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Router Bit Care and Maintenance

By: Phil Huber
Clean and restore your dado cleanout bit with this quick guide. Remove resin, polish the edges, and extend bit life with just a few simple steps.

Like any bit, a dado cleanout bit can accumulate resin buildup—even on the bearing. The result is increased burning during cuts, reduced bit life, and irregular edges due to bumps on the bearing as it follows the edge.

The remedy is simple and doesn’t take much time. Start by disassembling the bit. Soak the cutting edges in a dedicated bit and blade cleaner. For the bearing, apply acetone to a cloth and wipe off the residue. Add a drop of light oil to the top of the bearing and let it soak in.

Use diamond paddles to touch up the faces of the cutting edges. Take the same number of strokes on each face to keep the bit balanced.

Header
Cleaning dado bits
Disassemble Gunky Bit. Remove the bearing and soak or spray the bit with cleaner. Scrub away residue with an old toothbrush or brass brush.
Sharpening cutting edge
Pristine Like-New Bit. Touch up only the faces of the cutting edges—not the outside—to restore performance. Reassemble the bit.
Published: Aug. 27, 2025
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Topics: quick shop tips, router, tool sharpening, woodsmith 280

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