What Blade Size Fits the M18 Band Saw? Length, Width, and TPI

You own a Milwaukee M18 band saw and you need to order replacement blades. But you see multiple M18 band saw models and they use different blade lengths. You are not sure which model you have or which blade to buy. You need a guide that identifies your saw and tells you exactly what blade to order.

The Milwaukee M18 lineup includes two types of portable band saws: the compact and the deep cut. They use different blade lengths and have different cut capacities. Ordering the wrong blade is a common mistake because both are called “M18 band saws.”

If you have the deep cut model, the Milwaukee 48-39-0502 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade in 44-7/8 inch with 10 TPI is the standard replacement. For longer blade life, the LENOX Wolf-Band in 44-7/8 inch with 10/14 variable pitch is a strong alternative.

Identifying Your M18 Band Saw

M18 FUEL Deep Cut (2729-20)

The deep cut saw has a 5-inch cut capacity. It can cut material up to 5 inches thick or wide, including large pipe, thick solid bar, and structural steel.

Blade length: 44-7/8 inches Blade width: 1/2 inch Blade thickness: 0.020 inches Cut capacity: 5 inches Motor: Brushless (POWERSTATE) Weight: 14.7 pounds (bare tool)

M18 FUEL Deep Cut (2929-20)

The newer model with improved features including a larger handle and better balance. Same blade length.

Blade length: 44-7/8 inches Blade width: 1/2 inch Blade thickness: 0.020 inches Cut capacity: 5 inches

M18 FUEL Compact (2829-20)

The compact saw has a 3-1/4 inch cut capacity. It is smaller and lighter than the deep cut, designed for electricians and plumbers who cut conduit, thin-wall tubing, and unistrut.

Blade length: 35-3/8 inches Blade width: 1/2 inch Blade thickness: 0.020 inches Cut capacity: 3-1/4 inches Motor: Brushless (POWERSTATE) Weight: 9.9 pounds (bare tool)

M12 FUEL Compact (2529-20)

The smallest Milwaukee band saw. Not an M18 saw, but sometimes confused with the M18 compact.

Blade length: 30-9/16 inches Blade width: 1/2 inch Blade thickness: 0.020 inches Cut capacity: 1-5/8 inches

Quick Reference: Which Blade for Which Saw

Saw Model	Blade Length	Cut Capacity
M18 Deep Cut (2729-20)	44-7/8 inches	5 inches
M18 Deep Cut (2929-20)	44-7/8 inches	5 inches
M18 Compact (2829-20)	35-3/8 inches	3-1/4 inches
M12 Compact (2529-20)	30-9/16 inches	1-5/8 inches

How to Identify Your Saw Without the Model Number

If you do not know the model number, you can identify your saw by the cut capacity and size.

Deep cut (5-inch capacity): The saw is large and heavy (about 15 pounds). The C-frame opening is wide enough to fit a 5-inch pipe. This is the deep cut model and uses a 44-7/8 inch blade.

Compact (3-1/4 inch capacity): The saw is medium-sized (about 10 pounds). The C-frame opening fits a 3-1/4 inch pipe. This is the compact model and uses a 35-3/8 inch blade.

M12 compact (1-5/8 inch capacity): The saw is small and light (about 6.4 pounds). The C-frame opening fits a 1-5/8 inch pipe. This is the M12 model and uses a 30-9/16 inch blade.

You can also measure the old blade. Lay it flat, mark a point, and measure around the loop back to the mark. The measurement will tell you which blade length you need.

TPI Options for the M18 Deep Cut (44-7/8 Inch)

10 TPI (Part 48-39-0502)

Best for: General-purpose metal cutting. Thick pipe, solid bar, unistrut, structural steel. Material thickness: 1/4 to 2 inches. Characteristics: The standard blade for deep cut saws. Good balance of cutting speed and surface finish.

14 TPI (Part 48-39-0503)

Best for: Medium thickness material, thin-wall pipe, smoother cuts. Material thickness: 1/8 to 1 inch. Characteristics: Finer teeth produce a smoother cut. Slower than 10 TPI.

18 TPI (Part 48-39-0504)

Best for: Thin-wall tubing, conduit, sheet metal. Material thickness: Under 1/4 inch. Characteristics: Fine teeth prevent grabbing in thin material.

10/14 Variable Pitch (LENOX WB44-10/14)

Best for: Mixed material thicknesses. Reduces vibration in thick stock. Characteristics: Alternating tooth spacing breaks up harmonic vibration.

TPI Options for the M18 Compact (35-3/8 Inch)

14 TPI (Part 48-39-0518)

Best for: Medium wall pipe, thin bar stock, aluminum. Material thickness: 1/4 to 1 inch.

18 TPI (Part 48-39-0519)

Best for: Conduit, thin-wall tubing, unistrut, general purpose. Material thickness: 1/8 to 1/2 inch. Characteristics: The factory standard and the best starting point for most users.

24 TPI (Part 48-39-0520)

Best for: Sheet metal, small round stock. Material thickness: Under 1/4 inch.

Blade Material

All Milwaukee M18 band saw blades are bi-metal with an M42 high-speed steel edge.

M42 edge hardness: 67 to 69 HRC. Can cut mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron.

Maximum material hardness: RC 38 to 40.

Alternative materials:

• Bi-metal M51: Harder edge, better for stainless steel.
• Carbide-tipped: 5 to 10 times longer life, for production cutting.

Cross-Brand Compatibility

44-7/8 Inch Blades

The 44-7/8 inch blade is shared with:

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Deep Cut (2729-20, 2929-20)
• Milwaukee corded deep cut (6232-20)
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Deep Cut (DCS374B)

Blades from any of these brands will fit any of these saws.

35-3/8 Inch Blades

The 35-3/8 inch blade is shared with:

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Compact (2829-20)
• Milwaukee corded compact (6230-20)
• DEWALT 20V XR Mid-Size (DCS378B)

Blades from any of these brands will fit any of these saws.

FAQ

What size blade does the M18 deep cut band saw use?

A 44-7/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width and 0.020 inch thickness. Available in 10, 14, 18 TPI, and 10/14 variable pitch.

What size blade does the M18 compact band saw use?

A 35-3/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width and 0.020 inch thickness. Available in 14, 18, and 24 TPI.

How do I know which M18 band saw I have?

Check the model number on the label. If the label is worn, measure the cut capacity: 5 inches means deep cut (44-7/8 inch blade), 3-1/4 inches means compact (35-3/8 inch blade).

Can I use a deep cut blade in a compact saw or vice versa?

No. The blade lengths are different (44-7/8 vs 35-3/8 inches). The blades are not interchangeable between deep cut and compact saws.

Can I use a DEWALT blade in my Milwaukee M18 saw?

Yes, as long as the blade length matches. DEWALT and Milwaukee blades with the same length are interchangeable.

What TPI should I use for general metal cutting?

For the deep cut: 10 TPI. For the compact: 18 TPI. These are the general-purpose blades for each saw.

References

• Milwaukee Tool. “M18 FUEL Deep Cut Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 2729-20.
• Milwaukee Tool. “M18 FUEL Compact Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 2829-20.
• Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Milwaukee Tool Product Catalog.
• DEWALT. “Portable Band Saw Blade Reference.” DEWALT Product Catalog.
• LENOX Tools. “Wolf-Band Blade Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.