Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You own a Milwaukee M18 FUEL compact band saw and you want to know about its capacity, controls, and maintenance. The M18 FUEL compact band saw is Milwaukee’s lighter, more portable cordless band saw designed for cutting smaller material. You need to know the specifications, what it can do, and what to watch for as an owner.
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL compact band saw is a cordless portable band saw powered by the M18 battery platform. It uses a brushless motor for longer life and more power. The compact designation means it is smaller and lighter than the deep cut model, with a reduced cut capacity designed for electrical, plumbing, and maintenance work.
Model Identification
Models
| Model | Type | Motor | Speed | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2629-20 | M18 FUEL compact (tool only) | Brushless | 0-350 SFPM (variable) | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
| 2629S-20 | M18 FUEL compact (with ONE-KEY) | Brushless | 0-350 SFPM (variable) | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
How to Identify Your Model
- Find the model number on the label on the saw body.
- Check for ONE-KEY branding (indicates S suffix models).
- Check for variable speed trigger (all 2629 models have variable speed).
- Measure the cut capacity. A 2-1/2 inch capacity indicates a compact saw.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 2629-20 |
| Type | M18 FUEL compact cordless band saw |
| Battery | M18 |
| Motor | Brushless (POWERSTATE) |
| Cut capacity | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 35-3/8 inches |
| Blade width | 1/2 inch |
| Speed | 0-350 SFPM (variable) |
| Weight | 9.6 pounds |
| Blade change | Tool-free |
| LED light | Yes |
| ONE-KEY | Optional (S model) |
Cut Capacity
What It Can Cut
Can cut:
- EMT conduit up to 2 inches
- Pipe up to 2 inches (schedule 40)
- Unistrut up to 1-5/8 inches
- Round stock up to 2-1/2 inches
- Square stock up to 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches
- Threaded rod up to 2 inches
- Thin wall tubing
Cannot cut:
- Material larger than 2-1/2 inches
- Thick wall pipe (3 inches and up)
- Solid bar stock over 2-1/2 inches
Deep Cut vs Compact
| Feature | Deep Cut (2929-20) | Compact (2629-20) |
|---|---|---|
| Cut capacity | 5 x 5 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 44-7/8 inches | 35-3/8 inches |
| Weight | 14.7 pounds | 9.6 pounds |
| Speed | 200-550 SFPM | 0-350 SFPM |
| Best for | Thick pipe, structural steel | Conduit, unistrut, small pipe |
Controls
Variable Speed Trigger
The trigger controls the blade speed from 0 to 350 SFPM. Squeeze the trigger to start the saw and increase speed. Release the trigger to stop.
Tool-Free Blade Change
A lever on the side of the saw releases blade tension for quick blade changes. Pull the lever to release tension, change the blade, and push the lever back to apply tension.
LED Light
An LED light illuminates the cutting area. The light turns on when the trigger is pressed and stays on for a few seconds after release.
ONE-KEY (S Model)
ONE-KEY provides tool tracking, inventory management, and customization. Use the ONE-KEY app to track the saw, set speed limits, and receive maintenance alerts.
Blade Selection
The M18 FUEL compact uses a 35-3/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width.
TPI Selection
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 10 TPI | Thick pipe, solid bar | 1/4 to 2 inches |
| 14 TPI | Medium thickness | 1/8 to 1 inch |
| 18 TPI | Thin material, conduit | Under 1/4 inch |
| 24 TPI | Very thin material | Under 1/8 inch |
| 10/14 variable pitch | Mixed thicknesses | All |
Blade Material
Bi-metal M42: The standard. Handles mild steel, stainless, aluminum. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars. Bi-metal M51: Harder edge for tough materials. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 35-3/8 inch blade is shared with:
- Milwaukee 2429-20 (M18 compact)
- Milwaukee 2629-20 (M18 FUEL compact)
- DEWALT DCS371 (compact)
- Makita BPB180 (compact)
Common Repairs
Blade Breaks
Causes: Tension too high, blade guides too tight, forcing the cut, poor blade quality. Solutions: Reduce tension, adjust guides, let the blade do the work, use quality blades.
Motor Stalls
Causes: Incorrect TPI for material, forcing the cut, low battery. Solutions: Use correct TPI, let the blade cut at its own pace, use a charged high-capacity battery.
Blade Wanders
Causes: Low tension, worn blade guides, dull blade. Solutions: Increase tension, adjust or replace guides, replace blade.
Battery Dies Quickly
Causes: Low capacity battery, cold battery, old battery. Solutions: Use a 3.0 Ah or higher capacity battery, keep battery warm, replace old batteries.
LED Light Does Not Work
Causes: LED burned out, wiring damaged. Solutions: Replace LED assembly (contact Milwaukee service).
Maintenance Schedule
Daily: Clean metal chips from the blade guard and wheels. Check blade for wear. Weekly: Lubricate the blade guide post. Check blade tracking. Monthly: Check blade guides for wear. Clean the battery contacts. Annually: Have the saw serviced by an authorized Milwaukee service center.
Ownership Notes
Best Uses
- Electrical work (cutting conduit, unistrut, threaded rod)
- Plumbing work (cutting copper, PVC, thin-wall pipe)
- Maintenance work (cutting bolts, angle iron, small stock)
- HVAC work (cutting duct, angle iron, unistrut)
- Remodeling (cutting small metal stock)
Not Suitable For
- Cutting thick structural steel
- Cutting large pipe (3 inches and up)
- Production cutting of thick material
- Resawing or woodworking
Battery Recommendations
- 2.0 Ah: Light use, minimal runtime
- 3.0 Ah: Good balance of weight and runtime
- 5.0 Ah: Best runtime for regular use
- 6.0 Ah: Maximum runtime for heavy use
- 8.0 Ah: Extended runtime but heavier
FAQ
What is the difference between the Milwaukee M18 FUEL compact and deep cut band saw?
The compact (2629-20) has a 2-1/2 inch cut capacity, 35-3/8 inch blade, and weighs 9.6 pounds. The deep cut (2929-20) has a 5 inch cut capacity, 44-7/8 inch blade, and weighs 14.7 pounds. The compact is lighter and better for small material. The deep cut is better for thick material.
What blade does the M18 FUEL compact band saw use?
A 35-3/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width. Available in 10, 14, 18, and 24 TPI, plus 10/14 variable pitch.
How long does the battery last on the M18 FUEL compact band saw?
About 30 to 80 cuts per charge depending on material, thickness, and battery capacity. A 5.0 Ah battery provides more runtime than a 2.0 Ah battery.
Can I use the same blades in the compact and deep cut saws?
No. The compact uses a 35-3/8 inch blade and the deep cut uses a 44-7/8 inch blade. The blades are not interchangeable.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “2629-20 Owner’s Manual.” Milwaukee Tool.
- Milwaukee Tool. “M18 FUEL Compact Band Saw Specifications.” Milwaukee Tool Product Catalog.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee 2629-20 Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
- Tool Box Buzz. “Milwaukee M18 FUEL Compact Band Saw Review.” ToolBoxBuzz.com.
