Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact Bandsaw
As part of The Home Depot’s ProSpective Program this quarter, I got to check out the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact Bandsaw, model # 2529-20.
More info on the bandsaw here at Home Depot:
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1020826/8154
Quick Overview:
M12 battery platform
Powerstate brushless motor
Integrated blade cover (30 9/16” blades)
Variable speed trigger
LED light
Rafter hook
Conduit reamer attachment capability
2.5” cutting capacity
6 lbs
$229, tool only
Milwaukee continues to add to the M12 platform, this time by upgrading an existing bandsaw to a Fuel version. They’ve equipped this latest model with the Powerstate brushless motor which increased the blade speed up to 570 SFPM, compared to 280 SFPM on the original. Gave it a larger cut capacity of 2 1/2”. All while making it lighter and more compact. The lightest compact bandsaw on the market as of date to be exact.
If you’re a plumber or electrician, I’m sure you already know how much a must-have a bandsaw is. That being said, I’m not in either of those trades exclusively, and I’ve always just gotten by with a grinder or reciprocating saw as needed until the past year or so. However, you still may be using a bandsaw with that annoying cord dragging around behind it. Believe me, cords are a thing of the past even on high demanding tools like bandsaws!
The first cordless bandsaw I picked up was the Milwaukee M18 deep cut with 5” capacity. That saw is a tank!
The picture doesn’t even do the size comparison justice, it’s pretty crazy looking at them side-by-side! Of course the larger saw has a huge cutting capacity, that’s why I got it first. It could cut basically anything I needed. But, that capacity isn’t always needed, and the smaller, lighter weight M12 2 1/2” is much more of a joy to use. It is easily controlled one-handed. Perfect for any overhead cutting as well.
Even as a general contractor it’s amazing all the uses I’ve found for this little bandsaw, and you really can’t beat having the right tool for the job.
I don’t stage things often, I just let actual job site or shop performance speak for itself when I’m checking out a tool. But, I was just making an Instagram clip here(check out the videos of the cuts @johnbuildsit), to see if I could find the saws limits. The M12 bandsaw had no problem slicing right through this stainless steel tube like butter. Then I followed that up cutting through some 1/2” thick aluminum, curved cuts nonetheless. And it just ate right through. It did drain an entire 4AH battery making these cuts, but this isn’t really its intended use. When cutting pipe, threaded rod, unistrut, etc. I found it’s runtime to be rather impressive.
Rafter-style hook that really comes in handy, and folds out of the way when not needed.
On-tool battery life indicator.
The LED light is in a really great position to light up your work piece. It also throws a nice shadow line so you can see exactly where your blade will be cutting.
It doesn’t have a quick-adjust shoe, but you can move it by loosening the bolt if needed.
The blade is easily changed by turning the tension handle on the front of the saw. A 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Blade is included. When you load a new blade, you don’t have to worry about getting it lined up perfect. Just pull the trigger and the blade will get tracked correctly on its own.
The saw is even compact enough to fit in the new 2-drawer Packout box!
In Summary
The new M12 Fuel Compact Bandsaw would be an awesome addition to anyone’s tool arsenal in my opinion. It’s simply a comfortable and light-weight tool to use. Yet still has plenty of power behind it. Maybe I’m weird, but if you’ve ever had one of those tools where you look forward to using it just because it’s so smooth, performs great, or could even just call it fun to use.. this has been one of those tools for me.
Check the bandsaw out more here at Home Depot!
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1020826/8154
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