Milwaukee Deep Cut Band Saw Blades: TPI, Material, and Cut Compatibility
You own a Milwaukee deep cut band saw and you need to buy blades. Milwaukee deep cut band saws use a 44-7/8 inch blade. You need to know the TPI options, blade material, and which materials each blade can cut.
Milwaukee deep cut band saws are portable band saws designed for cutting metal pipe, conduit, unistrut, and bar stock. They use a 44-7/8 inch blade, 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick. Milwaukee offers several blade options in different TPI and materials.
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 Specifications
Standard Dimensions
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Width | 1/2 inch |
| Thickness | 0.020 inches |
Compatible Milwaukee Deep Cut Models
| Model | Type | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2729-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut | 5 x 5 inches |
| 2929-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut (newer) | 5 x 5 inches |
| 6232-20 | Corded deep cut | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches |
| 6238-20 | Corded deep cut (variable speed) | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches |
| 6230-20 | Corded deep cut (older) | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 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. Angle iron (2 x 2 x 1/4): 10 to 14 TPI. Sheet metal (16 gauge and thinner): 24 TPI.
Blade Material
Bi-Metal M42
The standard for Milwaukee deep cut 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. Hardness: 70+ HRC. Best for: High-volume cutting, abrasive materials. Cost: 40 to 80 dollars.
Cut Compatibility by Material
Mild Steel
Recommended TPI: 10 to 14 TPI. Recommended material: Bi-metal M42. Speed: 200 to 570 SFPM. Difficulty: Easy.
Stainless Steel
Recommended TPI: 14 TPI. Recommended material: Bi-metal M42 or M51. Speed: 120 to 200 SFPM. Difficulty: Moderate. Use slower speed and lighter feed pressure.
Aluminum
Recommended TPI: 10 to 18 TPI. Recommended material: Bi-metal M42. Speed: 200 to 570 SFPM. Difficulty: Easy. Use faster speed.
Copper and Brass
Recommended TPI: 14 to 18 TPI. Recommended material: Bi-metal M42. Speed: 200 to 570 SFPM. Difficulty: Easy.
Cast Iron
Recommended TPI: 10 to 14 TPI. Recommended material: Bi-metal M42. Speed: 120 to 200 SFPM. Difficulty: Moderate.
Tool Steel (annealed)
Recommended TPI: 10 to 14 TPI. Recommended material: Bi-metal M51. Speed: 120 to 200 SFPM. Difficulty: Moderate to hard.
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 Life Expectations
| Material | TPI | Expected Cuts |
|---|---|---|
| EMT conduit (1/2 inch) | 18 TPI | 100 to 200 |
| Thin-wall tubing (3/4 inch) | 18 TPI | 100 to 200 |
| Medium wall pipe (1-1/2 inch) | 14 TPI | 70 to 150 |
| Thick wall pipe (3 inch) | 10 TPI | 50 to 100 |
| Solid bar (1 inch) | 14 TPI | 60 to 120 |
| Solid bar (2 inch) | 10 TPI | 40 to 80 |
| Stainless steel (1 inch) | 14 TPI | 40 to 80 |
| Angle iron (2 x 2 x 1/4) | 10 TPI | 60 to 120 |
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.
Where to Buy Milwaukee Deep Cut Blades
Milwaukee Tool: OEM blades in all TPI and materials. LENOX: Wolf Band and standard bi-metal blades. Starrett: Bi-metal blades. Olson Saw: Budget bi-metal blades. Amazon: Various brands and specifications.
FAQ
What blade does my Milwaukee deep cut band saw use?
A 44-7/8 inch blade, 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick. Compatible with all Milwaukee deep cut models (2729-20, 2929-20, 6232-20, 6238-20) and other brands using the same length.
What TPI should I use for my Milwaukee deep cut 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 cut stainless steel with a Milwaukee deep cut band saw?
Yes, with a bi-metal M42 or M51 blade at 120 to 200 SFPM. Use a slower speed and lighter feed pressure. Use 14 TPI for best results.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “Deep Cut Band Saw Blade Guide.” Milwaukee Tool.
- LENOX Tools. “44-7/8 Inch Blade Specifications.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Starrett. “Bi-Metal Blade Guide.” L.S. Starrett Company.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee Band Saw Blade Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
- Practical Machinist. “Portable Band Saw Cutting Guide.” practicalmachinist.com.
