"Comcast Newsgroups" wrote in message
...
I use a 3/4" bandsaw blade on my 20" bandsaw and when cutting wet wood the
blade gets wet a wood/sap builds up on the blade and causes the blade the
thump as it is pulled through the guides. I stop the saw and clean off the
gunk then I'm good for awhile. Is there anything that I can clean the
blades with or spray onto the blade to clean or reduce this buildup? I
notice that it is also on the rubber tire so I am guessing that it is
probably building up on the rubber wheel then heating up and
melting/pressed onto the blade.

I would also like to know what is the best method for cleaning the rubber
tires without damaging them. I was thinking of using paint thinner but
not sure if that would cause damage to the rubber.

I put WD40 on the blade after cutting wet wood. Cloth and hand rotation of
the blade in reverse cleans the gullets and helps prevent corrosion which
will dull the blade. Nice time to make sure you get that cherry juice off
the table and protect it, too. Leaves the blade lubed for the next cuts,
though adding some before you begin isn't a bad idea. Some use a convenient
spray of cooking oil.

I just take a thin piece of wood and rotate the tire past it while
compressing the rubber if I get a buildup down below. Breaks up and scrapes
off nicely. Usually only happens when I neglect the vacuum, though. You
shouldn't have problems with oil-based solvents. I'd avoid the ketones.

Some folks put a hard-bristle toothbrush in position so that it brushes the
tire while the saw's in use. If you don't use a vacuum, seems like a good
idea. If you need cleaning beyond the ordinary on either the tire or the
blade, nylon or brass bristles seem aggressive enough.

Consider ceramic guides for your saw. They're so slick they can actually be
set in contact, and they help keep the portion of the blade they contact
scraped clean. Be careful of the sparks on punky dry wood!