If you are the one who has been in the industry for a long time or quite a beginner in woodworking, one important thing you should be aware of is the proper maintenance of the cutting tools and blades. Unless you practice it well, you will find yourself constantly changing your woodworking band saw blades and other carbide-tipped cutting blades. Constant cleaning and regular inspection of cutting tools are very important to keep them last longer and extend their service life. The main culprit that causes premature dulling of a blade is the accumulation of debris deposits on the carbide bits and not the mechanical wear of cutting through the timber.
The majority of woodworking band saw blades are created using carbide which is an alloy of different hard metals and the combination of their various alloys. The most popular is titanium carbide that utilizes cobalt as its binder. This alloy combination makes the carbide blade at risk of a chelation process which can potentially deteriorate the metal blade. This chemical process is due to the chemical compounds present in many wood species and if these wood resin deposits will not be removed regularly from the cutting tool, it will dull the blade’s cutting edges. It can also cause chipping that may require you to replace the blade.
This dulling issue can even be worsened if you are going to cut at slightly damp timber because it can significantly increase the rate of the chelation process. So, blades that are frequently used to cut woods with moisture will be subjected to greater deterioration. This will require more constant sharpening to maximize the life of the carbide-tipped cutting tool. The best way to avoid this problem is to clean the woodworking band saw blades, removing all the resin deposits after each use. Don’t wait for the next cutting task before doing the cleaning. A regular cleanup will also be a great opportunity to examine your cutting tools for any signs of other issues and address them earlier.
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