Milwaukee M18 Band Saw Blades: Dimensions, Uses, and Selection Rules
You own a Milwaukee M18 band saw and you need to buy blades. Milwaukee M18 band saws use different blade lengths depending on the model. You need to know the correct blade dimensions, TPI, and selection rules.
Milwaukee M18 band saws are cordless portable band saws powered by M18 REDLITHIUM batteries. They include deep cut and compact models, each requiring a specific blade length. The M18 platform is the most popular Milwaukee battery platform.
Blade Dimensions by Model
M18 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 |
| 2929-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut (newer) | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| 2929-22 | M18 FUEL deep cut kit | 44-7/8 inches | 5 x 5 inches |
| 2680-20 | M18 deep cut (brushed) | 44-7/8 inches | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches |
M18 Compact Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2429-20 | M18 compact (original) | 32-7/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
| 2629-20 | M18 compact (newer) | 35-3/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
| 2829-20 | M18 FUEL compact | 35-3/8 inches | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches |
Standard Dimensions
| Dimension | Deep Cut | Compact (2429-20) | Compact (2629-20, 2829-20) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 44-7/8 inches | 32-7/8 inches | 35-3/8 inches |
| Width | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch |
| Thickness | 0.020 inches | 0.020 inches | 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. 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 M18 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. Hardness: 70+ HRC. Best for: High-volume cutting, abrasive materials. Cost: 40 to 80 dollars.
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.
Selection Rules
Rule 1: Match the Blade Length
Always use the correct blade length for your model.
- Deep cut: 44-7/8 inches.
- Compact (2429-20): 32-7/8 inches.
- Compact (2629-20, 2829-20): 35-3/8 inches.
Using the wrong length blade will not fit and can damage the saw.
Rule 2: Match the TPI to the Material Thickness
Use the 3-teeth rule: at least 3 teeth should be in the material at all times.
- Thick material (1/4 to 2 inches): 10 TPI.
- Medium material (1/8 to 1 inch): 14 TPI.
- Thin material (under 1/4 inch): 18 TPI.
- Very thin material (under 1/8 inch): 24 TPI.
- Mixed thicknesses: 10/14 variable pitch.
Rule 3: Match the Blade Material to the Work
- General metal cutting: Bi-metal M42.
- Tough metals (stainless, tool steel): Bi-metal M51.
- Production cutting: Carbide-tipped.
- Light occasional use: Carbon steel (if available).
Rule 4: Break In New Blades
Run the first 10 to 20 cuts at half feed pressure. This lets the tooth tips wear evenly and prevents chipping.
Rule 5: Use Coolant When Possible
Coolant extends blade life by 50 to 200 percent. For portable saws, use cutting wax or spray coolant.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
44-7/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with Milwaukee corded deep cut (6232-20, 6238-20), DEWALT deep cut (DCS374B, DCS375B, DCS376B, DWM120), Makita deep cut (XBP02TX, 2107FK), Porter Cable (PCE4530), and BLACK+DECKER (9411).
32-7/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with DEWALT compact (DCS371, DCS368), Makita compact (BPB180), Porter Cable (PC1375T), and Bauer.
35-3/8 Inch Blades
Compatible with some newer Milwaukee and DEWALT compact models. Check compatibility before ordering.
Where to Buy Milwaukee M18 Band Saw Blades
Milwaukee Tool: OEM blades in all lengths and TPI. Home Depot: Milwaukee blades and accessories. LENOX: Wolf Band and standard bi-metal blades. Starrett: Bi-metal blades in all lengths. Amazon: Various brands and specifications.
FAQ
What blade does my Milwaukee M18 band saw use?
Deep cut models (2729-20, 2929-20, 2680-20) use 44-7/8 inch blades. Compact model 2429-20 uses 32-7/8 inch blades. Compact models 2629-20 and 2829-20 use 35-3/8 inch blades. All use 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick blades.
What TPI should I use for my Milwaukee M18 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 DEWALT blade in my Milwaukee M18 band saw?
Yes, if the blade length matches. A 44-7/8 inch DEWALT blade fits a Milwaukee deep cut saw. A 32-7/8 inch DEWALT blade fits a Milwaukee 2429-20 compact saw.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “M18 Band Saw Blade Guide.” milwaukeetool.com.
- Home Depot. “Milwaukee M18 Band Saw Blades.” homedepot.com.
- LENOX Tools. “Portable Band Saw Blade Specifications.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Starrett. “Bi-Metal Blade Guide.” L.S. Starrett Company.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Milwaukee M18 Band Saw Blade Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
