Milwaukee 1-3/8 in Carbide Teeth Multi-Material Blade

As someone who frequently finds themselves tackling a variety of materials, I was eager to test out Milwaukee's 1-3/8 in Carbide Teeth Multi-Material Blade. This tool promises to cut through wood, screws, nails, cement board, plaster, and other challenging materials, making it an appealing choice for both professional and DIY enthusiasts. After putting the blade through its paces, I can confidently say that it does live up to many of its claims, though it does have some limitations.

Build Quality and Design

The blade is constructed with carbide teeth, which are known for their durability and extended life compared to bi-metal blades. Its aggressive tooth design is intended to facilitate efficient cutting, and the blade is coated with black oxide to resist corrosion. The thin blade design aims to provide faster plunge cuts, and the clear laser etching ensures easy identification. One notable feature is its universal fit, which makes it compatible with most non-starlock oscillating tools, including those from Dremel with the included adapter.

Performance

I began my trial by cutting through a piece of 1/8"x1" aluminum flat bar. The blade performed admirably, slicing through the material with ease, although one tooth did chip in the process. I then moved on to cutting various grades of bolts, from grade 2 to grade 8. While the blade managed to cut through all of them, it did suffer from multiple chipped teeth, especially with the higher grades. Despite these chips, the blade continued to cut effectively, demonstrating that chipped teeth do not necessarily mean a significant drop in performance.

In more traditional applications like cutting wood embedded with nails, the blade excelled. It made quick work of severing nails and screws, and even made relatively clean cuts through wood. However, when I used it on composite decking, the blade struggled a bit, and the material tended to gum up the teeth.

Versatility

One of the standout features of this blade is its versatility. I tested it on a variety of materials including drywall, EPS foam, metal drip cap flashing, and even copper pipes. It performed well across the board, though it did dull quicker than I would have liked when cutting through metal. The blade also handled masonry backer board and engineered flooring without much issue, making it a reliable choice for remodel projects where you encounter a mix of materials.

Durability

While the carbide teeth are designed to extend the blade's life, they are also quite brittle. This brittleness means that the teeth are prone to chipping, especially when cutting harder materials. However, the blade's cutting ability remains effective even after several teeth have chipped. It's worth noting that excessive heat can affect the blade's performance, so it's crucial to manage cutting speed and pressure to avoid overheating.

Ease of Use

The blade's universal fit makes it easy to install on most oscillating tools. However, I did encounter some compatibility issues with certain tools. For example, it didn't fit perfectly on a DeWalt DCS356B, leading to some vibration and improper seating. This is something to be mindful of if you're using a tool from a brand other than Milwaukee.

Cost-Effectiveness

At around $15 per blade, it's not the cheapest option available, but its performance and durability can justify the price for many users. The blade's ability to handle a wide range of materials means you won't need to switch blades frequently, which can save time and money in the long run. However, if you primarily cut metal, you might find yourself needing to replace the blade more often than you'd like.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee 1-3/8 in Carbide Teeth Multi-Material Blade is a robust and versatile tool that performs well across a variety of materials. Its carbide teeth offer extended life compared to bi-metal blades, and its aggressive design ensures efficient cutting. However, the brittleness of the teeth means they are prone to chipping, especially when cutting harder materials like grade 8 bolts. Despite this, the blade continues to cut effectively even after chipping.

The universal fit makes it compatible with most oscillating tools, although some users may encounter compatibility issues. At $15 per blade, it offers good value for its performance and versatility, though it may not be the best choice for those who primarily cut metal due to its tendency to dull relatively quickly in such applications.

Would I recommend this blade? Absolutely, but with some caveats. If you're looking for a multi-purpose blade that can handle a variety of materials and you don't mind the occasional tooth chipping, this blade is a solid choice. Its performance in wood, nails, and softer metals is impressive, making it a valuable addition to any toolkit. However, if you primarily work with hard metals, you might want to consider a blade specifically designed for that purpose. Overall, the Milwaukee 1-3/8 in Carbide Teeth Multi-Material Blade is a versatile and reliable tool that delivers on its promises for the most part, making it a worthy investment for many users.