Milwaukee 12" Reciprocating Saw Blade 10TPI The TORCH with Carbide Teeth for Medium Metal 3PK

Reciprocating saw blades are essential for any professional or DIY enthusiast looking to cut through metal efficiently. I had the opportunity to test Milwaukee's 12" Reciprocating Saw Blade with Carbide Teeth, specifically designed for medium metal applications. This blade, known simply as "The TORCH," promises durability and performance, especially when tackling medium metal materials like EMT conduit, strut, rigid conduit, stainless steel pipe, and copper.

The first thing I noticed about The TORCH was its robust design. The blade is equipped with carbide teeth, which are known for their longevity and ability to maintain sharpness longer than traditional bi-metal blades. The 10 TPI (teeth per inch) configuration suggested that it could handle fast and smooth cuts, a crucial feature when working on various metal projects.

To put The TORCH to the test, I first tried cutting through a piece of EMT conduit. The blade made quick work of the conduit, slicing through it with minimal effort. The cut was clean, and there was little to no burring, which is always a plus when working with metal. The blade's design seemed optimized for material ejection, as the cut material didn't clog or slow down the process.

Next, I moved on to a piece of stainless steel pipe. Stainless steel is notoriously tough on blades, but The TORCH handled it admirably. The blade maintained its sharpness throughout the cut, and I didn't notice any significant wear on the teeth. The smoothness of the cut was impressive, and the blade's 12-inch length provided ample reach for larger pieces of metal.

However, my experience wasn't entirely without challenges. When I attempted to cut through a piece of rebar, I noticed that the blade's performance started to wane. While it initially cut through the rebar effectively, the teeth showed noticeable wear after just one cut. This was a bit disappointing, as I expected the carbide teeth to hold up better against tougher materials like rebar.

Despite this, The TORCH performed well in most medium metal applications. Its 1/2" universal tang ensured compatibility with a variety of reciprocating saws, making it a versatile addition to any toolbox. The fact that it's made in the USA also adds a level of confidence in its quality and craftsmanship.

From a practical standpoint, the blade's weight and dimensions were also worth noting. Weighing in at only 0.15 lbs, the blade didn't add unnecessary heft to the saw, allowing for better control and maneuverability. Its 12-inch length and 1-inch width struck a good balance between reach and stability, making it suitable for both small and large projects.

In terms of value, The TORCH comes in a pack of three, which is convenient for those who frequently work with metal. While the initial cost might be higher than some bi-metal blades, the longevity and performance of the carbide teeth can make it a worthwhile investment in the long run, especially if you're primarily cutting medium metals.

One of the standout features of The TORCH is its ability to produce smooth cuts consistently. This is particularly important when working with conduit and strut, where a clean cut can save time and effort during installation. The optimized design for material ejection also means less downtime clearing out debris, which can be a significant productivity boost.

Overall, I found The TORCH to be a reliable and efficient blade for most medium metal applications. While it showed some wear when cutting tougher materials like rebar, it excelled in cutting conduit, strut, and stainless steel pipe. Its durability, smooth cutting performance, and compatibility with various saws make it a valuable tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Would I recommend The TORCH? Yes, but with some caveats. If your primary need is cutting medium metals like conduit, strut, and stainless steel pipe, this blade is an excellent choice. Its carbide teeth provide a longer lifespan and smoother cuts compared to bi-metal blades, and its design ensures efficient material ejection.

However, if you frequently cut tougher materials like rebar, you might need to consider a more specialized blade designed for heavy-duty applications. While The TORCH can handle such tasks, its durability may be compromised after repeated use on tougher metals.

In conclusion, Milwaukee's 12" Reciprocating Saw Blade with Carbide Teeth, The TORCH, is a high-performing tool for medium metal cutting tasks. Its durability, smooth cutting action, and compatibility make it a solid addition to any toolkit. Just be mindful of its limitations with tougher materials, and you'll find it to be a reliable and efficient blade for your metal cutting needs.