TPT July 2013

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Technology News
July 2013 67
Proper care of circular saws
THERE are some fundamental
safeguards that need to be taken to
preserve the life and cutting quality of
circular saw blades. Jay Forrest, vice
president of Forrest Manufacturing
Company, states, “It takes only a little
extra time, effort, and forethought to
prevent unnecessary damage and
help maximise the effectiveness and
longevity of a blade.”
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.”
Mr Forrest warns that circular saw
blades should never be rested on steel
or cement surfaces, because metal on
metal or metal on cement can dull the
blade by chipping the top grind (the high
point of the tooth). Instead, set the blade
down on plywood or plastic. 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.
Forrest’s Blade Runner carrying case
can prevent 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.
Keeping circular saw blades clean
can play an important role in maintaining
good performance. 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.
Forrest offers the Blade Kleen kit,
which includes a brush, a spray bottle
and an ammonia-based fluid – the
same industrial-strength mixture that the
company uses in-house. The company
also offers a concentrated, all-purpose
pitch and gum remover called Super
Brite, which is supplied with a convenient
spray applicator.
Forrest Manufacturing continues
to provide in-factory sharpening and
repairs of all makes of carbide-tipped
circular saw blade. The company’s two-
step process uses automated, high-
speed diamond-grit machines with flood
cooling. The front of the tip is sharpened
by face grinding, and then the top cutting
edge is fine-finished.
Forrest Manufacturing Company –
USA
Fax: +1 973 471 3333
Website: