On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 10:25:15 -0500, Will
wrote:

Jim:

I have used Varsol - from Home Hardware or Home Depot. It cleans a lot
off immediately. I just wipe the blade down as best I am able getting
everything off the teeth edges.

For what is left - I clean the blade right on the saw as follows...

I use the Paper towel like shop towels - blue coloured -- since they are
quite tough, and a tongue-depressor-like stick of wood.

1. Unplug the saw. :-)
3. Wet down a shop towel with Varsol and rotate through the blade
cleaning the sides as much as possible. Wipe with a fine brass brush and
re-clean at this stage if need be - it will make cleaning the teeth go
faster.
2. Using a thin piece of wood 1/8 " (3mm) or less -- wrap a torn off
piece of paper shop towel around the end two or three times -- it should
still lay flat on the stick. (Cut the piece of towel with scissors if
you are a neat freak or like precision. :-) )
3. Apply Varsol to the piece of paper shop towel on the stick - soak it
good.
4. Swipe across each tooth till it cleans up. Try tests Test working in
each direction ( up and down , across , rotating etc.) till you find the
method that tears the towel the least on this particular blade -- and
then clean the rest of the teeth in a similar manner.
5. For stubborn scale and baked on gum a thumbnail or brass brush should
scrape it off after Varsol has softened it.
6. Give a final clean up with the Varsol soaked rag
7. Test

It usually takes 5- 10 min for a rip (24 tooth) blade, 10 to 15 min for
a 40 tooth General Purpose and 15 min or a bit more for a 50-80 tooth
blade.

---------
Will

Jim Laumann wrote:
HI

I have a carbide tipped 10" blade which is causing some "burned" marks
on wood. It occurs when I'm ripping, and have to stop to reposition
my hands. As long as I keep the wood in motion, things are ok.

Seems to me I read something about using oven cleaner to remove
the build up. Can any one confirm?

Thanks

Jim

Best thing I've found is "Fast Orange" hand cleaner from the auto
parts store. Just smear some on, wait 2-3 minutes and rinse it off.
Presto! Clean blade. The cleaner has pumice in it but it isnt a
factor since you have to do very little rubbing. A few seconds with a
paper towel dries the blade nicely and I've never had any problems
caused by water remaining on it.

I've used oven cleaner in the past and it does work well but it's
messy and hard on the skin And it took all the maker's marks off the
saw so unless you remark it somehow you have to guess what blade it
is. I dont know what oven clean will do to a teflon blade. Not good,
is my guess.