To begin, I suppose I should first say a little bit about this mangy little thing called pitch. To put it as simply as possible, pitch is that sticky build-up or, literally, tree sap and other natural materials that accrue on your blades with each pass through a piece of wood. These materials cling to the entire blade and essentially suffocate its effectiveness. Under a veil of pitch, your blades retain heat, they can lose temper, and even warp and will without a doubt quickly become dull and sloppy - your blade's will overall performance will suffer. Pitch is also known to contribute to blade binding and kickback. Needless to say, it is important to keep your saw blades clean and free of this bloody pitch to ensure the best cutting results and most optimal longevity from your saw blades.
Saw Bits
Of course there are plenty of pitch and blade specific cleaning solutions available at your finer woodworking shops, but you might just have something around the house that will do the job just as well; oven-cleaner. Oven-cleaner is perfectly non-abrasive and, as advertized, designed to break-up and remove tough, stuck, baked-on gunk - essentially, pitch. Because pitch does literally bake onto your blades during the friction of use, oven-cleaner is as effective as the werewolf's silver bullet. Another simple household cleaner that strangely seems to have been designed for cleaning blades is, well, toilet bowl cleaner. It's tough on pitch, it's my preferred blade-cleaning method, and it leaves your blades sparkling like polished porcelain.
Saw Bits
After soaking your blade for an hour (or a few depending on the degree of pitch build-up) simply wipe or scrub any problem areas (paying special attention to the teeth and the gullets between them) with a non-abrasive pad, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Never use an abrasive scrubbing tool (i.e. steel-wool, a metal scraper, etc) or anything else that could scratch the surface of your blade. Surface grooves will effect both the blade's performance as well as your ability to clean the pitch from them later. If there are scratches in your blades, those grooves will fill up with that sticky pitch you are trying to remove. Of course its possible to get it out, it's just a much greater hassle and presents the serious danger of using compromised blades which are essentially a ticking time-bomb when spinning on your saw. If any scrubbing is necessary, use only softer scrubbing or scraping tools (i.e. plastic, nylon, brass bristled brushes, etc). I repeat, do not risk the integrity of your blade with abrasive scrubbing or scraping tools. Additionally, if your blade has a friction reducing coating (applied by manufacturer) use a scrubbing utensil designed or safe for Teflon kitchen-ware. This will ensure the coating remains intact and effective.
Repeat soaking and gentle scrubbing process until the blade is clean. Thoroughly rinse the blade with water and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Drying your blades will help keep them rust free. Before reinstalling your perfectly clean blade, apply a thin coat of WD-40 to keep that sucker cleaner for a longer period of time. This will also ensure the blade spinning and slicing as smoothly as possible.
Please Note: Although oven-cleaners are a very effective household remedy, they are, of course, risky methods as well. Some oven-cleaners have corrosive elements which overtime can damage the integrity of your blades. Ensure you use a product (whether oven-cleaner or not) without corrosive elements before subjecting your blades to the soaking process and yourself to the threat of a compromised blade.
Soaking your blades overnight in mineral spirits or kerosene are other non-abrasive, non-corrosive, and effective pitch removal methods. Using the same soaking, gentle scrubbing, rinsing and drying process as above, these should get your blades clean and shining like brand-new. Keep in mind, however, when using these methods that these solutions are highly flammable. Be cautious and always utilize safe practices when working with blades, high-heat, or open flame. Be aware also of the dangers of using kerosene - use as little as possible and be sure to store and dispose of it properly. Additionally, before using any solution to clean your blades, either from under the kitchen sink or over the woodshop counter, thoroughly read the directions and safety/warning labels. Also remember to soak your blades in a safe and well-ventilated area away from pets, children, or any other living or non-living thing that can hurt or be hurt by your arrangements. Additionally, after being used as your "blade-soaking container", blade-soaking containers should not be used for any other purpose. Clean them and either properly dispose of them or store them for future blade-soaking.
Disclaimer: Because woodworking blades and the solvents used to clean them can be extremely dangerous, please exercise the utmost care and caution at all times when working with or near these items.
How to Remove Pitch From Woodworking Saw Blades
Saw Bits
Nov 14, 2011 10:21:34
Click for larger image and other views
>> Click here to update Black Friday prices for Makita T-01389 62-Piece Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set <<
Black Friday Makita T-01389 62-Piece Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set Feature
- 135-degree split-point tip
- 1/4-inch shank size
- 62-piece set
- Includes clam shell carrying case
- Compatible with all drills
Black Friday Makita T-01389 62-Piece Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set Overview
Includes seven black oxide precision 135-degree split point 1/4-inch hex shank drill bits, (2) 1/16-inch, 3/32-inch, (2) 1/8-inch, 3/16-inch, 1/4-inch, (3) wood boring drill bits 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, 3/4-inch, (9) 2-inch driver bit assortments: slotted, Phillips, Robertson & Torx, (32) 1-inch driver bit assortment: slotted, Phillips, Robertson & Torx, (2) hex-to-square socket adapter: 1/4-inch - 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, (1) max-mag nut drivers: 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch
Black Friday Makita T-01389 62-Piece Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set Specifications
The Makita T-01389 62-piece drill and driver set is a great value -- more accessories, more savings. Every tool is black-oxide coated to resist corrosion, and given a proprietary heat treatment for sharper, longer lasting life. Manufactured with Ultra-Lok 1/4-inch hex shanks, the tools are compatible with all quick-change connector systems, electric or battery-powered drill/drivers, and impact drivers. The drill bits are manufactured using high-speed steel with precision 135-degree split-point tips to prevent drill bit walking. The pro-grade, maximum magnetic 3-inch bit holder and nut drivers provide extra-strong fastener retention.
View larger |
|
| T-01389 Features | PERFORMANCE - Pro-Grade Impact Drill-Driver Compatible
DURABILITY - Black Oxide finish resists corrosion and extends drill bit life
VARIETY - 62 pieces of the most commonly used bits provides outstanding versatility for your drilling and driving jobs
CONVENIENCE - Durable, compact storage case
INCLUDES - Injection molded case with 62 pieces |
|
| Tool Specifications |  | | Overall length | 7-3/4" | | Net weight | 2.1 lbs. |
|
About Makita's Power Tool AccessoriesGet the right accessory for your toughest applications. Makita has a full line of accessories including framing blades with advanced "M-Tooth" design, ultra-coated miter saw blades, steel demolition bits, Optimum diamond blades, Thruster Percussion bits, Blue Steel CERMET-tipped blades, and many, many more. Expand your LXT cordless lineup with 18-volt lithium-ion batteries, Energy Star-rated battery chargers, flashlights, and jobsite radios.
About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S.Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
Whats in the Box
Makita T-01389 62-Piece Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set includes:
Injection molded case
(33) 1-inch Driver bit assortment: |
| | Phillips bits: 4 Phillips #1 9 Phillips #2 4 Phillips #3 | Robertson/Square drive bits: 2 Robertson #1 3 Robertson #2 3 Robertson #3 | Torx bits: 2 Torx T15 3 Torx T20 | Slotted bits: 1 Slotted 6-8 2 Slotted 8-10 |
| (9) 2-inch Driver bit assortment: |
| | Phillips bits: 2 Phillips #2 2 Phillips #3 | Robertson/Square drive bits: 1 Robertson #2 2 Robertson #3 | Torx bits: 1 Torx T20 1 Torx T25 | |
(7) UltraLok black oxide drill bits precision/135° split point 1/4-inch hex shank:
2 1/16-inch, 3/32-inch, 2 1/8-inch, 3/16-inch, 1/4-inch
(4) Wood boring spade drill bits with spurs:
3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, 3/4-inch
(3) 3.5-inch Extended length driver bits:
Phillips bits: 2 Phillips #2
Robertson/Square drive bits: 1 Robertson #2
(3) Magnetic nut drivers:
1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch
(2) Hex-to-Square socket adapter:
1/4-inch, 3/8-inch
(1) Magnetic bit holder
|
SAVE NOW on Black Friday offers below!
Available In Stock. |
| This Black Friday Makita T-01389 62-Piece Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
|
Limited Offer Today!! Makita T-01389 62-Piece Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals
40 Samsung Panasonic Viera Tc
