What Blade Size Fits the Milwaukee Band Saw Chart? Length, Width, and TPI
You own four Milwaukee band saws and you are tired of looking up blade sizes every time you need to order replacements. You want a single chart that shows every Milwaukee band saw, its blade length, available TPI options, and part numbers. You need something you can print and hang on the shop wall.
Milwaukee makes six band saw models across two platforms (M12 and M18) and corded versions. Each model takes a specific blade length. Within each length, multiple TPI options handle different materials. Here is the complete reference chart.
Milwaukee Band Saw Blade Size Chart
M12 FUEL Compact (2529-20)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 30-9/16 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Blade thickness | 0.020 inches |
| Blade material | Bi-metal M42 |
| Cut capacity | 1-5/8 inches |
| Blade speed | 550 SFPM |
Available TPI:
| TPI | Part Number | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | 48-39-0515 | Conduit, thin pipe, small round stock |
| 24 | 48-39-0516 | Sheet metal, small rod, thin-wall tubing |
M18 FUEL Compact (2829-20)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 35-3/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Blade thickness | 0.020 inches |
| Blade material | Bi-metal M42 |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/4 inches |
| Blade speed | 550 SFPM |
Available TPI:
| TPI | Part Number | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 48-39-0518 | Medium wall pipe, thin bar, aluminum |
| 18 | 48-39-0519 | Conduit, thin-wall tubing, general purpose |
| 24 | 48-39-0520 | Sheet metal, small round stock |
Corded Compact (6230-20)
Same blade specifications as the M18 FUEL Compact. Uses 35-3/8 inch blades with the same TPI options and part numbers.
M18 FUEL Deep Cut (2729-20, 2929-20)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Blade thickness | 0.020 inches |
| Blade material | Bi-metal M42 |
| Cut capacity | 5 x 5 inches |
| Blade speed | 380 SFPM |
Available TPI:
| TPI | Part Number | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 8/10 VP | 48-39-0601 | Thick solid bar (2+ in), heavy wall pipe |
| 10 | 48-39-0500 | General purpose, unistrut, conduit, pipe |
| 10/14 VP | 48-39-0502 | Mixed work, thick and thin material |
| 14 | 48-39-0510 | Medium wall pipe, aluminum, thin bar |
| 14/18 VP | 48-39-0522 | Thin wall tubing, sheet metal |
| 18 | 48-39-0520 | Thin wall tubing, conduit, sheet metal |
| 24 | 48-39-0530 | Very thin sheet metal, small rod |
Corded Deep Cut (6232-20, 6232-21)
Same blade specifications as the M18 FUEL Deep Cut. Uses 44-7/8 inch blades with the same TPI options and part numbers. The 6232-21 has a variable speed dial (120 to 350 SFPM).
Cross-Brand Compatibility
Milwaukee blades fit other brands when the blade length matches.
30-9/16 inches: Unique to Milwaukee M12 compact. No other brand uses this length.
35-3/8 inches: Fits Milwaukee M18 compact, Milwaukee corded compact, DEWALT 20V mid-size (DCS378B). Blades are interchangeable.
44-7/8 inches: Fits Milwaukee M18 deep cut, Milwaukee corded deep cut, DEWALT 20V deep cut (DCS374B, DCS376B), Makita 18V LXT (XBP02TX). Blades are interchangeable.
32-7/8 inches: Used by DEWALT 20V ATOMIC compact (DCS377B). Not used by any Milwaukee saw.
TPI Quick Selection Guide
| Material Thickness | Recommended TPI |
|---|---|
| Under 1/4 inch | 18 to 24 TPI |
| 1/4 to 1 inch | 14 to 18 TPI |
| 1 to 2 inches | 10 to 14 TPI |
| Over 2 inches | 8/10 TPI variable pitch |
| Material | Recommended TPI |
|---|---|
| Mild steel pipe | 10 TPI |
| Unistrut | 10 TPI |
| Conduit | 18 TPI |
| Thin-wall tubing | 18 TPI |
| Thick solid bar | 8/10 TPI |
| Aluminum | 14 TPI |
| Stainless steel | 10/14 TPI |
| Sheet metal | 24 TPI |
Blade Life Expectations
| Material | TPI | Expected Cuts per Blade |
|---|---|---|
| Mild steel pipe (2 inch) | 10 TPI | 50 to 100 |
| Unistrut (1-5/8 inch) | 10 TPI | 80 to 150 |
| Thick solid bar (2+ inch) | 8/10 TPI | 30 to 60 |
| Thin-wall tubing | 18 TPI | 80 to 150 |
| Stainless steel pipe | 10/14 TPI | 20 to 50 |
| Aluminum | 14 TPI | 80 to 150 |
Blade Break-In
New Milwaukee blades need a break-in period for maximum blade life. Run the first 10 to 20 cuts at half feed pressure. This lets the sharp tooth tips wear evenly and prevents micro-chipping. Skipping break-in can reduce blade life by 30 to 50 percent.
FAQ
How do I know which blade length my Milwaukee saw needs?
M12 compact: 30-9/16 inches. M18 compact or corded compact: 35-3/8 inches. M18 deep cut or corded deep cut: 44-7/8 inches.
What is the most common Milwaukee band saw blade?
44-7/8 inches, 10 TPI (part 48-39-0500). It fits the M18 deep cut, which is the most popular Milwaukee band saw.
Can I use a DEWALT blade in my Milwaukee saw?
Yes, if the blade length matches. DEWALT 44-7/8 inch blades fit Milwaukee deep cut saws. DEWALT 35-3/8 inch blades fit Milwaukee compact saws.
What TPI should I use for general-purpose cutting?
10 TPI for deep cut saws. 18 TPI for compact saws. These are the factory blades and the best starting points.
What is variable pitch and should I use it?
Variable pitch alternates between two tooth spacings (like 10/14). It reduces vibration and handles mixed material thicknesses. Use it when you cut both thick and thin material with one blade.
How often should I replace my Milwaukee band saw blade?
When the cut slows down, the blade starts wandering, or the cut surface becomes rough. A sharp blade cuts smoothly with light pressure.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Milwaukee Tool Product Catalog.
- Milwaukee Tool. “Blade Part Number Reference Guide.” Milwaukee Tool Accessories.
- LENOX Tools. “Wolf-Band Blade Compatibility Chart.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- MK Morse. “Portable Band Saw Blade Comparison.” MK Morse Company.
- Starrett. “Bi-Metal Blade Performance Data.” L.S. Starrett Company.
