What Blade Size Fits the DEWALT Band Saw? Length, Width, and TPI
You own a DEWALT band saw and you need to order replacement blades. DEWALT makes several band saw models that use different blade lengths. You are not sure what blade your saw uses or what TPI to choose. You need a guide that covers the DEWALT blade lineup and helps you choose the right blade.
DEWALT makes portable cordless, portable corded, and benchtop band saws. Each model uses a specific blade length. Within each length, multiple TPI and tooth profile options are available.
Blade Lengths by Saw Model
| Saw Model | Type | Blade Length | Blade Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCS374B | 20V MAX cordless deep cut | 44-7/8 inches | 1/2 inch |
| DCS378B | 20V MAX cordless compact | 35-3/8 inches | 1/2 inch |
| DWM120 | Corded deep cut | 44-7/8 inches | 1/2 inch |
| DW876 | Benchtop woodworking | 75-1/2 inches (verify) | 1/8 to 1/2 inch |
Important: The blade length is determined by the saw model. You cannot use a 35-3/8 inch blade in a saw designed for 44-7/8 inch blades.
How to Confirm Your Blade Length
- Check the saw’s manual.
- Look for the blade length printed on a label inside the blade guard.
- Measure the old blade. Lay it flat, mark a point, and measure around the loop.
- Look up the model number on the DEWALT website.
TPI Selection for Metal Cutting (Portable Saws)
10 TPI
Best for: Thick pipe, solid bar, structural steel. Material thickness: 1/4 to 2 inches. Characteristics: Cuts aggressively in thick material. Coarse teeth handle deep cuts.
When to use 10 TPI:
- Cutting thick wall pipe (2 inches and up)
- Cutting solid bar stock (1 to 2 inches)
- Cutting structural steel (angle, channel, beam)
- Cutting thick plate
14 TPI
Best for: Medium thickness material, smoother cuts. Material thickness: 1/8 to 1 inch. Characteristics: Good balance of cutting speed and surface finish. Handles medium-thickness material cleanly.
When to use 14 TPI:
- Cutting medium wall pipe (1 to 2 inches)
- Cutting thin solid bar (1/4 to 1 inch)
- Cutting aluminum and soft metals
- When you need a smoother cut than 10 TPI provides
18 TPI
Best for: General-purpose metal cutting. Conduit, thin-wall tubing, unistrut. Material thickness: Under 1/4 inch. Characteristics: Fine teeth prevent grabbing and tearing in thin material. Smoothest cut on thin stock.
When to use 18 TPI:
- Cutting conduit (1/2 to 1-1/2 inch EMT)
- Cutting thin-wall tubing
- Cutting unistrut (1-5/8 inch)
- Cutting sheet metal (16 gauge and thinner)
10/14 Variable Pitch
Best for: Mixed material thicknesses and production cutting. Characteristics: Alternating coarse and fine teeth. Handles a range of thicknesses without changing blades. Reduces vibration and improves cut quality.
When to use 10/14 variable pitch:
- When you cut a mix of material thicknesses
- Production cutting where blade changes are costly
- When you want reduced vibration
TPI Selection for Woodworking (Benchtop Saws)
| TPI | Best For | Stock Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI (hook) | Resawing | 3+ inches |
| 4 TPI (skip) | General woodworking | 3/4 to 2 inches |
| 6 TPI | Smoother cuts | 1/2 to 1 inch |
| 10 TPI | Thin stock | 1/4 inch and under |
| 14 TPI | Scroll work | 1/4 inch and under |
Tooth Profile
Hook tooth (positive rake): The tooth leans forward. Cuts aggressively. Best for thick stock and production cutting. Can grab in thin material if feed is too fast.
Standard tooth (0 degree rake): The tooth is straight up. Good balance of cutting speed and surface finish. The most common profile for portable saws.
Skip tooth (0 degree rake, large gullet): Large gullet for chip clearance. Good for soft or gummy materials.
Regular tooth (slight negative rake): Cuts slower, produces the smoothest finish. Best for thin material.
Blade Material
Bi-Metal M42
The standard for DEWALT portable saws. M42 high-speed steel edge hardened to 67 to 69 HRC on flexible backing. Can cut: Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, cast iron. Blade life: 50 to 200 cuts depending on material and thickness. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
Bi-Metal M51
Harder edge than M42 (69 to 70 HRC). Better for tough materials like stainless steel. Blade life: 20 to 30 percent longer than M42 in tough materials. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Carbon Steel
For the benchtop woodworking saw. Holds an edge for 2 to 4 hours in softwoods. Cost: 8 to 18 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
DEWALT blades are interchangeable with blades from other manufacturers that use the same length.
44-7/8 inch: Fits Milwaukee 2729-20, 2929-20, 6232-20, Makita XBP02TX, BLACK+DECKER 9411. 35-3/8 inch: Fits Milwaukee 2829-20, 2629-20, 6230-20.
Recommended Blades by Model
DCS374B (20V MAX Cordless Deep Cut, 44-7/8 Inch)
General-purpose: 10/14 variable pitch, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 20 dollars. Thick material: 10 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 18 dollars. Thin material: 18 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 18 dollars. Stainless steel: 14 TPI, bi-metal M51. Cost: about 30 dollars.
A good quality blade for the DCS374B is the DEWALT DW3986 44-7/8 inch 14 TPI bi-metal band saw blade, which handles a wide range of metal cutting tasks.
DCS378B (20V MAX Cordless Compact, 35-3/8 Inch)
General-purpose: 18 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 15 dollars. Medium material: 14 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 15 dollars. Thin material: 24 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 15 dollars.
DWM120 (Corded Deep Cut, 44-7/8 Inch)
Same blade options as the DCS374B.
Blade Break-In
New bi-metal blades need a break-in period. Run the first 10 to 20 cuts at half feed pressure. This lets the tooth tips wear evenly and prevents chipping. Skipping break-in can reduce blade life by 30 to 50 percent.
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, plus 10/14 variable pitch.
What blade does the DEWALT DCS378B use?
A 35-3/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width. Available in 14, 18, and 24 TPI.
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. Fine teeth handle EMT and rigid conduit cleanly without grabbing.
What TPI should I use for thick steel?
10 TPI or 10/14 variable pitch. Coarse teeth handle thick material efficiently.
References
- DEWALT. “DCS374B Owner’s Manual.” DEWALT Industrial Tool Company.
- DEWALT. “DWM120 Owner’s Manual.” DEWALT Industrial Tool Company.
- DEWALT. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” DEWALT Product Catalog.
- LENOX Tools. “Wolf-Band 44-7/8 Inch Blade Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “DEWALT Band Saw Blade Guide.” ProToolReviews.com.
