Maintenance of your Woodworking Tools

Woodworking tools are designed to last many years as long as you look after them. With some regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your tools and keep you safe. Learn a few tips for maintaining your tools.

What to Include on Your Regular Maintenance Checklist

Depending on the type of tools you own and how often you use them will dictate your maintenance schedule. The following is a list of jobs that should be completed on a regular basis to keep your tools in good working order.

Check Tool Alignment is Accurate

A machine that is out of alignment needs to work harder and doesn’t produce ideal results. Invest in some good quality tools to check and realign your tools so that you aren’t at risk of kickbacks. An incra square and multi-gauge will cover most of your aligning tasks. Keep your alignment equipment out of your toolbox jumble to ensure they stay in a good, accurate condition.

Remove Sawdust from Machines

The longer sawdust is left sitting on machines, the greater the chance it will find its way inside motors and switches. Use a brush or vacuum to remove the sawdust rather than an air compressor which can drive sawdust deeper into machines.

Lubricating Parts on Working Machines

Due to the dusty environment, woodworking tools and machines need cleaning and lubricating. But using the wrong lubricant can be even more damaging than not using one at all. White grease can attract and hold dust while lubricants that contain silicone can move from surface to surface and eventually end up on your project making it difficult for the finish to adhere to the wood. Look for a dry lubricant with no silicone such as Camellia Oil and apply after thoroughly cleaning the surface.

Removing Rust Spots

Cast iron is used on saw tables and parts of woodworking machines because of its durable, heavy properties but it is prone to rust. Use WD-40 or a non-silicone lubricant and some steel wool to rub away the rust spot. Clean the surface thoroughly after the rust has been removed. You may be left with a mark where the rust was because part of the metal has been lost. SilverGlide Rust Inhibitor can be used to protect your cast iron tops.

Clean Blades and Cutters

If you skimp on cleaning your blades or cutters, they can become contaminated with resins and wood components. A dull, dirty blade or cutter doesn’t cut as efficiently or neatly and increases the chance of injuring the operator. By removing contaminants you won’t need to sharpen or replace your blade as often. Use a cleaning agent that won’t scratch or dull the surface then use a soft brush or rag to remove the contaminants before rinsing and drying thoroughly.

Sharpen the Edge of Tools

You can save yourself some frustration and valuable work time by sharpening your edge tools all at once. There is nothing more annoying than picking up a tool in the middle of your project to find you need to stop and sharpen it. Some of the tools that need sharpening include your chisels, planes, knives, carving tools, turning tools and scissors. Choose whether you prefer to use a flat stone or a powered sharpening system to keep your tools razor sharp and ready to use. Remember to match the existing angle of the bevel before refining and honing the edge.

Clean the Router’s Collet Parts

Collets can hold a build-up of contaminants which can harden to a shiny residue. The collet can then struggle to hold the bit properly. Use WD-40 and a brush to clean the collet and the receptacle machined into the spindle on a regular basis.



Once you have completed your maintenance schedule a few times, your tools won’t need as much attention, and you won’t need to spend as much time.