Washing Soda

[homesy135]

I've been looking for a quick and easy method to clean the brown coloured sap/pitch/gunk from my saw blades and router bits. Our US woodworkers seem to have a plethora of spray on cleaners and I've even heard of using oven cleaner. I've tried turps, lacquer thinners, kerosene and other solvents with no effect.

I stumbled upon Washing Soda recently and was amazed how effective it is in removing the build-up on my cutting tools (without any scrubbing). It is readily available in the washing powder aisle in supermarkets. I dissolved about a quarter of a cup of washing soda in half a bucket of warm water and submerged the cutters into the liquid. I left the cutters in the solution overnight. The brown build-up had detached from the tools. I rinsed the tools in hot water to remove the washing soda and to hasten drying.

I've also since used the washing soda solution to clean clogged sanding belts that are resistant to the usual hard rubber cleaner. The wood build-up is removed in the solution but PVA wood glue ground into the belt resist the treatment. (I think I'll keep the washing soda for my metal tools and treat my sanding belts with more respect.)

I believe washing soda consists primarily of sodium carbonate and forms a caustic solution so skin and eye protection should be used.

344983

[BobL]

Washing soda (Na2CO3) is also an effective and safe electrolyte for electrolysis.
Depending what has come off during electrolysis it can safely be disposed off down the drain
I prefer to use the foot bath version for electrolysis as it is a bit purer than the washing powder version and it costs about the same amount.
Another difference is the foot bath salt is partially hydrated so you get less active ingredient for your money.

The effect on skin is concentration dependent.
I use similar concentration to what you are using Homesy but seeing as its not as concentrated to start with its probably around half the strength.
When handling the materials undergoing electrolysis I usually just use my hands. Probably OK if it's an occasion but that's probably not a good idea if you are doing a lot of it.

It sure does clean grimy hands nicely!

Will have to give it a go as a sap remover on the chainsaw chain.

[Glenn.Visca]

I have been using CMT 2050 (I think I have the numbers right) as a cleaning solution ... But this would be MUCH cheaper !