I let my saw blades get a little too much pitch and resin on them resulting in them not cutting as great as I would like.
Discover the best products for cleaning saw blades, removing pitch and resin buildup, and maintaining blade markings that I have used. Explore the results of testing Rockler Router Bit and Saw Blade Cleaning Kit, Simple Green, and Super Clean, and learn expert tips for prolonging blade life.
As a dedicated woodworker, you know that keeping your saw blades in top shape is essential for achieving precise cuts. Over time, pitch and resin buildup can hinder their performance. In this guide, I’ve put three popular cleaning products to the test – Rockler Router Bit and Saw Blade Cleaning Kit, Simple Green, and Super Clean – to help you make the best choice for your tools.
First I decided to test the Rockler Router Bit and Saw Blade Cleaning Kit. This product is specifically designed to clean tool accessories such as router bits and saw blades after all right?
So I decided to test using my original table saw blade. I would divide it into 3 sections following the directions for each product and submerge 3 sections of teeth into the container that came with the Rocker product which I had positioned at an angle. As you can see here there is lots of resin build up after years of use.
1. Rocker Pitch and Resin Cleaner
Designed specifically for cleaning saw blades and router bits, the Rockler cleaning kit comes with high expectations. When testing it on my original table saw blade, I followed the instructions closely. Despite some initial concerns about the product’s freshness due to visible particles in the bottle, I proceeded. The recommended soaking time is 3 to 5 minutes, with additional time suggested for stubborn resin.
I used the provided brash brush to scrub the blade. While it did remove some resin, it required significant effort and didn’t completely clean the blade. So I put it back in longer.
After 10 minutes of total soaking, I used the provided brass brush to scrub the blade. While it did remove some resin, it required significant effort and didn’t completely clean the blade. On a positive note, it didn’t harm the blade’s paint. However, this product may demand more effort than you’d like for an “okay” result.
2. Simple Green
Simple Green offers an affordable alternative for cleaning your saw blades. I applied it generously to the blade, letting it soak for 5 minutes, similar to the Rockler product. When I began scrubbing, I noticed a noticeable improvement, with more resin removed. However, it did remove some of the blade’s paint. If your blade features important markings, be cautious when using Simple Green.
3. Super Clean
For the last portion of our testing, I used Super Clean following the same 5-minute soaking and scrubbing procedure. Super Clean proved to be highly effective in removing resin buildup, outperforming the other two products. However, it also stripped paint and the gray layer around the blade’s teeth. While it effectively cleaned carbide teeth, it might not be suitable for painted blades like Freud, Diablo, or Spyder.
Results
The choice of blade cleaner ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re not concerned about paint markings and want superior cleaning, Super Clean is an excellent choice. If you wish to preserve blade markings, Rockler’s product is suitable, but it may require longer soaking times for optimal results.
For me, I ended up using Rockler’s Resin and Pitch Cleaner for my painted blades and Super Clean for the blades I didn’t care about the markings. You can read my article here about using the Rockler Router Big and Saw Blade Cleaning Kit on my other blades.
Solar Eclipse Glasses 2024 Approved (1 PACK) Plastic Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses -AAS, CE & ISO Certified Solar Eclipse Glasses, Solar Eclipse Sunglasses for Kids & Adults – Black, 1-Pack
34% OffExpert Tip
After cleaning each blade, rinse it with water, then use a hair dryer to remove moisture. Finally, apply a top coat of WD-40 Dry Lube with PTFE. This specialized WD-40 is designed for woodworking tools, ensuring a non-greasy finish that doesn’t attract dust. This will not only prevent rust but also enhance your blade’s performance.
Equipment and Materials
I hope you find this helpful video useful and can use some of the tips presented. Feel free to leave any comments, suggestions, or experiences you have had below.
Some of the links in my video description and article above are Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you would like to make a different purchase from Amazon, you can also use the storewide link.
