*A Maintenance Minute*
Courtesy of Saw Systems Lead Service Tech
-Spring Cleaning Your Saw: Power Washing vs. Steam Clean(Steam Jenny)
Pro’s and Con’s for Power Washing
· Readily available for rental, usually at local hardware store
· More focused cleaning power at pressure tip
· High water usage
· Clean-up takes longer from excessive water use
· Only uses cold water
“Steam Jenny” Pro’s and Con’s
· Equipment not readily available for rental
· Training needed for correct use of gun
· Water use is much less than power washer
· Uses steam to clean, so there is little residual water to clean-up
· Less chance of water intrusion on certain parts of machine
Tips for steaming or power-washing equipment-
Pre-clean machine by removing chips, remove coolants and clean out coolant sump pits prior to cleaning. Pre-treat machine with diluted commercial degreaser. Be mindful, too strong of a mix can remove the paint on machine. Brush heavily soiled areas prior to cleaning with pressurized water or steam.
Cover any electrical boxes, motors, and control surfaces. Never spray water directly at any electrical component panels. Be aware of washing limit switches, sensors, encoders, etc.
Use compressed air to dry off machine of any standing water. Make sure to coat wear surfaces and moving parts with light oil or a WD40 type of lubricant to prevent rusting.
Be sure to isolate any, and all electrical and other utilities to the machine prior to washing, follow company LOTO procedures.
