Milwaukee Extreme Thick Metal Deep Cut Band Saw Blade 3-PACK: TPI, Material, and Cut Compatibility
You are thinking about buying the Milwaukee Extreme Thick Metal deep cut band saw blade 3-pack and you want to know if it is right for your needs. Milwaukee Extreme Thick Metal blades are designed for cutting thick and hard metal. You need to know the TPI options, blade material, and what materials it can cut.
Milwaukee Extreme Thick Metal blades are premium bi-metal band saw blades designed for cutting thick and hard metal. They are sold in a 3-pack for Milwaukee deep cut band saws. The blades are 44-7/8 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, fitting Milwaukee deep cut models and other brands using the same blade length.
Blade Specifications
Standard Dimensions
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Width | 1/2 inch |
| Thickness | 0.020 inches |
| Blade length compatibility | 44-7/8 inch saws |
TPI Options
| 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 |
Blade Material
Bi-Metal M42
Milwaukee Extreme Thick Metal blades are made from bi-metal M42.
Construction: M42 high-speed steel edge on flexible spring steel backing. Hardness: 67 to 69 HRC. Benefits:
- 2 to 5 times longer blade life than carbon steel.
- Resists heat damage from cutting hard metal.
- Flexible backing prevents blade breakage.
- Hard edge stays sharp longer.
What Makes It “Extreme Thick Metal”
Milwaukee designates these blades as “Extreme Thick Metal” because they are optimized for cutting thick and hard metal. The M42 edge is harder than standard bi-metal blades, and the tooth geometry is designed for aggressive cutting in thick material.
Cut Compatibility
Materials It Can Cut
| Material | Recommended TPI | Speed | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild steel (thick) | 10 TPI | Medium | Easy |
| Mild steel (medium) | 14 TPI | Medium | Easy |
| Mild steel (thin) | 18 TPI | Fast | Easy |
| Stainless steel (thick) | 10 TPI | Slow | Moderate |
| Stainless steel (medium) | 14 TPI | Slow | Moderate |
| Tool steel | 10 TPI | Slow | Moderate to hard |
| Cast iron | 10 TPI | Slow | Moderate |
| Aluminum | 14 to 18 TPI | Fast | Easy |
| Copper and brass | 14 to 18 TPI | Fast | Easy |
| Angle iron | 10 to 14 TPI | Medium | Easy |
| Unistrut | 14 to 18 TPI | Fast | Easy |
Materials It Cannot Cut
- Hardened steel (over 40 HRC)
- Tool steel in hardened condition
- Carbide
- Glass and ceramic
Compatible Saws
Milwaukee Deep Cut Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2729-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut | 44-7/8 inches | Yes |
| 2929-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut (newer) | 44-7/8 inches | Yes |
| 6232-20 | Corded deep cut | 44-7/8 inches | Yes |
| 6238-20 | Corded deep cut (variable speed) | 44-7/8 inches | Yes |
Other Brands
Any saw that uses a 44-7/8 inch blade is compatible:
- DEWALT DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B, DWM120
- Makita XBP02TX, XBP02Z
- Porter Cable PCE4530
- BLACK+DECKER 9411
3-Pack Value
Cost Comparison
| Purchase Option | Cost | Cost per Blade |
|---|---|---|
| Single blade | 15 to 25 dollars | 15 to 25 dollars |
| 3-pack | 35 to 55 dollars | 12 to 18 dollars |
The 3-pack offers a 20 to 30 percent savings per blade compared to buying single blades.
Is the 3-Pack Worth It?
Yes, if:
- You use your band saw regularly.
- You cut thick or hard metal frequently.
- You want to keep spare blades on hand.
No, if:
- You only use your band saw occasionally.
- You primarily cut thin material (standard blades are sufficient).
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.
Blade Life Expectations
| Material | TPI | Expected Cuts |
|---|---|---|
| Mild steel pipe (2 inch) | 10 TPI | 50 to 100 |
| Solid bar (1 inch) | 14 TPI | 60 to 120 |
| Stainless steel (1 inch) | 14 TPI | 40 to 80 |
| Thick wall pipe (3 inch) | 10 TPI | 50 to 100 |
| Angle iron (2 x 2 x 1/4) | 10 TPI | 60 to 120 |
FAQ
What is the Milwaukee Extreme Thick Metal blade?
A premium bi-metal M42 band saw blade designed for cutting thick and hard metal. Sold in a 3-pack for Milwaukee deep cut band saws. 44-7/8 inches long, 1/2 inch wide.
What TPI should I choose for the Extreme Thick Metal blade?
10 TPI for thick pipe and solid bar (1/4 to 2 inches). 14 TPI for medium thickness (1/8 to 1 inch). 18 TPI for thin material (under 1/4 inch). 10/14 variable pitch for mixed thicknesses.
Will the Milwaukee Extreme Thick Metal blade fit my DEWALT band saw?
Yes, if your DEWALT saw uses a 44-7/8 inch blade. This includes the DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B, and DWM120.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “Extreme Thick Metal Blade Guide.” Milwaukee Tool.
- Milwaukee Tool. “Deep Cut Band Saw Blade Specifications.” Milwaukee Tool.
- LENOX Tools. “Bi-Metal Blade Comparison.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Starrett. “Bi-Metal Blade Specifications.” L.S. Starrett Company.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee Band Saw Blade Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
