Replacing Milwaukee Band Saw 2429 20 Blades: What to Measure Before Ordering
You own a Milwaukee 2429-20 band saw and you need to replace the blade. The 2429-20 is an M18 cordless band saw that uses a 44-7/8 inch blade. You want to know what to measure before ordering and how to choose the right blade. You need a guide that covers blade replacement for this specific saw.
The Milwaukee 2429-20 is an M18 cordless deep cut portable band saw. It uses the same 44-7/8 inch blade as the Milwaukee 2729-20, 2929-20, 6232-20, and the DEWALT DCS374B and DWM120.
Milwaukee 2429-20 Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 2429-20 |
| Type | M18 cordless deep cut portable band saw |
| Cut capacity | 5 x 5 inches |
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Blade thickness | 0.020 inches |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Speed | Single speed |
| Battery | M18 |
What to Measure Before Ordering
1. Blade Length
The 2429-20 uses a 44-7/8 inch blade. This is the standard length for deep cut portable band saws.
How to verify:
- 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. Lay it flat, mark a point, and measure around the loop.
2. Blade Width
All blades for the 2429-20 are 1/2 inch wide. This is the standard width for portable band saw blades.
3. Blade Thickness
All blades for the 2429-20 are 0.020 inches thick.
4. TPI
Check the TPI of the old blade. Choose a TPI that matches your cutting needs.
5. Blade Material
Check whether the old blade is bi-metal or carbon steel. For metal cutting, bi-metal is the standard.
TPI Selection
10 TPI
Best for: Thick pipe, solid bar, structural steel. Material thickness: 1/4 to 2 inches.
14 TPI
Best for: Medium thickness, smoother cuts. Material thickness: 1/8 to 1 inch.
18 TPI
Best for: General-purpose cutting. Conduit, thin-wall tubing, unistrut. Material thickness: Under 1/4 inch.
10/14 Variable Pitch
Best for: Mixed material thicknesses and production cutting.
Blade Material
Bi-Metal M42
The standard for the 2429-20. M42 high-speed steel edge hardened to 67 to 69 HRC. 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. Better for tough materials like stainless steel. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Carbide-Tipped
The longest lasting option. For production cutting. Cost: 50 to 100 dollars.
Recommended Blades by Task
General-purpose cutting: 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 quality blade for the 2429-20 is the Milwaukee 48-39-0502 44-7/8 inch 10 TPI bi-metal blade, which handles a wide range of metal cutting tasks.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 44-7/8 inch blade is shared with:
- Milwaukee 2729-20 (M18 FUEL deep cut)
- Milwaukee 2929-20 (M18 FUEL deep cut, newer)
- Milwaukee 6232-20 (corded deep cut)
- DEWALT DCS374B (20V MAX cordless deep cut)
- DEWALT DWM120 (corded deep cut)
- Makita XBP02TX (18V LXT cordless)
Blades from any of these brands will fit the 2429-20.
Blade Installation
Step 1: Remove the Old Blade
- Remove the battery.
- Open the blade guard.
- Release the blade tension.
- Remove the old blade from the wheels.
Step 2: Install the New Blade
- Place the new blade on the wheels with teeth pointing toward the shoe.
- Apply tension.
- Check that the blade is properly seated on both tires.
- Close the blade guard.
Step 3: Check Tracking
- Install the battery.
- Run the saw briefly (1 to 2 seconds).
- Check that the blade tracks straight on the tires.
- Adjust tracking if needed.
Step 4: Adjust Blade Guides
- Side guides: about 1/32 inch from the blade sides.
- Thrust bearing: about 1/64 inch behind the blade.
Blade Break-In
New bi-metal blades need a break-in period. Run the first 10 to 20 cuts at half feed pressure. Skipping break-in can reduce blade life by 30 to 50 percent.
2429-20 vs 2729-20 vs 2929-20
| Feature | 2429-20 | 2729-20 | 2929-20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Speed | Single | Single (200 SFPM) | Variable (200-550 SFPM) |
| Blade change | Tool required | Tool required | Tool-free |
| ONE-KEY | No | No | Yes |
| Cut-Brake | No | No | Yes |
| Blade | 44-7/8 inch | 44-7/8 inch | 44-7/8 inch |
FAQ
What blade does the Milwaukee 2429-20 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.
Can I use a blade from the 2729-20 in my 2429-20?
Yes. Both use the same 44-7/8 inch blade. The blades 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.
How do I change the blade on a Milwaukee 2429-20?
Remove the battery, open the blade guard, release tension, remove the old blade, install the new blade with teeth pointing toward the shoe, apply tension, close the guard, check tracking, and adjust the blade guides.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “2429-20 Owner’s Manual.” Milwaukee Tool.
- Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Milwaukee Tool Product Catalog.
- LENOX Tools. “Wolf-Band 44-7/8 Inch Blade Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee M18 Band Saw Comparison.” ProToolReviews.com.
