Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi everybody,

I remember seeing a string on this subject a couple years ago, but can't find it now. I need advice on cleaning resin build-up from sanding belts in particular, but also saw blades, router bits, etc. Seems like I remember something about Simple Green, but no detail. Input much appreciated as alway.

Thanks,
Max

_________________
Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan

Hi Max. I've used standard oven cleaner with great results. Spray it on, let it sit for an hour and rinse it off. Follow the label safety instructions.

_________________
JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Max my friend simple Green is what I use on router bits and it works great. I put about an inch in a plastic cup and let it soak for a while and all the resin comes right off.

Wurth makes a resin remover that is "non toxic" and pretty good. It works extremely well for sanding belts. I believe it's called Pitch and Tar remover.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Sounds like this product is wurth a try....

For sanding belts I use a gum rubber stick. I use that first and then you can use a piece of acrylic. Hold it to the moving belt and it will take off those nasty resiny build ups. I just get scraps from Tap plastics or a local plastic guy. Works pretty well.
Link

_________________
Cut to size.....Beat to fit.....Paint to match.

Many thanks, guys. Waddy, where do you find the Wurth tar remover? I plan to use each of the products/methods you guys suggested and see what works best.

Max

P.S. Hesh, I sent you a PM on another subject. Did you see it?

_________________
Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan

I use the Boeshield product. Works fantastic, but I think it's probably similar to oven cleaner.

Darrin

Max, I think the closest Wurth distributor to you is Baer Supply in Illinois. They have the product. The Item number is WW1893011, and it comes in gallon, 32oz, or 4oz trial size. 32 oz and 4 oz are in pump spray bottles. Go to their website www.baersupply.com and put the item number in the search box.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I have used a wire brush (Grill cleaner) to clean sanding belts... The practice is fairly common among wood turners... Good luck

Jim

Since the last time this subject was brought up, I have tried to buy "simple green" but there appears to have many "flavors" (general purpose, degreaser, concentrated...).
Hesh, can you tell me which simple green product you use and did you use it on sanding belt with caked resin?
Thank's
Marc

Oven cleaner on a sanding belt? Seriously? Why does that not sound right to me? I use a giant gum rubber stick to clean my belts. Trick is to use it often before something burns on to the belt.

I got mine from Klingspor. 2x2x12 inches.

Mike

I just cleaned my bandsaw blade using camping fuel. Worked pretty well on a rag with just a bit of effort. Make sure the saw is unplugged. I did hear of a fellow who thought he'd try it with the saw turned on. Not a good result.

I guess you gotta be real clear for some folks. Like the car manual I read once that said not to check the tire pressure if the car was in motion.....

Pat

_________________
formerly known around here as burbank
_________________

http://www.patfosterguitars.com

I dunno, but that just seems a bit overkillish. If you will use the large gum rubber eraser that folks like the fine folks at Klingspor sell (for darn near nothing) on a regular basis, your belts will never get bad (burned). Oh, do not use this on a bandsaw.

Mike

I realize this is an old thread, but I wanted to comment on cleaning my saw blades and router bits.

I haven't had any luck with Simple Green in the past, but as I was digging through my router bits I noticed how badly some were caked with pitch. I had a jug of industrial degreaser called Purple Power, which I got at an auto parts store. This stuff is cheap and works great. I dipped the bits for about 30 seconds and lightly scrubbed with an old tooth brush. Clean as new.

The saw blades required more effort, but they are also pitch free now. Soaking works better than spraying, FYI.

I also use art gum/rubber erasers to clean sanding discs and belts. They are a little messy (fling little bits of rubber everywhere), but it's quick and is non toxic.

Now I can imagine where the heavy duty cleaners might be useful is when a sanding belt/disc gets caked with pitch that the east can't remove. I've also heard of people powerv-washing them.

Glenn

I'm not sure why you had no luck w/ simple green Glen.

I have a plastic tub with a lid and enough simple green,(full strength) in it to cover a table saw blade. It sits under a bench with an old towel for drying on top. All cutters and blades with pitch build up go in there, soak for a while, get scrubbed with a stiff brush, and come out shining like new.

I have never tried sanding belts though.

It doesn't dissolve pitch instantly on contact but that seems like a small price to pay for something that doesn't smell like death and dissolve my flesh as well.
I recommend giving it a second chance. It really does work well

Since this was bumped --- here's a DIY heavy duty sanding drum cleaner that works pretty good and there's none of those annoying rubber particles to deal with:

http://www.acousticguitarconstructionfo ... ?f=5&t=192

_________________
Ken Cierp

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/

I think I read somewhere (maybe earlier in the thread) that they sell Simple Green in different concentrations. Not sure which one I bought. It was 15 years ago.

Either way, the purple stuff doesn't smell unpleasant. I got it on my skin accidentally, although I did rinse it off - with >30 minutes diluted exposure - no chemical burns or irritation either.

Pam spray veg oil from dollar store to lube bandsaw blades, followed by a brass bristle brush from HF