What Blade Size Fits the Milwaukee Portable Band Saw? Length, Width, and TPI
You own a Milwaukee portable band saw and you need to know what blade size fits it. Milwaukee portable band saws use several blade lengths depending on the model. You need to know the correct blade length, width, thickness, and TPI for your saw.
Milwaukee portable band saws are among the most popular portable band saws on the market. They are used for cutting metal pipe, conduit, unistrut, and bar stock. Milwaukee offers deep cut, compact, and sub-compact models, each requiring a specific blade length.
A quality blade for Milwaukee deep cut saws is the Milwaukee 48-39-0502 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade 44-7/8 inch 10 TPI.
Blade Lengths by Model
Deep Cut Models (44-7/8 Inch Blade)
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2729-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut (tool only) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| 2729S-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut (with ONE-KEY) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| 2929-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut (newer) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| 2929S-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut (newer, ONE-KEY) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| 6232-20 | Corded deep cut | 44-7/8 inches | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches |
| 6238-20 | Corded deep cut (variable speed) | 44-7/8 inches | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches |
| 6230-20 | Corded deep cut (older) | 44-7/8 inches | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches |
Compact Models (35-3/8 Inch Blade)
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2629-20 | M18 FUEL compact | 35-3/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
| 2829-20 | M18 FUEL compact (newer) | 35-3/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
Older Compact Models (32-7/8 Inch Blade)
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2429-20 | M18 compact (older) | 32-7/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
Sub-Compact Models (30-9/16 Inch Blade)
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2529-20 | M12 FUEL sub-compact | 30-9/16 inches | 1-3/4 x 1-3/4 inches |
Blade Dimensions
Standard Dimensions for All Models
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 1/2 inch |
| Thickness | 0.020 inches |
Important Notes
- All Milwaukee portable band saws use 1/2 inch wide blades.
- The blade thickness is 0.020 inches for all models.
- The only difference between models is the blade length.
- Do not assume blades are interchangeable between models.
How to Determine Your Blade Size
Method 1: Check the Manual
The owner’s manual lists the correct blade length for your saw.
Method 2: Measure the Old Blade
If you have the old blade, measure its total circumference. This is the blade length.
Method 3: Check the Model Number
Find the model number on the saw and look it up in the table above.
Method 4: Contact Milwaukee
Call Milwaukee customer service with the model number.
TPI Selection
By Material and Thickness
| 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 |
| 24 TPI | Very thin sheet metal | Under 1/8 inch |
Recommended TPI by Application
EMT conduit (1/2 to 1-1/2 inch): 18 TPI. Thin-wall tubing (1/2 to 1 inch): 18 TPI. Medium wall pipe (1 to 2 inches): 14 TPI. Thick wall pipe (2 to 5 inches): 10 TPI. Solid bar (1/4 to 1 inch): 14 TPI. Solid bar (1 to 2 inches): 10 TPI. Unistrut (1-5/8 inch): 18 TPI. Sheet metal (16 gauge and thinner): 24 TPI.
Blade Material
Bi-Metal M42
The standard for Milwaukee portable band saw blades. Hardness: 67 to 69 HRC. Best for: Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
Bi-Metal M51
Harder edge for tough materials. Hardness: 69 to 70 HRC. Best for: Stainless steel, tool steel, hard alloys. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars.
Carbide-Tipped
For production cutting. Cost: 40 to 80 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
Milwaukee portable band saw blades are compatible with other brands that use the same blade length:
44-7/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with: DEWALT DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B, DWM120, DWM120K; Makita XBP02TX, XBP02Z, LB1200F; Porter Cable PCE4530; BLACK+DECKER 9411.
35-3/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with: Some Makita compact models (verify).
32-7/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with: DEWALT DCS371 (compact); Makita BPB180, 2107FK.
FAQ
What size blade does my Milwaukee portable band saw use?
Deep cut models (2729-20, 2929-20, 6232-20, 6238-20) use 44-7/8 inch blades. M18 FUEL compact (2629-20, 2829-20) uses 35-3/8 inch blades. M18 compact (2429-20) uses 32-7/8 inch blades. M12 FUEL sub-compact (2529-20) uses 30-9/16 inch blades. All use 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick blades.
Can I use a DEWALT blade in my Milwaukee band saw?
Yes, if the blade length matches. A 44-7/8 inch DEWALT blade will fit a Milwaukee deep cut saw. A 32-7/8 inch DEWALT blade will fit a Milwaukee M18 compact (2429-20).
What TPI should I use for my Milwaukee portable band saw?
10 TPI for thick pipe and solid bar. 14 TPI for medium thickness. 18 TPI for thin material and conduit. 10/14 variable pitch for mixed thicknesses.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Blade Compatibility Guide.” Milwaukee Tool.
- Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Owner’s Manuals.” Milwaukee Tool.
- LENOX Tools. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee Band Saw Blade Guide.” ProToolReviews.com.
