Milwaukee TORCH Reciprocating Saw Blade

The Milwaukee TORCH Reciprocating Saw Blade has certainly made its mark in the world of cutting tools, and I recently had the opportunity to put it to the test. Primarily designed for thick and extreme metal materials, this blade promises durability and improved performance, but does it deliver on those promises? Let's find out.

First impressions matter, and the TORCH blade certainly has a robust feel to it. The 1" tall body ensures straight cuts, which is a key feature when precision is crucial. Its 7 TPI (teeth per inch) design is geared towards efficient cutting of thick metals, and the carbide teeth are intended to extend the blade’s lifespan and versatility. Milwaukee’s reputation for quality craftsmanship is evident in the consistent carbide teeth design, and the fact that it's manufactured in the U.S. adds a layer of confidence in its build quality.

I started my testing with a task that many professionals and DIY enthusiasts might encounter: cutting through cast iron pipes. Cast iron is notoriously tough, and I was curious to see how the TORCH would handle it. Armed with a Milwaukee 12V cordless reciprocating saw, I approached a 2-inch cast iron pipe. The initial cuts were slow, but once the blade found its groove, it made steady progress. It wasn’t a quick job – cutting cast iron never is – but the TORCH blade managed to get through without collapsing the pipe or creating excessive dust. The clean cut it produced was impressive, and it’s clear that for cast iron, the TORCH is a reliable companion.

Next, I moved on to stainless steel, another challenging material. Here, the TORCH blade performed admirably, slicing through 1/8" thick stainless steel sheets with relative ease. The blade’s durability was evident as it maintained its performance across multiple cuts. The carbide teeth seemed to hold up well, and I didn’t notice any significant dulling even after several uses. This is a testament to the blade’s design and the quality of materials used in its construction.

However, the TORCH blade is not without its limitations. When tasked with cutting through concrete and brick, the blade’s performance was less than stellar. Despite the blade’s robust construction, cutting through a brick took an inordinate amount of time, and the blade dulled quickly. The same was true for concrete. Even with water cooling to reduce friction and heat, the blade struggled and wore out faster than expected. For masonry work, it’s clear that a diamond blade or a dedicated concrete saw would be a better choice.

The versatility of the TORCH blade extends beyond just metal and masonry. I tested it on a fiberglass shower enclosure, a material that can be notoriously difficult to cut cleanly. The blade performed exceptionally well, slicing through the fiberglass with minimal effort and producing a clean cut. This makes the TORCH a valuable tool for remodelers and anyone dealing with a variety of materials.

Durability is one of the key selling points of the TORCH blade, and while it excels in metal cutting applications, its performance on masonry leaves something to be desired. The blade’s lifespan when cutting metal is impressive, and it can handle multiple cuts of cast iron and stainless steel without significant wear. However, for those looking to use it on brick or concrete, the rapid dulling and reduced effectiveness make it a less appealing option.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the blade’s compatibility with different saws. While the TORCH works well with high-powered reciprocating saws, it’s less effective with saws that only operate at a single speed. This is something to keep in mind if you’re using a cordless saw with limited speed settings, as the blade’s performance could be hindered.

In terms of value, the TORCH blade is priced at a premium, and for good reason. Its performance in metal cutting applications justifies the cost, especially for professionals who need a reliable and durable blade. However, for occasional users or those needing a blade for mixed-material cutting, the higher price point and limited effectiveness on masonry might be a deterrent.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee TORCH Reciprocating Saw Blade? For those primarily working with thick metals like cast iron and stainless steel, absolutely. Its durability, clean cutting ability, and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment. However, if your projects involve significant amounts of masonry work, you might want to look elsewhere or supplement your toolkit with a more specialized blade for those materials.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee TORCH Reciprocating Saw Blade shines in its intended applications. It’s a dependable and durable tool for cutting through thick metals, and its performance in these scenarios is hard to beat. Just be mindful of its limitations with masonry, and you’ll find it to be a valuable addition to your cutting arsenal.