Do you clean your tools? And if so, how?

[mino]

Cleaning => for me this is mainly removing dirt/dust with vacuum and a soft brush after any heavy use.

I also vacuum the dust from the motor compartment through the original grills. That helps with cooling and longevity and there is no risk affecting the mechanicals negatively.

I never get a solvent near a bearing to not risk some getting in and affecting the original grease composition.

For exposed friction pieces like the Carvex Blade guide cleaning is fine though, but more important is to make sure there is some lube there re-applied.

I also acetone-clean my blades after mechanically removing sticky residue stuck to the side of the cutters.

 

[Michael Kellough]

“also acetone-clean my blades after mechanically removing sticky residue stuck to the side of the cutters.”

Different sticky stuff but I was shocked yesterday to find that acetone had little effect on the sticky residue from 3M Blue Tape left a little too long on some exterior window casing.

 

[Ron B]

“also acetone-clean my blades after mechanically removing sticky residue stuck to the side of the cutters.”

Different sticky stuff but I was shocked yesterday to find that acetone had little effect on the sticky residue from 3M Blue Tape left a little too long on some exterior window casing.

I had the same problem years ago leaving blue tape on my stairs too long trying to figure out how to install the railing. My runners and risers were finished.  If I remember right, I used WD-40. 

 

[hdv]

Before I leave the shop at the end of the day I will always make sure my tools are cleaned and put back in their right place. After heavy use I also try to take care of cutting edges by cleaning blades from resin and other sticky stuff and sharpening them. I sweep or vacuum the floors and benches. The last thing I do is set the air scrujbber on a timer and let it filter the air for some time.

I am most probably too close to OCD for comfort...  [big grin]

But there is a non-frivolous aspect to it as well. I have bad lungs and therefore I'd like to keep the air as clean as possible. Even though I wear a face mask when I am producing dust I feel it is an important routine for me to cling to.

Although I have to admit that I just hate it when my shop is a mess. That has nothing to do with my health. At least not my physical health.  [wink]

 

[Peter_C]

Does shaking the dust off count? I try not to put much dust into the Systainers. My tools are meant to work and cleaning them is not a priority. Proper maintenance for function is important though.

Version 5 modifications to the welding cart took a couple of days of fabrication between other projects. Cleaning was not high on the list obviously. *shrugs*
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[FestitaMakool]

“also acetone-clean my blades after mechanically removing sticky residue stuck to the side of the cutters.”

Different sticky stuff but I was shocked yesterday to find that acetone had little effect on the sticky residue from 3M Blue Tape left a little too long on some exterior window casing.

Acetone can smudge what you don’t want deeper and permanently down on the surface.
Have you tried a citrus cleaner?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Sure. It's usually just a quick hit with compressed air though. I don't want to put dust and chips into the Systainer with them. Sometimes I get a little glue on the trigger of a staple gun or brad nailer, so those get a wipe with a damp rag. I usually blow off the dust that gets through to dog holes at the end of a project or at the end of the week at a minimum. We all stop working a half hour early on Fridays to clean the entire shop, dump the trash cans, lube as needed, wax tabletops, etc.

 

[Sparktrician]

Every day I use any of my tools, I clean them. The shop, tools, and I go to bed clean. I do a lot of high precision work and saw dust can mess up my cuts.

Hear, hear!  [smile]  I also blow them out after every use.