The Fastest Band Saw In Its Class Also Fits Into the Tightest Spots
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact Band Saw (2529-20) improves on the previous band saw design in several ways. Milwaukee claims that their streamlined design is the lightest compact band saw on the market, able to slip into the tightest spaces with its one-hand capability. But, perhaps even more impressive, this 12V band saw claims the fastest cut times in the 2-1/2″ cut capacity class…and that includes 18V models.
10-Second Summary
- Model: Milwaukee 2529-21XC
- Lightest compact band saw on the market at 6 lbs.
- Fastest cutting band saw in the 2-1/2″ cut capacity class
- Brushless motor
- Integrated blade covers
- Compatible with pipe reamer attachment
- Comes with Extreme Metal Compact Band Saw Blades
- 3-year warranty
- January 2021 release
- Price: $229 (bare), $299 (kit)
Milwaukee 2529-20 vs 2429-20
The big improvement to the design of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact Band Saw revolves around the upgrade to the brushless motor. It ramps up the available speed to up to 570 SFPM while dropping the weight to only 6 lbs. You can cut up to 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ Unistrut with the increased cutting capacity as well.
Here’s how the original M12 bandsaw (2429-20) compares to the new M12 FUEL saw (2529-20):
| M12 FUEL 2529-20 | M12 2429-20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless | Brushed |
| Blade speed | 0–570 SFPM | 0–280 SFPM |
| Rafter hook | Yes | No |
| Cut capacity | 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 in. | 1-5/8 x 1-5/8 in. |
| Weight | 6.0 lbs. | 6.75 lbs. |
| Pipe Reaming | Optional attachment | No |
| Blade | 30-9/16 in. | 27-1/16 in. |
| LED Light | Yes | Yes |
| Price (bare) | $229 | $149 |
The Milwaukee 2529-20 band saw features integrated blade covers for safe one-handed use as well as a rafter hook. Its Jobsite Armor Technology provides crush zone barriers to provide durability. It also includes a variable speed trigger and an LED work light.
The Milwaukee M12 Band Saw is also compatible with the Milwaukee Pipe Reamer attachment. This unique accessory connects to the back pulley of the band saw, using the tool’s natural motion to drive a reamer that works with 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ conduit.
Milwaukee on M12 Fuel Compact Band Saw
Our current sub-compact and compact band saws are best in class, but in our research with users, we discovered a need for a band saw solution that is not only compact but delivers faster cuts and a greater capacity. To meet these needs, we created the M12 Compact Band Saw with an increased cut capacity over our existing M12 Band Saw and harnessed the power of Fuel Technology all within a 6 lb. band saw.
Kevin Gee, Group Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Band Saw Blade Options
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact Band Saw also comes with the Extreme Metal Compact Band Saw Blades. These 30-9/16″ blades max out the performance of the band saw with 12/14 TPI thin metal blades and 8/10 TPI for thick metal. We like choices, and that’s where you might run into trouble here. Milwaukee’s 30-9/16″ blade may be difficult to find from a third-party, so keep that in mind as you shop.
Pricing and Availability
Look for Milwaukee to ship out the M12 Fuel Compact Band Saw beginning in January. It will come as a bare tool for $229, or kitted with a 4.0Ah battery and charger for $299. The tool is warrantied for 3 years.
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Compact Band Saw Specs
- Model: Milwaukee 2529-21XC
- Cut Capacity: 2-½” X 2-½”
- SFPM: 570
- Blade Length: 30-9/16”
- LED Work Light
- Rafter Hanging Hook
- Tool-Free Pipe Reamer Compatibility: Easily attaches to back of tool
- Weight (w/out battery): 6lbs
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Kit Price: $299
- Also available as a bare tool (2529-20): $229
- Available January 2021
