TS 75 blade care

[Tony_Fletcher]

I'm a casual user of my Festool TS 75 track saw. I'm not a professional, I use the saw 6-7 times year on 8-10 projects. Clocks, picture frames, small pieces of furniture. It's my table saw replacement. I use it exclusively for ripping with the SenecaWoodworking.com guides. I cut mostly hardwoods, maple, walnut, cherry, etc. Mostly 4/4, 4/5, occasionally 4/6.

Lately the blade (the stock blade that came with the saw) feels a little dull. I see no burning, but it seems to skip a bit and overall seems a little slower than when new. I'm fairly sure that some blade maintenance is order. So, I ask: what does everyone like to do? Sharpen? A cleaning? Both? Or do folks just splurge on a new blade every few years?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[ear3]

Some cleaning with a solution and a brush is probably in order.  There are multiple products out there.  I use this one:http://www.amazon.com/CMT-Blade-Cleaner-Spray-Bottle/dp/B000GPF4NC

If it still struggles in the wood, then yes, I would send it off for sharpening.  Also check the carbide teeth to see if any have been chipped.