Did I ruin my blade?

[wreckwriter]

Cutting a ZCTP with a new Freud (LU85R010 10", 80-Tooth, Alternate Top Bevel, Red Perma-SHIELD) blade I got stupid and forgot about the pawls digging into the throat plate and jamming things up. Didn't realize there was a problem until I saw sparks from blade contacting riving knife. The blade seems ok except that the face side of it is now somewhat coated with melted plastic. All this took about 5 seconds to happen. Blade did not jam.

Is the blade ruined?

[gmack5]

Probably not, but you need to clean the Blade thouroghly, then examine each of the 80 teeth, under a high powered Mafnifying Glass to be sure that none of them are chiped, or missing.

If it were me, I would remove the Pawls and use Feather Boards, one on the Rip Fence and one on the Saw Table, to prevent KICK BACK. YMMV

[wreckwriter]

Probably not, but you need to clean the Blade thouroghly, then examine each of the 80 teeth, under a high powered Mafnifying Glass to be sure that none of them are chiped, or missing.

If it were me, I would remove the Pawls and use Feather Boards, one on the Rip Fence and one on the Saw Table, to prevent KICK BACK. YMMV

How does one clean a blade? I heard oven cleaner?

[gjat]

Or simple green. And a little brass wire brush.

[Tom Miller]

How does one clean a blade? I heard oven cleaner?

IMO, oven cleaner is a bit harsh (caustic). But there's also been some talk that my usual cleaner, Simple Green, is not exactly blade friendly. I think it's only a problem when used as an overnight soak, rather than a 10 minute scrub.

But, for removing this plastic, I'd suggest a brass-bristle brush (say that three times fast). Then, after inspecting for damage, try it out. The proof's in the cutting.

Regards,
Tom
Sure, while I'm "wind-baggin'", gjat scoops me.

[wreckwriter]

I can see that (either of these) working for resin but for plastic? Isn't plastic pretty much impervious to most cleaners?

[Tom Miller]

I can see that (either of these) working for resin but for plastic? Isn't plastic pretty much impervious to most cleaners?

Yep, hence the BBB (mechanical) cleaning.

Regards,
Tom

[newbie2wood]

Cleaning melted plastic that bonded to the metal is the easiest job. You can remove it by softening the plastic by using heat. However, be careful not to temper the steel of your blade. I would try scraping it off first with a wire brush before trying a hair dryer, an iron, or heat gun.

edited. I meant to say that its "not" the easiest job.
________
LIVE SEX

[wreckwriter]

Thanks guys. Have BB, will try.

Talk about feeling stupid, this new saw is bringing it out in me...

[gjat]

Don't re-heat plastic to scrape off. It usually makes it worse because too much heat will let it spread, or BURN. My experience.... (DAMHIKT) has shown me I scrape the worst of it off with just a razor blade, then clean it with a little brass brush.

[JimD]

I don't know if it will work for this but I like CMT's blade cleaner. I would try it first. If it did not work, I would scrape off the residue with a utility knife or razor blade. While cleaning the teeth, you should be able to see any damage to the teeth. They are probably OK. I have cut nails and screws multiple times, usually without apparent damage.

Jim

[Knottscott]

It'd probably be a good idea to get the blade sharpened. They can clean it and inspect it for damage as well as sharpen the teeth, all for a fraction of the cost of the blade.

[onedash]

I had a bunch of pitch build up on my miter saw blade once. I thought hey maybe this giant eraser for cleaning sandpaper will clean it off If I cut through it.
DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB...Talk about a mess. Well I didnt even get all the way through it when I realized what a mistake that was. It was a nightmare. I can't even think what to compare it to. It took forever picking it off the blade the guard up inside....It wouldn'd blow off with 175 PSI either. It was super sticky. had to basically pick it all off everything.

[wreckwriter]

It'd probably be a good idea to get the blade sharpened. They can clean it and inspect it for damage as well as sharpen the teeth, all for a fraction of the cost of the blade.

Is that something normally done locally or sent off?

[drumpriest]

btw all, I spoke with a Freud rep last week, and asked him about simple green as a cleaner, he said it was a great cleaner and would be fine on thier blades.