KAPEX KS 120 Standard Blade

[paul_david_thomas]

I've not used my Kapex much, and I've noticed the blade seems to be cutting as if it's blunt. Thus, cutting through simple 2x4 CLS you get some burning.... and you need to wait until full speed to start cutting.

The last major job I did was 60+sq m of Cedar cladding. After this job, I did not clean the blade in any way. Perhaps it's got some deposits on it (the tanin?).

If this is what it is, what would you recommend FROM THE UK to clean the blade with ?

Any other thoughts ?

 

[jonny round boy]

I've not used my Kapex much, and I've noticed the blade seems to be cutting as if it's blunt. Thus, cutting through simple 2x4 CLS you get some burning.... and you need to wait until full speed to start cutting.

The last major job I did was 60+sq m of Cedar cladding. After this job, I did not clean the blade in any way. Perhaps it's got some deposits on it (the tanin?).

If this is what it is, what would you recommend FROM THE UK to clean the blade with ?

Any other thoughts ?

Paul,

I use CMT Blade & Bit Cleaner. It works well, though TBH I've never used anything else so have no basis for comparison...

I tend to spray it on, leave it 5 minutes, then scrub the teeth with an old toothbrush (it foams up when you do this). I then lay the blade on a tea towel for another 5 mins. The foam dies down & if I see any deposits still on there I scrub it again. Then just rinse off with water & pat dry.

It's completely water-based so no issues with disposal/fumes.

 

[richard.selwyn]

Test the blade by running the flat of your fingernail lightly over the high point of one or more of the blades carbide tips. If it scrapes off a bit of fingernail dust it's still ok, if your nail slides across without scraping "dust" it needs resharpenng - or a least that is what my Festool / resharpening guy tells me. If the sides of the carbide tips look dirty, take off the blade and use some blade cleaner - I think CMT sell their own - iIve seen it on the Axminster site I think. I buy my blade cleaner / resin remover from Felder. Be careful as it is ike a high power detergent and not kind to the skin. I spray it on, leave it a bit then scrub with a dishwashing brush, then rinse. Some people reckon you can use oven cleaner, but I have always worried about it attacking the brazing. In my experience when the blade seems to be dull, cleaning it will help a bit, but swapping for a resharpened one will just solve the problem.  The difficulty is if you are doing lots of different jobs you sometimes need a really sharp blade for perfect mitres but next thing you are cutting up general lumber.  I just swapped my planer blades for making some expensive oak cabinets for a client and then this afternoon had to clean up some planks for the neighbour. Two planes, two kapexes......

Richard

 

[tbellemare]

The CMT Formula 2050 does work quite well. It's also biodegradable and non-toxic.

You don't need to rinse it, just wipe it. I've been told that it also acts as a rust inhibitor though I really don't have any way to tell myself.

Tom

 

[paul_david_thomas]

Thanks all, I will have a good look at the blade tomorrow. I've got some cleaner fluid I can use. If it needs sharpening, I've found a company 6 miles from me that do festool blades - and from I remember, a darn good price. They do most blades, family run company. If I use them and they come up trumps, I'll do a link for them.

 

[Craftsman]

Oven cleaner works as well if not better than any commerically available "blade cleaner".

 

[richard.selwyn]

IMHO a good sharpening outfit is worth its weight in gold. I have found that resharpened blades are often better than the original if they are well done. The outfit I used to use deservedly went out of business and the one I now use are a family business. -husband,wife and son and are a pleasure to deal with. Sadly I don't know any local foggers to send their way! If your guys are good, post the link they deserve the publicity.
Richard

 

[paul_david_thomas]

Craftsman, your my man ! Oven cleaner...

Unfortunately, my concept of cleaning the oven and my girlfriends ideal and the ideal of the oven manufacture is totally different...

However, tomorrow, I will try to clean the blade by looking at it quickly before shutting the door

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Oven cleaner does work but, it is nasty to use and clean up.

I have a couple different spray bottles of cleaner, spray on and wipe off after a few minutes.
No obnoxious fumes like oven cleaner.

 

[PeterK]

I have read several times and had some blades come with warnings against using the caustic type oven cleaners. Seems that it can attack the binder that holds the carbide tooth on the blade. Have no idea how long it takes to cause a problem.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have read several times and had some blades come with warnings against using the caustic type oven cleaners. Seems that it can attack the binder that holds the carbide tooth on the blade. Have no idea how long it takes to cause a problem.

This always comes up when someone mentions over cleaner.  I've only used oven cleaner on my blades, my older blades have seen many cleanings without problem.  Of course that doesn't mean you should use it.....

 

[Ken Nagrod]

There's no problem using oven cleaner on your blades, as long as you put them in the oven at 450 degrees for an hour and a half, flip over for another hour and a half, then serve and enjoy!  [big grin]  I think I'll come out with a cook book.

 

[Guy Ashley]

I use the Felder resin cleaner on all my saw blades, its called "Harzloser" and comes in a spray bottle.

Same process as JRB, spray, leave 5 mins, toothbrush and wipe.

Can order it on line

http://www.felder-tooling.co.uk/zubehor/reinigen-pflegen/8-b-a331-10-03-01-008-2-0.html

 

[Brice Burrell]

There's no problem using oven cleaner on your blades, as long as you put them in the oven at 450 degrees for an hour and a half, flip over for another hour and a half, then serve and enjoy!  [big grin]  I think I'll come out with a cook book.

Well, of course Ken, how else would you do it? [big grin]