What Blade Size Fits the Makita Band Saw? Length, Width, and TPI

You own a Makita band saw and you need to order replacement blades. Makita makes several portable and benchtop band saws, and each model uses a specific blade size. You need to know the blade length, width, and TPI for your saw. You need a guide that covers Makita band saw blade sizes.

Makita manufactures portable band saws for metal cutting and benchtop band saws for woodworking. Each model uses a specific blade length. Using the wrong blade length will not fit the saw.

Model Identification

Common Makita Band Saw Models

Model	Type	Blade Length	Blade Width	Cut Capacity
XBP02TX	18V LXT cordless deep cut	44-7/8 inches	1/2 inch	4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches
XBP02Z	18V LXT cordless deep cut (bare tool)	44-7/8 inches	1/2 inch	4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches
BPB180	18V LXT cordless compact	32-7/8 inches	1/2 inch	3-1/4 x 3-1/4 inches
2107FK	Corded compact	32-7/8 inches (verify)	1/2 inch	3-1/4 x 3-1/4 inches (verify)
2107F	Corded compact (older)	32-7/8 inches (verify)	1/2 inch	3-1/4 x 3-1/4 inches (verify)
LB1200F	Corded portable	44-7/8 inches (verify)	1/2 inch	4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches (verify)

How to Identify Your Model

1. Find the model number on the label on the saw body.
2. If the label is missing, measure the old blade length.
3. Check the cut capacity to determine if it is a deep cut or compact model.
4. Look up the model number on the Makita website.

Blade Specifications

Deep Cut Models (44-7/8 Inch Blade)

Specification	Value
Blade length	44-7/8 inches
Blade width	1/2 inch
Blade thickness	0.020 inches
Compatible models	XBP02TX, XBP02Z, LB1200F

Compact Models (32-7/8 Inch Blade)

Specification	Value
Blade length	32-7/8 inches
Blade width	1/2 inch
Blade thickness	0.020 inches
Compatible models	BPB180, 2107FK, 2107F

TPI Selection

Deep Cut Models (44-7/8 Inch Blade)

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
10/14 variable pitch	Mixed thicknesses	All

Compact Models (32-7/8 Inch Blade)

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

Blade Material

Bi-Metal M42

The standard for Makita portable band saw blades. M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible spring steel 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. Better for tough materials like stainless steel. Blade life: 20 to 30 percent longer than M42 in tough materials. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.

Carbide-Tipped

The longest lasting option. Blade life: 5 to 10 times longer than M42. Cost: 50 to 100 dollars. Best for: Production cutting.

Cross-Brand Compatibility

44-7/8 Inch Blade (Deep Cut Models)

The 44-7/8 inch blade is shared with:

• Milwaukee 2729-20, 2929-20, 6232-20, 2429-20, 6238-20
• DEWALT DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B, DWM120, DWM120K
• Porter Cable PCE4530, PCBSS375
• BLACK+DECKER 9411

Blades from any of these brands will fit any Makita deep cut saw.

32-7/8 Inch Blade (Compact Models)

The 32-7/8 inch blade is shared with:

• Milwaukee 2429-20 (M18 compact)
• DEWALT DCS371 (compact)

Blades from any of these brands will fit any Makita compact saw.

Recommended Blades by Task

Deep Cut Models

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.

Compact Models

General-purpose cutting: 10/14 variable pitch, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 18 dollars. Thin material: 18 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 18 dollars. Conduit and unistrut: 18 TPI, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 18 dollars.

Blade Installation

1. Remove the Old Blade

1. Remove the battery (if cordless) or unplug (if corded).
2. Open the blade guard.
3. Release blade tension using the tension lever.
4. Remove the old blade from the wheels.

2. Install the New Blade

1. Install the new blade with teeth pointing toward the shoe (down on the cutting side).
2. Apply tension using the tension lever.
3. Check that the blade is seated on both tires.
4. Check tracking.
5. Close the blade guard.

3. Adjust Blade Guides

1. Side guides: about 1/32 inch from the blade sides.
2. 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. 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 Makita XBP02 band saw 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 Makita BPB180 band saw use?

A 32-7/8 inch blade in 1/2 inch width and 0.020 inch thickness. Available in 10, 14, 18, and 24 TPI.

Are Makita band saw blades interchangeable with Milwaukee and DEWALT?

Yes, if the blade length matches. The 44-7/8 inch blade fits Milwaukee and DEWALT deep cut saws. The 32-7/8 inch blade fits Milwaukee and DEWALT compact saws. Blades from any brand will fit any saw that uses the same length.

What TPI should I use for cutting conduit with my Makita band saw?

18 TPI is the best choice for conduit. Fine teeth handle EMT and rigid conduit cleanly without grabbing.

References

• Makita. “XBP02 and BPB180 Owner’s Manuals.” makitatools.com.
• Makita. “Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Makita Product Catalog.
• Milwaukee Tool. “44-7/8 Inch Blade Guide.” Milwaukee Tool.
• DEWALT. “Portable Band Saw Blade Reference.” DEWALT Product Catalog.
• Pro Tool Reviews. “Makita Band Saw Blade Guide.” ProToolReviews.com.