I usually just spray on a heavy coat, wait a minute or so then wipe it off. That is usually is enough, but sometimes (especially if I've been cutting pine) I'll need to repeat the process.
Someone awhile back recommended old frisbees as a good container to soak them in. Sorry I can't remember who to give credit too, but it was a great tip. I just did 10 min or so, my letters came off too
I use a blade cleaning solution from Empire Manufacturing. It will remove all resin and burnt on pitch from a blade in less than 5 minutes after spraying. You do not immerse the blade. The kit includes rubber gloves, brass brush and a jar to soak router bits in. I have not found anything that cleans faster. It even takes off some manufacturer's labels on some blades. This solution was top rated in a recent woodworking magazine comparison review. The only thing it has not removed was melted PVC from when I cut some pipe on my chop saw. It even cleaned a blade I had used 20 years ago and thought was ruined from cutting green spruce. It was totally coated with dried goo. 10 minutes after spraying, it rinsed off clean. I have used it on every cutting blade I have with great results.
I've cleaned my blade with simple green a couple of times but wasn't too happy with the results. I mixed it with a little water - maybe that was my problem - are you guys using it full strength?
I spray it in the blade and go clean up around the garage for a few minutes. When I come back it's ready to wipe off..
Works great on router bits too.. You can soak them in a cap from a can of spray paint.
William's Law--
There is no mechanical problem so difficult that it
cannot be solved by brute strength and ignorance.
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