Don’t Toss That “Dull” Blade! The 5-Minute Clean That Saves Money and Improves Your Cuts.
I was ready to toss a perfectly good table saw blade. The cuts were ragged, the motor was straining, and the distinct smell of burning maple was filling my shop. I was convinced the blade was dull, another casualty of a hard-working furniture shop. But before I spent $50 on a sharpening, I remembered that a dirty blade is a dull blade.
The problem wasn’t a dull blade, but the stubborn, sticky buildup of pitch and resin from the woods I was cutting. This gunk makes your table saw teeth drag instead of slice.
Tablesaw Blade and Router Bit Cleaning Products
I’ve found a couple of fantastic products that make cleaning your tablesaw blades and router bits a breeze. The first is the Boeshield Blade & Bit Cleaner. It’s a dedicated spray-on solution that attacks pitch and resin on saw blades and router bits. The process is simple: you spray it on—really soaking those gunky teeth—let it penetrate for a few minutes, and then wipe it off. The pitch just lifts away. For tougher spots, a quick scrub with a blue abrasive pad does the trick. It even leaves behind a protective coating to fight rust.
For a deeper clean, I’m a huge fan of the soak method. I use Rockler’s Pitch and Resin Remover, which has that classic, powerful orange-cleaner scent. I just pour it into a wide bowl, drop the blade in, and let it soak for five minutes. After a light scrub, it comes out looking brand new. A pro tip: pour the used solution through a fine mesh strainer back into the can to remove the debris, and one can will last you for ages.
When my first can of the Rockler solution ran out, I started using something many woodworkers might already have in their shop: Nature’s Orange 100% Pure D-Limonene. This is the same food-grade, citrus-based solvent many cutting board makers use to thin their tung oil for deeper penetration. It works incredibly well. It’s a brilliant two-for-one if you make cutting boards; just be sure never to mix the blade-cleaning batch with your food-safe finishing batch!
The bottom line? That blade you’re about to send out for an expensive sharpening might just be begging for a bath. Taking a few minutes to clean off the pitch and resin will not only restore its cutting performance, making your cuts cleaner and faster with less burn, but it will also significantly extend the life of your blades. It’s the easiest win in the workshop.
I’m the owner of Benham Design Concepts, a mixed media art studio where I design and build custom furniture and other works of art using wood, glass, stone, and various metals.
In this blog, I talk about the art I create, my journey, and the things I learn along the way.