush on the stubborn areas. After the blade dries, do you treat the blade with any anti rust or slip it stuff? Great video Jason, thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

I haven’t used anything after but have considered it.

[@RWingoS7]

"So nothing you see here is very fancy." Ummmm excuse you that Forrest Woodworker blade is fancy af. LOL

[@bentswoodworking]

Didn’t say it can only be used on that blade

[@chippychippy8291]

Thanks Jason, you said you are moving your shop, from where? To where? Keep up the great videos, from up here in Canada!

[@bentswoodworking]

I’ll be moving to Indiana in a month

[@jaimegenovajr3257]

Very informative! Do you aplly any other liquid after you dry it? Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

Typically no

[@draggboy]

I think Simple Green may be a poor choice. I cleaned my new Forrest WWII for the first time after watching this video and I think you should have shown at the end that I suspect the lettering on your blade was mostly work off. Same thing happened to my blade. It's difficult to read any of the marking on the blade after one cleaning. I think Forrest's recommended ammonia based products or CMT blade cleaner etc might be a less harsh cleaner that will do just as well removing the pitch.

[@PhilDeGuzman]

Same here- all the markings are gone

[@scottb.2022]

Tell us more about your upcoming move.

[@bentswoodworking]

I will be doing an Instagram live tonight at 7PM EST. If you aren’t on there I have my second channel where I will be posting that as well 👍

[@dimensionswoodworks]

I use a $10 bottle of cleaner from Amazon and do the same thing. I usually do them all at once though. Next time i run out of my tool cleaner I’ll give the simple green a shot 👍🏻 That camera did NOT want to focus for you.... did it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bentswoodworking]

Are you taking about the one scene where it is blurry and then comes to focus?

[@tobymcnobody6853]

Is the bristle brush, metal or plastic?

[@chrisask2065]

It looks as if the blade swelled up some from absorbing the simple green. What’s the dry time for after the blade cleaning and does the blade get flimsy when wet and soggy?

[@bentswoodworking]

The blades swelled??

[@chrisask2065]

Jason Bent - Bent's Woodworking : right, so what do you do about dry time etc? Does it return back to normal shape after?

[@bentswoodworking]

The blade doesn’t swell.

[@Ian_Smith16]

Hot water and baking soda works just as well and cheap 👍

[@randyc5650]

Do you put anything on the blade after cleaning to keep it from rusting?

[@bentswoodworking]

I do not.

[@chrisp.76]

Does a blade need to be waxed after cleaning to protect it from rust?

[@TeamProsperity]

So did I understand you to say ur moving to another state? Where you be moving to?

[@bentswoodworking]

Yes. I’ll be moving to Indiana in April

[@TeamProsperity]

Bent's Woodworking where in Indiana?

[@orentbergfald962]

Nice…!!! 😅😅😅

[@kathrynnewton8721]

👍🏻thank you! Best to wear gloves me thinks! Chemicals get absorbed through our skin…..

[@rayc.1396]

Well, that's my method. A 12" blade won't fit in the lid, so, go buy a pizza pan for a 14" pizza and use it. Soak either for 20 to 30 minutes and scrub with a brass brush, it is quick.

[@bentswoodworking]

Like the pizza pan idea. 👍

[@miheadhurts]

Great idea using the bucket lid as a tray but this video could have been 1:30 long and still covered the info.

[@LANDSHARKK]

What’s the best way to get hair, skin and bone out. Asking for a friend...

[@11SecSTionStockSnail]

Xaxa troll. Saw stop is the best at it. But I stay away from them due to their business practices

[@AppalachianLife]

I use cheap hand sanitizer gel. Just smear some on the teeth. Let it set for a few minutes and wipe off.

[@bentswoodworking]

Good to know, thanks!

[@22smudger]

Good luck trying to find hand sanitiser in Australia just now... 🤔

[@BoswachtBlog]

Sorry bruh, that fistool hoodie was a showstopper.

[@squarelevelplumb]

How about a close up of the teeth??

[@concentrichomesolutions]

Window cleaner does the same thing.

[@bentswoodworking]

Good to know, thank you

[@gregeastman6662]

i typed in rust removel......not buildup

[@davidcahoon7666]

Works great. Wear some gloves.

[@4n2earth22]

OK, a critical review: Respect the time of your viewers; unless you are only catering to highly mentally deficient folks, perhaps tune up your presentations to also respect the intelligence of the, at least, average viewers. Seven and a half minutes, repeating the same thing several times, saying the obvious while doing the obvious, and repeating the obvious is rather, umm, obvious, and sounds like you think your viewers are mental midgets. Your channel has potential, but it needs a lot of work. I am subscribed, because I see that potential. Hope the criticism helps.

[@bentswoodworking]

I don’t cater to any specific type of person. It’s impossible to please everyone. Simply trying to make things understandable for everyone in the best way I know how. Thanks.

[@bobbyswoodshop2009]

Boy, that was unnecessary 🤨 you can always skip ahead bud