Portable Band Saw Blades 44 7/8: TPI, Material, and Cut Compatibility
You own a deep cut portable band saw and you need to buy 44-7/8 inch blades. A 44-7/8 inch blade is the standard blade length for deep cut portable band saws. You need to know about TPI, material, and cut compatibility.
A 44-7/8 inch band saw blade is the standard blade length for deep cut portable band saws. It is used by Milwaukee, DEWALT, Makita, Porter Cable, and other manufacturers. The 44-7/8 inch blade is 1/2 inch wide and 0.020 inch thick.
Compatible Band Saws
Deep Cut Portable Band Saws Using 44-7/8 Inch Blades
| Brand | Model | Type | Cut Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 2729-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut | 5 x 5 inches | Brushless |
| Milwaukee | 2929-20 | M18 FUEL deep cut (newer) | 5 x 5 inches | Brushless |
| Milwaukee | 2680-20 | M18 deep cut (brushed) | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches | Brushed |
| Milwaukee | 6232-20 | Corded deep cut | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches | Corded |
| Milwaukee | 6238-20 | Corded deep cut (variable speed) | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches | Corded, variable speed |
| DEWALT | DCS374B | 20V MAX XR deep cut | 5 x 5 inches | Brushless |
| DEWALT | DCS375B | 20V MAX XR deep cut (newer) | 5 x 5 inches | Brushless |
| DEWALT | DCS376B | 60V MAX deep cut | 5 x 5 inches | Brushless |
| DEWALT | DWM120 | Corded deep cut | 5 x 5 inches | Corded, variable speed |
| Makita | XBP02TX | 18V LXT deep cut | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches | Brushless |
| Makita | 2107FK | Corded deep cut | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches | Corded |
| Porter Cable | PCE4530 | Corded deep cut | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches | Corded |
| BLACK+DECKER | 9411 | Corded deep cut | 4-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches (verify) | Corded |
How to Verify Blade Length
- Check the manual for the blade length.
- Measure the old blade length.
- Check the saw for a blade length label.
- Contact the saw manufacturer with the model number.
Standard Dimensions
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 44-7/8 inches |
| Width | 1/2 inch |
| Thickness | 0.020 inches |
TPI Selection
TPI Chart by Material and Thickness
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness | Cut Quality | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 TPI | Thick solid bar | 1 to 4 inches | Fair | Fast |
| 10 TPI | General metal cutting | 1/4 to 2 inches | Good | Fast |
| 14 TPI | Medium thickness | 1/8 to 1 inch | Good | Medium |
| 18 TPI | Thin material, conduit | Under 1/4 inch | Good to excellent | Medium |
| 10/14 variable pitch | Mixed thicknesses | All | Good | Medium |
| 24 TPI | Very thin sheet metal | Under 1/8 inch | Excellent | Slow |
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 44-7/8 inch portable band saw blades. Hardness: 67 to 69 HRC. Best for: Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars. Lifespan: 30 to 100 cuts depending on material.
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.
Carbon Steel
Budget option for light use. Hardness: 62 to 65 HRC. Best for: Light cutting, occasional use. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars. Lifespan: Shorter than bi-metal.
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.
Cut Compatibility
Mild Steel
TPI: 10 to 14 TPI. Speed: 200 to 350 FPM. Coolant: Recommended for thick material. Notes: Most common material for portable band saws.
Stainless Steel
TPI: 14 to 18 TPI. Speed: 100 to 200 FPM. Coolant: Essential to prevent work hardening. Notes: Use bi-metal M51 or carbide-tipped. Feed slowly.
Aluminum
TPI: 10 to 14 TPI. Speed: 300 to 400 FPM. Coolant: Not required but recommended. Notes: Use wax or spray lubricant to prevent clogging.
Copper and Brass
TPI: 14 to 18 TPI. Speed: 200 to 300 FPM. Coolant: Not required but recommended. Notes: Use wax or spray lubricant to prevent clogging.
Cast Iron
TPI: 10 to 14 TPI. Speed: 200 to 300 FPM. Coolant: Not required. Notes: Cast iron cuts dry and does not work harden.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
44-7/8 Inch Blades
All deep cut portable band saws use the same 44-7/8 inch blade. Blades are cross-brand compatible between Milwaukee, DEWALT, Makita, Porter Cable, and BLACK+DECKER.
Where to Buy 44-7/8 Inch Blades
Milwaukee Tool: OEM blades in all TPI and materials. DEWALT: OEM blades in all TPI and materials. LENOX: Wolf-Band and standard bi-metal blades. Starrett: Bi-metal blades in all TPI. Home Depot: Various brands and TPI. Amazon: Various brands and TPI. eBay: Various brands and TPI.
FAQ
What blade does my deep cut portable band saw use?
A 44-7/8 inch blade, 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick. This is the standard blade length for all deep cut portable band saws from Milwaukee, DEWALT, Makita, Porter Cable, and BLACK+DECKER.
What TPI should I use for my 44-7/8 inch blade?
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. 24 TPI for very thin sheet metal.
Can I use a Milwaukee blade in my DEWALT deep cut band saw?
Yes. Both use 44-7/8 inch blades, 1/2 inch wide, 0.020 inch thick. The blades are cross-brand compatible.
References
- Milwaukee Tool. “Deep Cut Band Saw Blade Guide.” milwaukeetool.com.
- DEWALT. “Deep Cut Band Saw Blade Guide.” dewalt.com.
- LENOX Tools. “Wolf-Band Blade Specifications.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- Starrett. “Bi-Metal Blade Guide.” L.S. Starrett Company.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Portable Band Saw Blade Review.” ProToolReviews.com.
