Cleaning blades.... What to dunk blade in?

[Pappy]

I found a plastic food container at Big Lots with a snap on lid. Nice because I can leave used solution in it and reuse it.

[LinuxRandal]

If I'm not mistaken, the original Simple Green is said to have an issue with carbide. I used it until I found out about that. They make a newer Simple Green that is supposed to be safe for carbide. Don't remember the name of it, but Simple Green is in the name. They make both formulas. You can probably get more information at their website.

Ed

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=17769

Hydrogen embrittalment, caused by soaking. Recommended Extreme simple green (sold at Sam's club), and for soaking, if spraying on (quick clean), a diluted simple green (1/10) spray on and brush off (from another thread).

[cgallery]

The lid from a 5-gallon bucket works.

[LarryG]

Phil just beat me to what I was going to say: a five-gallon bucket's lid.

For my bicycle chains, I have used an old Frisbee. Not sure they make those big enough for a 10" or larger blade, though.

[Ed62]

Huh Ed, I thought it was bad for the brazing material, not the actual carbide. Which would weaken the bond and the tips could come off, which would be very bad, thus why I don't soak my blade, just spot clean.

You're correct. Thanks for the heads up.

Ed

[smorris]

Kitchen sink and a good spray of Scrubbing Bubbles from the bathroom here, let it sit a couple minutes and scrub clean with an old toothbrush.

[scmhogg]

I have a lid from one of those tins that Xmas cookies come in. I keep it in the saw blade drawer.

Steve

[Tom Miller]

For my bicycle chains, I have used an old Frisbee. Not sure they make those big enough for a 10" or larger blade, though.

I have a Frisbee that fits perfectly. I soak the blade in Simple Green for ~10 min, then go at it with the toothbrush. It does make the toothbrush taste funny for a couple days....

Regards,
Tom

[BigguyZ]

Will short term exposure to Simple Green hurt the braising on the blades? I'd hate to ruin my WWII by cleaning it....

[RHunter]

I soak my blades for about 20min in a 5gal Bucket Lid and LA's Totally Awesome General Cleaner and Degreaser. Clean with a brass brush, wipe dry.

Safe for blades (carbide and brazing)- and best of all- you can get it at the Dollar Store!

Yep! $1! Of course the spray bottle sprayer is good for about 10 squirts- so if you can liberate the wife's spray bottle for her ironing like I did....

[Ed62]

Will short term exposure to Simple Green hurt the braising on the blades? I'd hate to ruin my WWII by cleaning it....

That's a good question. I just called Simple Green for an answer to that. I was told that at a 1 - 10 dilution, it should not harm the braising if submerged for 5 - 15 minutes. If longer times are necessary, Extreme Simple Green is recommended. Not willing to take the chance, I stick with baking soda used as indicated in my earlier post. I'm sold on it.

Ed