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Milwaukee M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Band Saw Model 2429-20

M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Band Saw

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 2429-20
Power source: 12V Li-Ion
Weight: 6.75 lbs

The Milwaukee 2429-20 is a one-handed tool that’s less than half the weight and size of a full size deep cut band saw allowing users much easier overhead use and greater access to tight locations. It’s a great fit for electricians, plumbers and maintenance professionals that need to cut small diameter fasteners and smaller steel stock.

M12 Sub-Compact Band Saw Features and Specifications

• One-handed cuts: most compact size and lightest weight of any cordless band saw
• Dual-actuation trigger: providing enhanced control and productivity
• Powerful motor: cuts 3/4 in. EMT in 3 seconds, up to 150 cuts per charge with the XC battery
• 1-5/8 in. cut capacity: for a wide range of applications
• Meets OSHA guarding requirements: suitable for one-handed use
• LED light: highlights the cut line
• Blade tension adjustment: adjustable blade tracking
• Compatible with all M12 batteries and chargers
• Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
• SFPM: 280
• Blade Length: 27″ x 1/2″ x 0.020″
• Length: 11″
• Weight: 6.75 lbs

The M12 Sub-Compact Band Saw is full of features including a LED work light, adjustable shoe, retractable support hook (rafter hook) and easy to use guard enclosure.

Blade changes are very easy with a single tensioning lever and simple to use guard cover. Installing a new blade literally takes less than a minute.

Portability and Compact Design

When you first pick up this sub-compact band saw it’s so much smaller than a traditional cordless band saw that it almost feels like a small toy. However, that thought quickly diminishes to thoughts of all the tight spaces this tool will fit into and how much lighter and portable it is especially for overhead tasks. Sub-compact cordless tools are becoming more and more popular for that very reason, access and portability to this is a natural fit. Also, many applications that the trades are doing include smaller fastener and support structural members so a sub-compact band saw makes a ton of sense.

Our fleet maintenance crew is working on retrofitting a truck frame in the shop right now and the small size of this band saw has been excellent for getting into tight spaces and cutting fasteners and other small support brackets vs trying to use a reciprocating saw. It will make a great addition to the fleet maintenance truck for repairs on the road and on the job site.

Compact Power

Anyone that buys this tool needs to understand it does have limitations. This tool is designed for cutting threaded rod, EMT, small uni-strut, etc. It’s not designed to cut larger, thicker steels that are best left to the full size band saws. There is quite a bit of discussion online about how this 2nd generation compares to the first generation and some feel it’s not as powerful. With my limited use of both models I can’t say for sure if there’s any difference, but I do know if you let the tool do the work, and you understand it’s limitations I think you’ll be very happy with it.

Room for Improvement

Due to the size of this band saw, it uses a 27″ long blade that is unique to Milwaukee and they only offer it in 18 TPI. It would be nice to offer a couple different blades in different tooth configurations.

Where to Buy

Overall Impression – M12 Sub-Compact Band Saw

The Milwaukee M12 Cordless Sub-Compact Band Saw is a great addition to the M12 lineup of tools and offers an extremely versatile, compact tool that benefits many trades. It offers all the features you’d expect from a full size band saw in a very small size. This tool is well built and very reasonably priced around $170 as a bare tool.

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