Milwaukee 2729-20 vs other cordless deep cut band saws: which fits your jobsite?

Milwaukee 2729-20 cordless deep-cut band saw for jobsites

Milwaukee 2729-20 M18 FUEL Cordless Lithium-Ion Deep Cut Band Saw (Tool Only) suits mobile fabrication, conduit, and structural steel cutting. These Band Saws deliver a 380 FPM blade speed and roughly a five-inch cutting capacity on common blades; FPM means feet per minute. The tool weighs about 15 pounds and requires an M18 battery and charger sold separately. Users gain cordless freedom but must manage battery inventory for day-long site use.

Key specifications, price, and what is not listed

• Model: 2729-20 (M18 FUEL)
• No-load speed: 380 FPM (feet per minute)
• Rated capacity: 5 inches (manufacturer spec)
• Weight: 15 lbs
• Voltage: DC 18 (M18 battery platform)
• Price: $159 USD (Tool Only; battery and charger not included)
• Included: Bare tool; requires M18 battery and charger
• Common omissions: exact blade size, runtime per battery, accessories list, warranty details

How do blade size and cutting depth affect jobsite material choices?

Milwaukee 2729-20 enables roughly 5-inch cuts using standard deep-cut blades. Blade width and teeth-per-inch (TPI) control curve ability and finish; higher TPI gives smoother cuts. Choose coarse TPI (3-6) for thick structural steel and fine TPI (14-24) for thin tubing or stainless. This selection affects blade life, feed rate, and required battery power on site.

Battery, motor, and runtime comparisons for cordless deep-cut saws

Milwaukee 2729-20 M18 FUEL combines a brushless motor with the M18 battery ecosystem to prioritize torque and runtime. Competing 36V and 18V models from DeWalt and Makita offer larger motors or heavier frames for torque. Runtime varies with battery capacity, blade friction, cut thickness, and TPI; expect shorter runtimes on stainless. Stock at least two high-capacity M18 batteries per saw for all-day cutting and one charger per crew.

What battery runtimes can I expect cutting structural steel on-site?

Milwaukee 2729-20 achieves roughly one to three hours cutting per M18 5.0Ah battery under moderate load. Heavier cuts and dense steel reduce runtime, while thin tubing yields longer session times. Cutting 3/8-inch A36 plate continuously may exhaust a 5.0Ah pack in about one hour. Carry two 5.0Ah batteries or one 12.0Ah equivalent to double runtime for uninterrupted work.

Milwaukee 2729-20 vs rivals: portability, capacity, accessories

Milwaukee 2729-20 M18 FUEL balances portability with a five-inch capacity, trading some maximum power for lower weight. Competing 36V and 18V models from DeWalt and Makita offer larger motors or heavier frames for torque. 2729-20 Deep Cut Band Saw accepts standard industry blades; vendors sell cases, blade kits, and magnetic clamps separately. If crews value light carry and fast setup, choose the M18 model and add spare batteries.

Which jobsite scenarios reward portability over maximum cut depth?

Milwaukee band saw favors portability on tight-access maintenance and ladder work. Electricians, HVAC techs, and ironworkers cutting conduit or junction boxes benefit from lighter cordless units. The tradeoff reduces maximum capacity; use a 36V saw for continuous large-pipe or plate work. For mixed tasks, pair a portable M18 saw with a jobsite 36V station or corded cutoff tool.

Follow-up questions buyers search next

Do I need specialty blades for different metals? Yes, match blade material and TPI to the workpiece; bimetal blades suit carbon steel and stainless. Using the correct blade improves cut speed and blade life, and reduces battery drain.

Is the battery included with purchase? No, the 2729-20 variant sold at $159 is a bare tool and requires separate M18 batteries and a charger. Budget for at least two 5.0Ah packs or one 12.0Ah pack per saw for reliable jobsite uptime.