Cleaning saw blades

[Denco]

I see various products on the market. What do you use to clean your saw blades (and tools, for that matter)?

[Knottscott]

The most important thing is to clean them. I've had good success with several methods, including specialty blade cleaners, home cleaners, oven cleaner, etc. Because there's some controversy about potential damage from oven cleaner, and even soaking in Simple Green, I tend to just use 409, Fantastic, Greased Lightning, LA's Totally Awesome, Goo Gone....spray on, brush the teeth, rinse, wipe, and done within a few minutes.

FWIW, Freud suggests a kerosene soak for heavily gummed blades.

[pelligrini]

I've used a couple of the pitch & resin remover products from woodcraft and rockler, as well as the little spray bit & blade cleaner that you can get in the Boeshield kit. I mostly use the latter for router bits in the shop.

I really like the Rocker cleaning container. They go on sale at least once a year. It sure works better than the 5 gal bucket I was using. I use a wood handled handcleaning brush I have no idea where I got it from. The long narrow side for fingernails works great on blades. I also have some brass brushes for really dirty blades. Some of the construction grade pine I cut is pretty nasty.

[JimD]

I use CMT blade cleaner. Spray it on, let it soak, and then brush with a brass brush. Works better than oven cleaner and is better for blades.

Jim