Tips from Forrest Mfg for Proper Care of Circular Saw Blades
A Few Basic Precautions Will Help Woodworkers and Hobbyists Protect The Investment They've Made in Quality Saw Blades
CLIFTON, New Jersey - According to Jay Forrest, Vice President of Forrest Manufacturing Company, there are a few fundamental safeguards that woodworkers need to take to preserve the life and cutting quality of their circular saw blades. He says, "We believe that quality saw blades, such as those manufactured by Forrest, are an investment. So it's important for woodworkers and hobbyists to help preserve the value and performance of their blades by always packing, handling, and storing them properly."
"Forrest blades are made of super-hard, corrosion-resistant C4 micro-grain carbide and produced by skilled craftsmen here in the United States. However, even fine-quality blades like ours can be damaged if they are not cared for in the right way. Fortunately, it takes only a little extra time, effort, and forethought to prevent unnecessary damage and help maximize the effectiveness and longevity of a blade."
Important! Ship Saw Blades with Special Care
An important safeguard in protecting blades is to always use the proper type of shipping container. Mr. Forrest explains, "If, for example, you are sending two or more blades to us for sharpening or repair, be sure not to pack them in a way that lets the blades rub against one another, or you are likely to get chipping. It's the same principle as when you are packing dishes. You carefully wrap each dish individually and use bubble pack or other appropriate materials. Otherwise, you will probably have breakage. In the case of saw blades, it's the tips that tend to break off. Even if you are shipping just one blade, we strongly recommend that you use heavy cardboard. Better yet, consider using two pieces of inexpensive Luan plywood with a bolt through them to create a small container. Of course, if a blade tip breaks off in shipment, we'll gladly repair it. We certainly have that capability. But replacing tips costs extra. So we encourage our customers to avoid unnecessary expense by carefully packing their blades for mailing or shipping."
Proper Handling and Storage of Saw Blades
Vice President Forrest emphasizes that saw blades are cutting tools that require careful handling. This means that woodworkers need to be very attentive when storing, cleaning, and using them. But before elaborating further, he offers an important word of caution. "Let me say at the outset that it is essential to match the blade to the application. For example, you don't want to cut plastic or acrylic with a blade designed for wood. Some people make the mistake of thinking it won't matter if they use the wrong blade to make a quick cut. It does matter. The blade can easily be damaged. So always use the correct blade for the type of job you're doing."
When it comes to working in the shop, Mr. Forrest warns woodworkers never to rest circular saw blades on steel or cement surfaces. That's because metal on metal or metal on cement can dull the blade by chipping the top grind (the high point of the
tooth). Instead, it's better to set the blade down on plywood or plastic. He also strongly recommends that individual blades be hung on their own hooks from pegboard or stored individually in a drawer or box in such a way as to prevent them from rubbing together. It is also advisable to avoid excessive moisture or humidity. Otherwise, the blades may rust and/or pit. This can require re-straightening and re-polishing. However, with careful storage and the use of silicon spray, WD40, car wax, or even motor oil, rust and pitting can usually be avoided.
Blade Runner Carrying Case
Vice President Forrest suggests that woodworkers consider purchasing the company's Blade Runner carrying case. He says, "This unit is great for preventing damage during storage or transit. It is made of high-impact plastic and can accommodate up to ten 10" blades, five on each side. The Blade Runner also has a locking steel arbor hold to keep blades securely in place and a convenient carrying handle. The case is self-supporting and will stand on any level surface. I highly recommend this low-cost device as a convenient and effective way to help protect saw blades."
Using Saw Blades Safely
Proper operation of the saw itself, as well as the correct installation of the blade, can have an impact on the life and performance of a saw blade. The safety of the operator can also be affected.
When installing a blade, operators need to be sure the machine is unplugged, that they wear heavy-duty gloves, and use caution in tightening the arbor. The guard should always be in place. Operators should never jam the blade with a wood block or bear down too much. This can deflect a blade tooth. The objective is simply to be sure the blade is snug. Once the machine is in use, it's important to avoid overheating the
blade by keeping it too low when cutting hardwood. This can create a thermal crack in the carbide, causing tip fragments to fly backward to possibly injure the operator. For this and many other reasons, safety glasses should always be worn.
Never Use a Wire Brush When Cleaning Blades
Keeping circular saw blades clean can play an important role in maintaining good performance. Otherwise accumulated pitch, sap, and other materials may dull the blade, require more push-through force, and generate increased levels of heat through friction. Removing grime can help produce a better cut and make the need for sharpening less frequent. However, great care must be taken to clean blades properly so as not to do potentially serious damage in the process.
Vice President Forrest explains, "As always, safety must come first and foremost. Even a dull blade can produce a serious cut. So be alert at all times and wear heavy-duty gloves. After that, it is essential to utilize the right cleaning implements. Be sure to use a nylon or brass brush, never wire. Otherwise you are likely to do serious damage. A variety of household cleaners can sometimes do an adequate cleaning job. For example, some woodworkers apply ammonia or Formula 409® Cleaner."
"Our company offers a Blade Kleen kit that features a brush, spray bottle, and an ammonia-based fluid. This is the same industrial-strength mixture we use in-house. When diluted with water, our formula does an excellent job of removing pitch, sawdust, and gum. We also offer a concentrated, all-purpose pitch and gum remover called 'Super Brite'. It comes with a convenient spray applicator. The container has enough fluid to make over 2-1/2 gallons when diluted per instructions. Be sure to use a clean cloth or soft bristle brush to wipe the blade after soaking it in an appropriate container for about 15 minutes."
Factory Sharpening is Best
At a time when many other companies no longer offer such services, Forrest Manufacturing continues to provide affordable, in-factory sharpening and repairs of all makes of carbide-tipped circular saw blade.
No matter how carefully a blade is handled, it may eventually become dull through normal wear and tear or by resin build up. Problems may also result when a blade has been damaged by an encounter with some object, such as a nail, or worn down by being used improperly for the wrong application. Forrest's two-step process utilizes automated, high-speed, diamond-grit machines with flood cooling. First, the front of the tip is sharpened by face grinding. Second, the top cutting edge is fine-finished. Approximately 20 minutes is spent on each blade. And because only a miniscule amount of carbide is removed, a Forrest blade-if operated normally and processed by Forrest's in-factory experts-can usually be sharpened 8 or 10 times over its life.
In addition to sharpening, Forrest offers a full range of services to restore the operation and effectiveness of damaged carbide-tipped circular saw blades. These repairs and adjustments include straightening bent teeth, replacing tips, re-grinding both sides of all teeth, providing extra top grind for extremely dull blades, opening gullets, tightening or enlarging the bore, welding or replacing steel shoulder, and more. Mr. Forrest elaborates by saying, "Many people are surprised by the fact that we sharpen and repair all brands of circular saw blades. However, most of the work we do on products produced by other manufacturers involves sharpening or tip replacement. But let me repeat what I said earlier. No matter what make of blade you are sending us or what type of repair you need, please take a little extra time to package the blade properly. That way you can prevent unnecessary damage and avoid additional costs."
Industry Leaders Since 1946
Forrest Manufacturing has been a family-owned business since it was founded 66 years ago. The company's commitment to quality and American workmanship is demonstrated by the fact that all Forrest blades are made in the United States. This runs counter to the growing trend at many other firms to outsource production to Europe and Asia.
Woodworkers and serious hobbyists know they can rely on Forrest for leadership, innovation, and superior products. Many of the company's employees have been with Forrest for two decades or longer. Regardless of their position or length of service, these personnel are dedicated to giving customers the very best in courteous, knowledgeable service.
Award-Winning Products
A wide variety of both standard and custom products are available from Forrest. These include the Signature Line Chop Master, Finger Joint Sets, Duraline Hi-A/T, Concave Face blades, and nonferrous saw blades. The company's two most popular products are its Woodworker II and Dado King. Both of these have received numerous awards and recognition from industry experts who regularly test and review blades for quality of cut and cost-to-value ratio.
Forrest blades are available from fine-quality dealers, retailers, and catalogs, as well as direct from the factory. Customers can order in complete confidence because all Forrest blades come with a 30-Day, Money-Back Guarantee. For more information about rates, products, or in-factory sharpening and repairs, please contact Forrest Manufacturing at 800-733-7111 (973-473-5236 in NJ) or by visiting the company's website at www.ForrestBlades.com.
Contact:
Jay Forrest
Vice President
(973) 473-5236
