What Blade Size Fits the Milwaukee Compact Band Saw? Length, Width, and TPI
You own a Milwaukee compact band saw and you need to order replacement blades. The Milwaukee compact band saw uses a 35-3/8 inch blade, but you see multiple TPI and material options. You want to know which blade to buy and how to ensure it fits your saw. You need a guide that covers blade sizes for the Milwaukee compact band saw.
The Milwaukee compact band saw uses a 35-3/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width. This blade is used by the Milwaukee 2829-20 (M18 FUEL compact) and other Milwaukee compact models. It is shorter than the 44-7/8 inch blade used by deep cut saws and longer than the 30-9/16 inch blade used by the M12 saw.
Milwaukee Compact Band Saw Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2829-20 | M18 FUEL cordless compact | 35-3/8 inches | 3-1/4 inches |
| 2829-22 | M18 FUEL cordless compact (kit) | 35-3/8 inches | 3-1/4 inches |
| 2629-20 | M18 cordless compact (older) | 35-3/8 inches | 3-1/4 inches |
How to Verify Blade Length
- Check the saw’s manual.
- Look for the blade length printed on a label inside the blade guard.
- Remove the old blade and measure it.
- Look up the model number on the Milwaukee Tool website.
Blade Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 35-3/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Blade thickness | 0.020 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/4 inches (saw-dependent) |
TPI Selection
14 TPI
Best for: Medium wall pipe, thin bar stock, aluminum. Material thickness: 1/4 to 1 inch. Characteristics: Good balance of cutting speed and surface finish.
18 TPI
Best for: General-purpose metal cutting. Conduit, thin-wall tubing, unistrut. Material thickness: 1/8 to 3/4 inch. Characteristics: The standard blade for compact saws. Handles the widest range of materials.
24 TPI
Best for: Sheet metal, small round stock, very thin material. Material thickness: Under 1/4 inch. Characteristics: Fine teeth prevent grabbing and tearing in thin material.
10/14 Variable Pitch
Best for: Mixed material thicknesses and production cutting. Characteristics: Alternating coarse and fine teeth. Handles a range of thicknesses.
Tooth Profile
Standard tooth (0 degree rake): Good balance of cutting speed and surface finish. The most common profile.
Regular tooth (slight negative rake): Smoothest finish. Best for thin material.
Skip tooth (large gullet): Good for soft or gummy materials.
Blade Material
Bi-Metal M42
The standard for Milwaukee compact saws. M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible spring steel backing. Can cut: Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper. Blade life: 50 to 200 cuts depending on material and thickness. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.
Bi-Metal M51
Harder edge for tough materials like stainless steel. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars.
Recommended Blades by Task
General-purpose cutting: 18 TPI, bi-metal M42. Handles 80 percent of compact saw tasks.
Medium wall pipe: 14 TPI, bi-metal M42. Smoother cuts in medium material.
Thin-wall tubing: 18 TPI, bi-metal M42. Standard blade for thin material.
Sheet metal: 24 TPI, bi-metal M42. Fine teeth for very thin material.
Stainless steel: 14 TPI, bi-metal M51. Harder edge for tough material.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 35-3/8 inch blade is shared with:
- Milwaukee 2829-20, 2829-22 (M18 FUEL compact)
- Milwaukee 2629-20 (M18 compact, older)
- DEWALT DCS378B (20V MAX compact)
Blades That Do NOT Fit
- 44-7/8 inch (Milwaukee deep cut, DEWALT deep cut) - too long
- 30-9/16 inch (Milwaukee M12) - too short
- 32-7/8 inch (DEWALT DCS371B compact) - different length
35-3/8 vs 44-7/8 vs 30-9/16: Comparison
| Feature | 35-3/8 Inch | 44-7/8 Inch | 30-9/16 Inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saws | Milwaukee 2829-20, DEWALT DCS378B | Milwaukee 2729-20, 6232-20, DEWALT DCS374B | Milwaukee M12 2529-20 |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/4 inches | 4-3/4 to 5 inches | 1-5/8 inches |
| TPI options | 14, 18, 24 TPI | 10, 14, 18 TPI | 18, 24 TPI |
| Interchangeable | No | No | No |
FAQ
What blade does the Milwaukee 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, plus 10/14 variable pitch.
Can I use a 44-7/8 inch blade in my Milwaukee compact band saw?
No. The compact saw uses a 35-3/8 inch blade. The deep cut saw uses a 44-7/8 inch blade. The blades are not 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 conduit cleanly.
Where can I buy 35-3/8 inch blades?
Milwaukee Tool, DEWALT, LENOX, and other manufacturers make 35-3/8 inch blades. Available from online retailers and industrial supply stores.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “2829-20 M18 FUEL Compact Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Milwaukee Tool.
- Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Milwaukee Tool Product Catalog.
- LENOX Tools. “Portable Band Saw Blade Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- DEWALT. “Compact Band Saw Blade Reference.” DEWALT Product Catalog.
