Milwaukee Band Saw M18: What to Check Before Buying or Restoring One
You found a used Milwaukee M18 band saw on Facebook Marketplace for 150 dollars. The seller says it works but does not come with a battery or charger. You have been wanting an M18 band saw and this seems like a good deal. Before you buy it, you want to know what to check and what to watch out for.
The Milwaukee M18 band saw is the most popular portable band saw on the market. There are two versions: the compact (2829-20) and the deep cut (2729-20, 2929-20). Both run on the M18 battery platform. Buying used can save you money, but you need to know what to inspect and what a fair price is.
Model Identification
M18 FUEL Compact Band Saw (2829-20)
- Cut capacity: 3-1/4 inches
- Blade length: 35-3/8 inches
- Weight: 10.2 pounds
- Motor: Brushless
- Speed: 550 SFPM, single speed
- Battery: M18 (any capacity)
The compact is smaller and lighter. It is designed for electricians and plumbers who cut conduit, thin pipe, and unistrut. It cannot cut material thicker than 3-1/4 inches.
M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw (2729-20)
- Cut capacity: 5 by 5 inches
- Blade length: 44-7/8 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Motor: Brushless (POWERSTATE)
- Speed: 380 SFPM, single speed
- Battery: M18 (5.0 Ah recommended minimum)
The deep cut is larger and heavier. It handles pipe up to 5 inches, thick bar stock, and structural steel. This is the more popular model for general metal fabrication.
M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw (2929-20)
The newer version of the 2729-20. Same cut capacity and blade length. Improvements include Constant Power Technology that maintains speed under load better, and an updated gear housing. Performance is similar to the 2729-20 for most users.
How to Tell Them Apart
Measure the cut capacity. If the saw can cut material up to 3-1/4 inches, it is the compact. If it can cut up to 5 inches, it is the deep cut.
Check the model number on the nameplate. It is on the side of the motor housing. The number will be 2829-20 (compact), 2729-20 (deep cut), or 2929-20 (newer deep cut).
What to Check When Buying Used
Motor and Gearbox
Plug in a battery and start the saw. Listen for:
- Smooth, consistent running with no grinding or rumbling
- No clicking or popping sounds (indicates gear damage)
- Full speed from the start (a slow start indicates worn brushes or a failing motor controller)
Let the saw run for 30 seconds. If it gets hot or starts smelling like burning electrical insulation, the motor is failing.
Blade and Guides
Check the blade condition. If the blade is missing or broken, factor in the cost of a new blade (15 to 30 dollars). Check the blade guides for wear. The guides should be smooth and not grooved.
Shoe and Frame
Check the shoe (the flat plate that guides the cut) for wear. A worn shoe will not produce square cuts. Check the frame for cracks, especially around the handle and the C-frame opening. A cracked frame means the saw was dropped and may not be safe to use.
Battery Compatibility
The saw runs on any M18 battery. If you already own M18 batteries and a charger, you only need the bare tool. If you do not own any M18 tools, you need to buy a battery and charger separately, which adds 100 to 200 dollars to the cost.
Switch and Controls
Check the trigger switch. It should engage smoothly and release cleanly. If the switch sticks, it may need replacement. Check the blade guard (if equipped). It should move freely and return to the closed position.
LED Light
Most M18 band saws have an LED light that illuminates the cut zone. Check that the LED works. If it does not, the LED board may be bad. This is a minor issue but indicates the saw may have been used hard.
Common Issues and Repairs
Worn Blade Guides
The blade guides on Milwaukee band saws are roller bearings. After extended use, the bearings can develop play or roughness. Symptoms include blade wandering and poor cut quality.
Fix: Replace the guide bearings. Milwaukee sells replacement guide kits. Cost is 30 to 50 dollars. The repair takes about 30 minutes with basic tools.
Gearbox Noise
If the gearbox makes grinding or whining noises, the gears may be worn. This is more common on saws that have been used heavily or used to cut material beyond their capacity.
Fix: Milwaukee sells replacement gear sets, but the repair is complex and may require special tools. For most users, sending the saw to a Milwaukee service center is the better option. Cost is 100 to 200 dollars depending on the extent of the damage.
Motor Failure
The brushless motor on M18 FUEL saws is generally reliable, but it can fail after heavy use. Symptoms include no power, intermittent operation, or a burning smell.
Fix: The motor assembly is replaceable but expensive (100 to 150 dollars). For a used saw that cost 150 dollars, a motor replacement may not be worth it. Consider the cost of the repair versus the value of the saw.
Switch Failure
The trigger switch can fail after years of use. Symptoms include intermittent operation or the saw not starting.
Fix: Replace the switch. Milwaukee sells replacement switches. Cost is 15 to 30 dollars. The repair is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes.
Battery Connector Wear
The battery connector inside the tool can wear after years of battery insertion and removal. Symptoms include the saw cutting out during use or not starting reliably.
Fix: Replace the battery connector assembly. Cost is 10 to 20 dollars. The repair requires disassembling the handle.
New vs Used: Is It Worth It?
New M18 Compact (2829-20)
- Bare tool: 200 to 250 dollars
- Kit with 5.0 Ah battery and charger: 350 to 400 dollars
New M18 Deep Cut (2729-20 or 2929-20)
- Bare tool: 300 to 350 dollars
- Kit with 5.0 Ah battery and charger: 450 to 550 dollars
Used Pricing Guide
Compact (2829-20):
- Bare tool, good condition: 100 to 150 dollars
- Bare tool, fair condition: 75 to 100 dollars
- With battery and charger: 150 to 200 dollars
Deep Cut (2729-20, 2929-20):
- Bare tool, good condition: 150 to 200 dollars
- Bare tool, fair condition: 100 to 150 dollars
- With battery and charger: 200 to 300 dollars
If the used price is more than 60 percent of the new price, buy new. The warranty and known condition are worth the extra cost.
What to Buy If You Are Starting from Scratch
If you do not own any M18 tools, the best value is a kit that includes the saw, a 5.0 Ah battery, and a charger. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw Kit (2929-22) includes the deep cut saw, batteries, and charger in one package.
If you already own M18 batteries, buy the bare tool. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw (2729-20) is the most popular model and has the widest blade availability.
For lighter work, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Deep Cut Band Saw (DCS374B) is a comparable alternative if you are on the DEWALT battery platform.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Milwaukee M18 compact and deep cut band saw?
The compact (2829-20) cuts material up to 3-1/4 inches and uses 35-3/8 inch blades. The deep cut (2729-20, 2929-20) cuts up to 5 inches and uses 44-7/8 inch blades.
How much is a used Milwaukee M18 band saw worth?
A deep cut bare tool in good condition is worth 150 to 200 dollars. A compact bare tool is worth 100 to 150 dollars. With battery and charger, add 50 to 100 dollars.
What battery should I use with the M18 band saw?
A 5.0 Ah battery is the minimum recommended for the deep cut. The compact can run on a 2.0 Ah battery but will drain it quickly. For extended use, 8.0 or 12.0 Ah batteries provide longer run time.
What blade does the Milwaukee M18 band saw use?
The compact uses 35-3/8 inch blades. The deep cut uses 44-7/8 inch blades. Both are 1/2 inch wide and 0.020 inches thick.
Is the 2929-20 worth the extra cost over the 2729-20?
For most users, no. The performance is similar. The 2929-20 has improved speed maintenance under load, but the difference is only noticeable in very thick material. If the 2729-20 is cheaper, buy it.
Can I use M12 batteries in the M18 band saw?
No. M18 tools require M18 batteries. M12 batteries are not compatible. The M12 platform has its own compact band saw (2529-20).
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “M18 FUEL Compact Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 2829-20.
- Milwaukee Tool. “M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 2729-20.
- Milwaukee Tool. “M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 2929-20.
- Milwaukee Tool. “Service Parts List for M18 Band Saws.” Milwaukee Tool Service.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee M18 Band Saw Comparison.” ProToolReviews.com.
