Milwaukee 6 in 10TPI The TORCH with Carbide Teeth for Medium Metal

The Milwaukee 6 in 10TPI Torch with Carbide Teeth for Medium Metal, model 48-00-5251, promises a lot on paper. Designed to tackle medium thickness metals with ease, the blade boasts a longer lifespan compared to bi-metal counterparts, thanks to its carbide teeth. With claims of cutting through EMT conduit, strut, rigid conduit, stainless steel pipe, and copper, I was eager to see how it would perform under real-world conditions.

The first thing I noticed about the Torch blade is its robust construction. The carbide teeth are well-defined and seem more durable than the average bi-metal blade. The 10 TPI (teeth per inch) design is optimized for making smooth and fast cuts, which is a feature I always look for in a reciprocating saw blade. The universal 1/2 inch tang makes it compatible with most saws, ensuring ease of installation—a crucial aspect for any tool.

To put the blade to the test, I decided to cut through a variety of materials that are often encountered in typical metalworking projects. First up was a standard 1/2 inch EMT conduit. The Torch blade sliced through the conduit with impressive speed, taking roughly 5 seconds per cut. However, the cuts weren't as clean as I had hoped; there were noticeable burrs both inside and outside the conduit. While this might not be a dealbreaker for rough work, it does mean additional cleanup is necessary for projects requiring a cleaner finish.

Next, I moved on to a 1-inch square tube with a wall thickness of 5/64 inches. Here, the Torch blade continued to impress with its cutting speed. Each cut took about 10 to 11 seconds, and the results were somewhat better in terms of burrs, though they were still present. The blade’s performance was consistent, and it didn’t seem to struggle at all with the material.

Finally, I tested the blade on a 1 1/4 inch angle iron, which is notoriously tough to cut. The first cut took about 14 seconds, while the second took just over 20 seconds. This increase in time made me suspect that the blade might be dulling. To verify, I made another cut on the EMT conduit, which again took about 5 seconds, indicating that the blade was still effective, though not as sharp as when I started.

After completing the cuts, I examined the blade under high magnification. To my surprise, several teeth were missing, and some appeared rounded over. This was concerning, especially considering the blade is advertised to have a significantly longer lifespan than standard bi-metal blades. The wear and tear after just a few cuts made me question the longevity claims.

Despite these issues, the Torch blade does have some redeeming qualities. Its cutting speed is undeniably impressive, making it a good choice for quick, rough cuts. The carbide teeth, while showing wear, do provide an initial sharpness that makes cutting through medium metals relatively effortless. The large tooth gullets also help with material ejection, preventing clogging and ensuring smoother operation.

However, the blade’s performance in terms of cut quality leaves much to be desired. The presence of burrs means that additional finishing work is required, which can be time-consuming. Moreover, the rapid wear and loss of teeth are significant drawbacks that could affect the blade’s overall value.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 6 in 10TPI Torch with Carbide Teeth for Medium Metal is a mixed bag. It excels in speed and ease of use, making it suitable for quick, rough cuts. However, its performance in terms of cut quality and durability falls short of expectations. For those who need a blade for fast, occasional cuts on medium metals, the Torch blade might be a worthwhile investment. However, for more precise work or heavy-duty use, you might want to consider other options. Given these factors, I would recommend this blade with reservations, primarily for its speed and ease of installation, but caution potential buyers about its limitations in durability and cut quality.