DEWALT Portable Band Saw Blades: Choosing the Right TPI and Tooth Profile
You own a DEWALT portable band saw and you need to buy blades. DEWALT portable band saws use several blade lengths depending on the model. You need to know the correct blade length, TPI, and tooth profile for your saw.
DEWALT 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. DEWALT offers deep cut and compact models, each requiring a specific blade length.
A quality option is the DEWALT DCS374B 20V MAX XR Brushless Deep Cut Band Saw.
Blade Lengths by Model
Deep Cut Models (44-7/8 Inch Blade)
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCS374B | 20V MAX XR deep cut (tool only) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| DCS375B | 20V MAX XR deep cut (tool only) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| DCS376B | 20V MAX XR deep cut (variable speed) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| DWM120 | Corded deep cut | 44-7/8 inches | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches |
| DWM120K | Corded deep cut (kit) | 44-7/8 inches | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches |
Compact Models (32-7/8 Inch Blade)
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCS371 | 20V MAX compact | 32-7/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
| DCS368 | 20V MAX Atomic compact | 32-7/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
Blade Dimensions
Standard Dimensions
Width: 1/2 inch (all DEWALT portable saws). Thickness: 0.020 inches.
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.
Tooth Profiles
Standard Tooth (0 Degree Rake)
Good balance of cutting speed and surface finish. The most common profile.
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
Cuts aggressively. Best for thick stock and solid bar.
Variable Pitch (Alternating Teeth)
Reduces vibration and handles mixed thicknesses. Produces smoother cuts and less noise.
Blade Material
Bi-Metal M42
The standard for DEWALT 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
44-7/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with Milwaukee deep cut saws (2729-20, 2929-20, 6232-20, 6238-20), Makita deep cut (XBP02TX, XBP02Z), Porter Cable (PCE4530), and BLACK+DECKER (9411).
32-7/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with Milwaukee M18 compact (2429-20), Makita compact (BPB180), and Bauer (PBLBCS20).
Blade Break-In
New 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.
Where to Buy DEWALT Portable Band Saw Blades
DEWALT: OEM blades in all lengths and TPI. LENOX: Wolf Band and standard bi-metal blades. Starrett: Bi-metal blades in all lengths. Olson Saw: Budget bi-metal blades. Amazon: Various brands and specifications.
FAQ
What blade does my DEWALT portable band saw use?
Deep cut models (DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B, DWM120) use 44-7/8 inch blades. Compact models (DCS371, DCS368) use 32-7/8 inch blades. All use 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick blades.
What TPI should I use for my DEWALT 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.
Can I use a Milwaukee blade in my DEWALT band saw?
Yes, if the blade length matches. A 44-7/8 inch Milwaukee blade fits a DEWALT deep cut saw. A 32-7/8 inch Milwaukee blade fits a DEWALT compact saw.
References
- DEWALT. “Portable Band Saw Blade Guide.” DEWALT Tools.
- Milwaukee Tool. “Portable Band Saw Blade Compatibility Guide.” Milwaukee Tool.
- LENOX Tools. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Starrett. “Bi-Metal Blade Guide.” L.S. Starrett Company.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “DEWALT Band Saw Blade Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
