How to Get Cedar Sap Off of Woodworking Tools
Woodworkers are only as good as the tools they use. Clean your tools on a regular basis to keep them to working properly. Cedar sap, or any other type of sap, is difficult to remove from tools. Sap on a saw blade or a drill bit reduces the performance of the tool so badly that it will eventually overheat and lose its temper. Clean off cedar sap that has built up on a tool before it does any damage.
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Instructions
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Apply a citrus-based solvent to the cedar sap on the tool by unscrewing the top of the solvent bottle in a counterclockwise direction. Pour enough solvent on a shop rag to thoroughly wet the rag. Work the solvent into the cedar sap by dabbing the sap with the solvent soaked rag.
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Resume normal operation of the tool after the solvent has had 3 to 5 minutes to break down the cedar sap. The solvent and the tool's vibration will loosen and remove any accumulated cedar sap.
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Inspect the tool after use. Remove any remaining cedar sap by dabbing it with the citrus-based solvent on the shop rag. Again allow the solvent to work into the sap for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the sap from the tool using a clean shop rag. Repeat the process if necessary.
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Remove the remaining sap and solvent by gently rubbing the tool with a 0000 steel wool pad. Wipe off the tool with a clean shop rag.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use harsh petroleum-based solvents. Petroleum-based solvents will cause pitting on the tool, which promotes rust.
Use protective eyewear, gloves and clothing when working with any solvent.
Use solvents only in a well ventilated area.
