Milwaukee Cordless Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You are looking at Milwaukee cordless band saws and you want to know which one to choose. Milwaukee makes three sizes of cordless band saw: the M12 compact, the M18 compact, and the M18 deep cut. Each has different cut capacity, controls, and blade sizes. You need to know how they compare and which one fits your work.
Milwaukee cordless band saws are portable metal cutting saws powered by Milwaukee’s M12 or M18 battery platforms. They are used for cutting pipe, conduit, unistrut, bar stock, and other metal shapes on job sites and in shops.
Model Lineup
M12 Compact (2529-20)
The smallest Milwaukee cordless band saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 2529-20 |
| Battery | M12 |
| Motor | Brushless (FUEL) |
| Cut capacity | 1-5/8 x 1-5/8 inches |
| Blade length | 30-9/16 inches |
| Speed | 200 SFPM |
| Weight | 6.4 pounds |
| Best for | EMT conduit, small pipe, thin stock |
M18 Compact (2829-20)
The mid-size Milwaukee cordless band saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 2829-20 |
| Battery | M18 |
| Motor | Brushless (FUEL) |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/4 x 3-1/4 inches |
| Blade length | 35-3/8 inches |
| Speed | 200 SFPM |
| Weight | 10.3 pounds |
| Best for | Medium pipe, unistrut, general metal cutting |
M18 Deep Cut (2729-20 and 2929-20)
The largest Milwaukee cordless band saw.
| Specification | 2729-20 | 2929-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | M18 | M18 |
| Motor | Brushless (FUEL) | Brushless (FUEL) |
| Cut capacity | 5 x 5 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches | 44-7/8 inches |
| Speed | 200 SFPM | 200-550 SFPM (variable) |
| Weight | 14.7 pounds | 14.7 pounds |
| Blade change | Tool required | Tool-free |
| Best for | Large pipe, thick bar, structural steel |
Cut Capacity Comparison
| Model | Round Capacity | Rectangular Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2529-20 (M12) | 1-5/8 inches | 1-5/8 x 1-5/8 inches |
| 2829-20 (M18 compact) | 3-1/4 inches | 3-1/4 x 3-1/4 inches |
| 2729-20 (M18 deep cut) | 5 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| 2929-20 (M18 deep cut) | 5 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
Controls
Trigger
All Milwaukee cordless band saws use a trigger with lock-off. The lock-off prevents accidental starting.
Speed Control
M12 (2529-20): Single speed, 200 SFPM. M18 compact (2829-20): Single speed, 200 SFPM. M18 deep cut (2729-20): Single speed, 200 SFPM. M18 deep cut (2929-20): Variable speed, 200 to 550 SFPM. The variable speed is controlled by the trigger or a speed dial.
Blade Change
M12 (2529-20): Tool-free blade change. M18 compact (2829-20): Tool-free blade change. M18 deep cut (2729-20): Tool required for blade change. M18 deep cut (2929-20): Tool-free blade change.
LED Light
All models include an LED work light that illuminates the cut line.
Cut-Brake
The 2929-20 includes Cut-Brake, which stops the blade quickly when the trigger is released.
Battery Platform
M12 Battery
Used by the 2529-20. Available in 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 Ah capacities.
Runtime: About 15 to 30 cuts per charge depending on material and battery.
M18 Battery
Used by the 2829-20, 2729-20, and 2929-20. Available in 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 12.0 Ah capacities.
Runtime: About 20 to 60 cuts per charge depending on model, material, and battery.
ONE-KEY
The 2929-20 includes ONE-KEY, Milwaukee’s tool tracking and management system. Allows customizing cut speed and tracking the tool.
Blade Selection
| Model | Blade Length | TPI Options |
|---|---|---|
| 2529-20 (M12) | 30-9/16 inches | 18, 24 TPI |
| 2829-20 (M18 compact) | 35-3/8 inches | 14, 18, 24 TPI |
| 2729-20 (M18 deep cut) | 44-7/8 inches | 10, 14, 18 TPI |
| 2929-20 (M18 deep cut) | 44-7/8 inches | 10, 14, 18 TPI |
Blades are not interchangeable between models. Each model uses a different blade length.
Ownership Notes
Maintenance
Daily: Clean metal chips from the blade guard and wheels. Check blade for wear. Monthly: Lubricate the blade guide post. Check blade tracking. Annually: Check motor brushes (if applicable). Inspect battery contacts.
Common Issues
Blade breaks: Check tension, blade guides, and cutting technique. Do not force the cut. Motor stalls: Use a blade with the correct TPI for the material. Do not force the cut. Battery dies quickly: Use a higher capacity battery. Check that the battery is fully charged. Blade wanders: Check blade tension, tracking, and guide adjustment.
Accessories
Portable band saw table: Converts the saw to a stationary tool. Cost: about 100 dollars. Portable band saw stand: Holds the saw for vertical or horizontal cutting. Cost: 100 to 200 dollars. Extra blades: Keep spare blades in the correct length. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars each.
Which to Choose
Choose the M12 (2529-20) if: You cut small material (EMT conduit, small pipe) and want the lightest, most portable saw.
Choose the M18 compact (2829-20) if: You cut medium material (unistrut, medium pipe) and want a balance of capacity and portability.
Choose the M18 deep cut (2729-20) if: You cut large material (large pipe, thick bar, structural steel) and want maximum capacity.
Choose the M18 deep cut (2929-20) if: You want the deep cut capacity plus variable speed, tool-free blade change, and ONE-KEY.
FAQ
What is the difference between Milwaukee cordless band saw models?
The M12 (2529-20) is the smallest with 1-5/8 inch capacity. The M18 compact (2829-20) has 3-1/4 inch capacity. The M18 deep cut (2729-20 and 2929-20) has 5 inch capacity. The 2929-20 adds variable speed, tool-free blade change, and ONE-KEY.
What battery does the Milwaukee cordless band saw use?
The M12 saw uses M12 batteries. The M18 saws use M18 batteries. The batteries are not interchangeable between platforms.
How long does the battery last on a Milwaukee cordless band saw?
About 15 to 30 cuts per charge for the M12, and 20 to 60 cuts per charge for the M18, depending on material, thickness, and battery capacity.
Are blades interchangeable between Milwaukee cordless band saw models?
No. Each model uses a different blade length: 30-9/16 inches for the M12, 35-3/8 inches for the M18 compact, and 44-7/8 inches for the M18 deep cut.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “Cordless Band Saw Comparison Guide.” Milwaukee Tool Product Catalog.
- Milwaukee Tool. “2529-20, 2829-20, 2729-20, 2929-20 Owner’s Manuals.” Milwaukee Tool.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee Cordless Band Saw Comparison.” ProToolReviews.com.
- Tool Box Buzz. “Milwaukee M18 Band Saw Review.” ToolBoxBuzz.com.
