mark wrote:

I recently tried using a lye (sodium hydroxide) solution for cleaning pitch,
gum etc... from my woodworking tools and it is amazing how good it works.
Today I bought a new blade from Freud and it says do not use custic cleaning
agents. Why? I know it will dissolve aluminum but I thought it didn't harm
steel or tungsten carbide, actually I think this blade says titanium
carbide. Thanks

Possibly it will attack the brazing or cement used to attach the carbide
teeth.

Pete C.