DEWALT Band Saw Blades: TPI, Material, and Cut Compatibility
You own a DEWALT portable band saw and you need to order replacement blades. DEWALT makes several saw models that use different blade lengths. You see multiple TPI options for each length and you are not sure which one to use. You need a guide that covers the DEWALT blade lineup and helps you choose the right blade for your work.
DEWALT portable band saw blades are available in three lengths: 32-7/8 inches, 35-3/8 inches, and 44-7/8 inches. Each length fits specific saw models. Within each length, multiple TPI options are available for different material thicknesses.
Blade Lengths by Saw Model
| Saw Model | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| DCS371B, DCS377B | 32-7/8 inches | 1-5/8 inches |
| DCS378B | 35-3/8 inches | 3-1/4 inches |
| DCS374B, DWM120 | 44-7/8 inches | 5 inches |
Important: The blade length is determined by the saw model, not by the material you are cutting. You cannot use a 44-7/8 inch blade in a saw designed for 32-7/8 inch blades.
TPI Options by Blade Length
32-7/8 Inch Blades (DCS371B, DCS377B)
| TPI | Part Number | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 18 TPI | DW3986 | Conduit, thin-wall tubing, general purpose |
| 24 TPI | DW3987 | Sheet metal, small round stock |
The 32-7/8 inch blades are designed for the compact saws with 1-5/8 inch capacity. These saws are used for light work, so the TPI range is limited to finer options.
35-3/8 Inch Blades (DCS378B)
| TPI | Part Number | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 14 TPI | DW3986C | Medium wall pipe, thin bar stock, aluminum |
| 18 TPI | DW3987C | Conduit, thin-wall tubing, unistrut, general purpose |
| 24 TPI | DW3988C | Sheet metal, small round stock |
The 35-3/8 inch blades offer the widest TPI range. The 18 TPI is the factory standard and the best starting point for most users.
44-7/8 Inch Blades (DCS374B, DWM120)
| TPI | Part Number | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 10 TPI | DW3980 | Thick pipe, solid bar, unistrut, structural steel |
| 14 TPI | DW3981 | Medium thickness, smoother cuts |
| 18 TPI | DW3982 | Thin-wall tubing, conduit, sheet metal |
The 44-7/8 inch blades are designed for the deep cut saws. The 10 TPI is the factory standard and the best starting point for most users.
Blade Specifications
All DEWALT portable band saw blades share the same specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 1/2 inch |
| Thickness | 0.020 inches |
| Material | Bi-metal M42 |
| Tooth profile | Standard (0 degree rake) |
Blade Material: M42 Bi-Metal
All DEWALT 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, copper, and cast iron.
Backing steel: Flexible alloy steel that withstands the flexing around the saw’s wheels.
Maximum material hardness: M42 can cut material up to about RC 38 to 40. For harder materials, you need a carbide-tipped blade, which DEWALT does not make in portable saw lengths. For carbide options, look at MK Morse.
TPI Selection Guide
For Thin Material (Under 1/4 Inch)
Use 24 TPI. Fine teeth prevent grabbing and tearing in thin material. The small gullets limit chip clearance, so feed rate must be slow.
Materials: Sheet metal, thin-wall tubing, small round stock.
For Medium Material (1/4 to 1 Inch)
Use 14 to 18 TPI. The medium teeth provide a good balance of cut speed and surface finish.
Materials: Conduit, unistrut, medium wall pipe, thin solid bar.
For Thick Material (1 to 2 Inches)
Use 10 TPI. Coarse teeth bite deep and clear chips fast.
Materials: Thick wall pipe, solid bar stock, structural steel.
Rule of Thumb
At least 3 teeth should be in the material at all times. For 1/4 inch material, you need at least 12 TPI. For 1 inch material, you need at least 3 TPI.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
DEWALT blades are interchangeable with blades from other manufacturers that use the same length.
32-7/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with: Milwaukee DCS371B equivalent (not a Milwaukee model, but the blade length is shared with some Makita and other brand saws).
35-3/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Compact (2829-20), Milwaukee corded compact (6230-20). The blade length, width, and thickness are the same.
44-7/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Deep Cut (2729-20, 2929-20), Milwaukee corded deep cut (6232-20). The blade length, width, and thickness are the same.
You can use Milwaukee, LENOX, MK Morse, or Starrett blades in your DEWALT saw as long as the blade length matches.
Alternative Blade Brands
LENOX Wolf-Band
LENOX makes blades in all three DEWALT lengths. The Wolf-Band blades use variable pitch (like 10/14) which breaks up vibration and handles a range of material thicknesses. LENOX blades typically outlast DEWALT blades by 20 to 30 percent.
MK Morse
MK Morse makes blades in all three lengths. The Master Cobalt blades have a more aggressive tooth geometry that cuts faster than standard bi-metal.
Starrett
Starrett makes bi-metal blades in all three lengths. Good quality and widely available.
Blade Break-In
New DEWALT blades need a break-in period. 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.
Blade Life Expectations
| Material | Blade Length | TPI | Expected Cuts |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMT conduit (3/4 inch) | 35-3/8 inch | 18 TPI | 80 to 150 |
| Thin-wall tubing (1 inch) | 35-3/8 inch | 18 TPI | 80 to 150 |
| Medium wall pipe (1-1/2 inch) | 44-7/8 inch | 10 TPI | 50 to 100 |
| Solid bar (1 inch) | 44-7/8 inch | 10 TPI | 50 to 100 |
| Unistrut (1-5/8 inch) | 35-3/8 inch | 18 TPI | 60 to 120 |
| Sheet metal (20 gauge) | 32-7/8 inch | 24 TPI | 100 to 200 |
Quick Selection Guide
| If You Are Cutting | Blade Length | TPI |
|---|---|---|
| Conduit (compact saw) | 32-7/8 inch | 18 TPI |
| Conduit (mid-size saw) | 35-3/8 inch | 18 TPI |
| Thin-wall tubing | 35-3/8 inch | 18 TPI |
| Medium wall pipe | 44-7/8 inch | 10 TPI |
| Unistrut | 35-3/8 inch | 18 TPI |
| Solid bar (1 inch) | 44-7/8 inch | 10 TPI |
| Sheet metal | 32-7/8 inch | 24 TPI |
| Structural steel | 44-7/8 inch | 10 TPI |
| General purpose | Any | 18 TPI (compact) or 10 TPI (deep cut) |
FAQ
What blade does the DEWALT DCS374B use?
A 44-7/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width and 0.020 inch thickness. Available in 10, 14, and 18 TPI from DEWALT.
What blade does the DEWALT DCS378B use?
A 35-3/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width and 0.020 inch thickness. Available in 14, 18, and 24 TPI from DEWALT.
Can I use a Milwaukee blade in my DEWALT band 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 cutting conduit?
18 TPI is the best choice for conduit. It is the general-purpose blade and handles EMT and rigid conduit cleanly.
Are LENOX blades better than DEWALT?
LENOX Wolf-Band blades typically outlast DEWALT blades by 20 to 30 percent. The variable pitch is a good choice for mixed work. Both are good quality.
How often should I replace my DEWALT 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
- DEWALT. “Portable Band Saw Blade Reference.” DEWALT Product Catalog.
- DEWALT. “20V MAX Band Saw Owner’s Manuals.” Models DCS371B, DCS378B, DCS374B.
- LENOX Tools. “Wolf-Band Portable Band Saw Blade Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- MK Morse. “Portable Band Saw Blade Comparison.” MK Morse Company.
- Starrett. “Bi-Metal Blade Specifications for Portable Saws.” L.S. Starrett Company.
