Rusty headsaws

[bandmiller2]

Seems every old circular mill was left with its blade mounted and out in the weather.Are any of you guys running blades that don't have that spiffy new shine? Whats the best way to clean them up?At what point are they beyond service? thanks Frank C.

[Jeff]

Whats the best way to clean them up?

If it doesn't have any other problems then rust, run it. It'll clean up in short order. If you can still get the shanks in and out of it to change teeth without any problem, rust on the saw plate won't be a concern.

[ARKANSAWYER]

  I always found a few good oak logs would shine it back up.  The plate should not be rubbing much any way as you cut with the teeth.  Sharpen, swag and saw away.

[Tim]

If the saw starts to wobble after you've "cleaned" it with timber. You may need to take it off the arbour and clean it at the hubs. If the rust has gone so far as to hamper the clearances the saw will heat. Giving the saw a rub with some emery cloth should solve that particular problem.  While you are at it clean the inside of the hubs as well.

If there is a heating and wobbling problem after you have cleaned the saw and collars up, you may need to have the saw hammered. 

[Ron Wenrich]

That clean shine on a new saw doesn't last too long.  The best species we have to clean a saw is tulip poplar.  The sap will clean all kinds of things, but will knock off any build up you may have on the saw.

Usually those old saws have thin shanks.  Rarely are they in good working order.  If you have the shanks changed, then you will need to have the saw hammered.  Of course, there's no way of telling if the saw is hammered for the speed of your mill.