Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Dual-Trigger Bandsaw Kit with Two 3.0 Ah High Output Batteries

24 reviews for Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Dual-Trigger Bandsaw Kit with Two 3.0 Ah High Output Batteries

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Sydnie Stokes (verified owner) – August 30, 2022

   This is a great and very convenient tool to have, I use it to cut metal tubes for my shop.. eliminates having to walk around the other side of the shop to just cut the tubes! Would recommend it and cuts great!

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Cristopher Johns (verified owner) – July 6, 2022

   WOW! This is the safest saw I have ever operated. Great Saw. Mouth of 3 ¼ inch wide and deep is large. Dual trigger requires two hand operation at all times. This is a two-handed sequence that doesn’t always make sense. The “trigger” finger which is used for speed is the initial safety and then the guide handle is squeezed to start the saw and then the throttle is engaged. Variable Speed trigger is very short throw. It takes a few runs to get used to the sensitivity. Direct drive feels steady and very powerful, torque. Adjustable alignment shoe had 3 depths and is easy to use. Uses an LED light to help see material. Great feel while cutting. Just the right weight. Comes with 2, high output 3.0 AH Batteries and the saw is M18 compatible for more spare batteries. Medium weight (about 8 pounds) makes overhead work tolerable. Has a hanger hook for keeping off the floor. Protective guards for the blade are a little difficult to remove around the battery. They clip into place and may need to be trimmed. Optional reamer (49-90-2029) for ½ inch and ¾ inch and 1-inch pipe can be attached to the tool body to make cuts smoother. 8/10 TPI Blade is a sharp cut (included). Many other blades are available. Blades are easy to change. Must read the operations instructions or you’ll be scratching your head with how does it work. Safest tool in the shed.

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Oswald Streich (verified owner) – June 6, 2022

   I’m a semi-retired I.T. technician and homeowner/DIY’er, not a skilled trades pro, so this review comes from that standpoint. And from that standpoint, I do love this saw!The new compact Milwaukee M18 band saw kit comes with the saw, two 3 a/h “high output” batteries, a “rapid” charger, blade guards, 1 blade, and a contractor’s bag (with removable shoulder strap) to store everything.I’d really prefer this set have a hard-sided case rather than a contractor’s bag – soft sided bags take up less storage in the back of the 4×4, but don’t protect the gear as well. This isn’t a downstroke on the saw, just something I’d prefer.Milwaukee has devised a “two-switch” operation; there’s one switch for each hand, which prevents attempts at using the tool with one hand. There’s also a trigger lock on the rear switch. To operate the saw, you need to insert a battery, unlock the trigger safety, squeeze the rear switch and then, with the other hand, squeeze the front switch. If you unintentionally release the rear switch you can’t just press it to get going again – you need to release the front switch, then press the rear switch and then the front switch. It’s easier in operation than it is to describe – but it’s nice to see a solid safety system on this tool. Of course, you’ll want to wear eye and hearing protection.There’s a tension lever (see photo) that allows the blade to be removed or installed. I had some difficulty in getting the included blade installed (that’s probably more me than the saw!). I’d recommend mechanics gloves for that task (YMMV); the blade points are sharp! Milwaukee offers several types of saw blades, not just the one that comes with this kit.The instructions that come with the saw are minimal but there are a number of good online videos on Milwaukee band saws. Once the blade is in and the batteries charged (they don’t come charged up) in use the saw is really effective and easy to use. The “cut capacity” (how big the opening is for fitting the saw over the work) is 3 ¼” by 3 ¼”. There’s a nice LED that lights up the cutting area. There’s an adjustable “shoe” to brace the saw against the work. A “hang” hook allows the saw to be hung from a hook, belt, etc. The hook folds out of the way when not in use. Fit and finish is excellent. The saw, at something over 7 pounds, feels lighter in use than I had expected. I can’t address the longevity of the batteries – I haven’t any major projects on hand and the work I’ve been doing in my basement hasn’t depleted even one of the batteries. Of course, the pros will have their own take on battery life. The M18 batteries, of course, work across the full range of M18 tools.Milwaukee also includes a couple of blade guards (see photo) that I’m finding serviceable, but difficult to slide over the saw. With a little practice that task has become easier, but the first few times were a trudge. The saw works find with the blade guards in place, they’re not just for transporting the saw safely.Not being a pro skilled trades-person, I don’t do much in the way of sawing through solid metal blocks like some of the online videos show. The Milwaukee does do a nicer job (for me, YMMV) of cutting through tubing (whether metal or PVC) than my reciprocating saw. With the band saw there’s no “blade wiggle” and I find it easier to get a clean cut. I’ll go with any tool that makes the job easier and gets me out of the neighbor’s or relative’s house faster.90-Day returnable policy from Home Depot, five years warranty from Milwaukee on the tool; check the Milwaukee documentation for battery warranty info.HTHRegards,Jim

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   Trycia Keebler (verified owner) – April 13, 2022

   The new Milwaukee “Compact” bandsaw kit is a great bandsaw with a Dual-Trigger Design that takes some getting used to. The throat on the new compact bandsaw is 3 ¼ inch by 3 ¼ inch. Its full-size bigger brother has a larger 5-inch x 5-inch throat. The bigger brother also weighs ~5.7 lbs. more than the newer “Compact” bandsaw. The lighter weight makes the “Compact” bandsaw easier to handle. The “Compact” bandsaw is ~9.7 lbs. with a 3Ah high output battery installed. The Dual-Trigger logic is flawed in my mind. The user is required to pull the throttle trigger completely back and then squeeze the front handle trigger for the saw to start. Unfortunately, with the throttle trigger pulled completely back the bandsaw is running full speed when you depress the front handle trigger. Normally, with a variable speed trigger you can actually start the saw from not running and speed the saw up with increasing trigger pull. The new “Compact” bandsaw can only start at full speed. With the new “Compact” bandsaw you let off the throttle trigger to slow the saw down and if you release the trigger too far, the saw stops, and you have to start all over. So, the “Compact” bandsaw is variable speed but more complicated to use than normal. I’m sure Milwaukee tool designers did this so the front dual trigger could not be permanently overridden with tape or a clamp defeating the purpose of the Dual-Trigger safety. With practice, I think this logic will “not” be a big problem. The “Compact” bandsaw comes with a 35 3/8 inch, 8/10 TPI Extreme metal cutting bandsaw blade. The bandsaw blade needs to be installed, which when done for first time seems difficult, but just follow the instructions in the manual and by the 2nd installation you will be a pro. The new “Compact” bandsaw is equipped with Jobsite Armor Technology. This consists of 2 additional guards (a guard for each end of the bandsaw) which will absorb energy if the saw is dropped. The rear guard is easier to install if the battery is temporarily removed when installing the guard. A LED light is turned on when you pull throttle trigger. This LED light is a nice feature in a poorly lighted work area. This Milwaukee bandsaw kit includes 2 high 3Ah high output batteries with a Rapid Charger. Everything in the bandsaw kit fits nicely into the Red Milwaukee tool bag. I actually prefer the tool bag vs. the plastic case because the bag is not as bulky. The new Milwaukee “Compact” bandsaw is a great tool to use. If the 3 ¼ inch throat in the bandsaw will take care of your needs this is the saw to buy.

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   Precious Will (verified owner) – March 19, 2022

   Great tool, fairly well balanced, powerful batteries and enough safety feature to keep the challenged (neighbors) from hurting themselves when they borrow it. The Milwaukee model 2829S-22 is a fully self-contained kit consisting of a great heavy-duty bag, duel trigger saw, two 3.0Ah batteries and a rapid battery charger. The non “S” 2829-22 is the single trigger saw., the 5 1/2″ deep cut model is 2729-20.Starting with the saw, the cutting capacity of the opening is 3 ¼ x 3 ¼ and has a tool free (push button) locking adjustable shoe. The user can go from full shoe to no shoe on the fly. There is a rafter hanger on the back so you can hang the saw and use both hand without putting the saw down. The work opening is lit up by a LED light that turns on when the rear trigger is depressed. The rear or variable speed trigger needs to be depressed first and then the off-hand trigger second for the blade to rotate, this is the safety feature. If done in the opposite manner, off hand then variable, the saw will not operate. If you release the offhand trigger the blade will stop rotating so no one handed cutting which is probably a good thing. If you pull the variable speed trigger and do not depress the offhand trigger within 10 seconds the tool requires that you start the sequence all over again. The variable speed (rear) trigger has a lock out button, the saws weight is fairly light at approx. 8 ½-9 lbs. with the battery installed. The motor is brushless, and the drive system is an all metal-direct drive. The kit comes with two plastic bumpers that go over each wheel to help protect the frame. Additional attachment for pipe or conduit reaming after cut (49-90-2029 approx. $35) is easily attached to the drive wheel. Reviews on the attachment are average. The batteries are 3.0Ah lithium and compatible with all other M18 Fuel systems. The batteries have a charge level meter and plus intelligence. The LI-ION battery packs will not develop a “memory” if a partially charged battery is recharged. So, you can ‘top” off a battery prior to starting a job without effecting the battery. In cases of extended high torque or binding the battery pack will protect itself from damage by turning off the tool and the charge level light will flash. To start back up, simply release the trigger and restart. If the battery shuts off because of an overheating of the battery the charge level lights will flash in an alternating pattern. You as the user must let the battery cool down and then restart. The M18/M12 rapid charger charged batteries quickly, can charge both M12 and M18 batteries and has a descriptive functional indicator ledger right on the charger. I used this saw to cut some conduit, 2” steel angle iron and 1 ½” round 4140 steel bar with no issues at all. Powerful and light weight this is a great tool, recommended.

6. Rated 5 out of 5

   Eulah Flatley (verified owner) – March 11, 2022

   Intended to provide the utility of its corded kin, this portable bandsaw (powered by M18 Fuel Li-Ion hi-output batteries), offers a host of features along with one possible limitation. Included in the package was the basic tool, two (2) CP-3.0 Li-Ion batteries, M18/M12 Battery Charger, blade (25-3/8 inch x ½ inch, 8 TPI),Blade Guards, Manuals and a soft carry-case (with shoulder strap). Weighing 7.7 pounds (without the battery) it is light enough to not tire one out after prolonged usage. The balance is quite good and, at least for right-handed use, the sightline to the workpiece is unobstructed. It can be used left-handed, but it will be somewhat awkward, and it will place the tool in line with the person using it. The brushless drive motor allows operation from 0-540 surface feet per minute and the drive wheel has a small brush to remove metal particles from the wheel as it rotates. The three-position adjustable shoe (which has a small amount of play) permits one to change the extension of the shoe to accommodate various shapes and the integral rafter hook (which is detented in the stored and use position) provides a way to hang up the saw while not in use. The cutting capacity of the tool is up to 3 ¼ inch round and 3 ¼ x 3 ¼ rectangular material and the tool is rated for operation between 0 degrees F and 125 degrees F (although the battery has an upper limit of 120 degrees F). The five (5) year tool warranty and two (2) year battery warranty should provide a reasonable confidence level, though if anything does go wrong it will have to be returned for service as there are no user serviceable parts. A built-in LED work light is integral with the tool and comes on when the second (front) trigger is depressed (not the rear as stated in the owner’s manual).The one feature which will either be considered a positive or negative depending upon the nature of one’s work is the two-trigger operation. Ostensibly to enhance user safety, this will require that two hands are on the tool at all times that one is using it, which is definitely a plus point. However, the operating sequence requires that first the rear handle trigger be depressed followed by the front handle trigger to permit the saw to operate. The rear trigger is also the control for the variable blade speed and if allowed to reach zero, will result in the saw shutting down, requiring one to go through the starting sequence once again. If your normal use is only at full speed, this will be of no consequence, however, if you need to modulate the speed down near the low end of the control range, you will find yourself repeating the start up sequence frequently. I would prefer that, once the start up sequence (rear trigger than front trigger) is initiated that, as long as the front trigger was depressed one could start and stop it with the rear trigger only. Again, this is personal preference depending on your typical use.All in all, this is a nicely made tool that will become my default “travelling” portable bandsaw, allowing its corded brother to remain in the shop in its bench mount for fixed use (where the cord does not get in the way).

7. Rated 5 out of 5

   Evans Thompson (verified owner) – March 4, 2022

   The new Milwaukee “Compact” bandsaw kit is a great bandsaw with a Dual-Trigger Design that takes some getting used to. The throat on the new compact bandsaw is 3 ¼ inch by 3 ¼ inch. Its full-size bigger brother has a larger 5-inch x 5-inch throat. The bigger brother also weighs ~5.7 lbs. more than the newer “Compact” bandsaw. The lighter weight makes the “Compact” bandsaw easier to handle. The “Compact” bandsaw is ~9.7 lbs. with a 3Ah high output battery installed. The Dual-Trigger logic is flawed in my mind. The user is required to pull the throttle trigger completely back and then squeeze the front handle trigger for the saw to start. Unfortunately, with the throttle trigger pulled completely back the bandsaw is running full speed when you depress the front handle trigger. Normally, with a variable speed trigger you can actually start the saw from not running and speed the saw up with increasing trigger pull. The new “Compact” bandsaw can only start at full speed. With the new “Compact” bandsaw you let off the throttle trigger to slow the saw down and if you release the trigger too far, the saw stops, and you have to start all over. So, the “Compact” bandsaw is variable speed but more complicated to use than normal. I’m sure Milwaukee tool designers did this so the front dual trigger could not be permanently overridden with tape or a clamp defeating the purpose of the Dual-Trigger safety. With practice, I think this logic will “not” be a big problem. The “Compact” bandsaw comes with a 35 3/8 inch, 8/10 TPI Extreme metal cutting bandsaw blade. The bandsaw blade needs to be installed, which when done for first time seems difficult, but just follow the instructions in the manual and by the 2nd installation you will be a pro. The new “Compact” bandsaw is equipped with Jobsite Armor Technology. This consists of 2 additional guards (a guard for each end of the bandsaw) which will absorb energy if the saw is dropped. The rear guard is easier to install if the battery is temporarily removed when installing the guard. A LED light is turned on when you pull throttle trigger. This LED light is a nice feature in a poorly lighted work area. This Milwaukee bandsaw kit includes 2 high 3Ah high output batteries with a Rapid Charger. Everything in the bandsaw kit fits nicely into the Red Milwaukee tool bag. I actually prefer the tool bag vs. the plastic case because the bag is not as bulky. The new Milwaukee “Compact” bandsaw is a great tool to use. If the 3 ¼ inch throat in the bandsaw will take care of your needs this is the saw to buy.

8. Rated 5 out of 5

   Hailey Johns (verified owner) – February 26, 2022

   A really exceptional product!! The right size for 90% of your on the job projects. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it lest someone try and sneak it away. The throat for cutting is big enough for most of the things you need to cut on a job, conduit, pipe, unistrut, all thread etc. Easy to cut at an angle when the product is vise down. Tool is compact enough for easy handling, lightweight and really comfortable to use. Just be sure to power on the tool before you come into contact with whatever you are cutting first. The charger is super fast in charging so there should be no downtime with the two batteries supplied. I totally love this tool, best of its type I have ever used and highly recommend it.

9. Rated 5 out of 5

   Cameron Hills (verified owner) – February 1, 2022

   Milwaukee 2829S-22 Dual Trigger Bandsaw This bandsaw is manufactured to add piece of mind to any commercial operator who might have various operators using this bandsaw. To operate this saw the operator cannot have a cavalier attitude to safety precautions. Both hands need to hold the saw securely to operate the saw. If either hand comes off its respective trigger. There is also a lock out position on the rear trigger that makes the saw inoperable without turning the lockout off. With insurance coverage continuing to climb, being certain a saw like this portable bandsaw will not be used without the saw being held securely by the operator each and every time. The end covers can be seen in the pictures below. The saw can be used with these covers in place giving an extra layer of safety to a bandsaw that is inherently dangerous to use in a caviler manner. Yes, it does take some getting used to, especially if you have used other portable bandsaws in the past. This is the first portable bandsaw with the extra safety measures you would expect to have come out with the earliest versions of portable bandsaws. It’s good to know safety is again being added to saws that move between professional and DIY users.

10. Rated 4 out of 5

    Rosetta Lebsack (verified owner) – November 28, 2021

    Needs a hard case, everything else Milwaukee makes comes with a hard case. I’ve used a couple around different job sites and they perform great! Want to buy one for myself but spending that money only to get a contractor bag just doesn’t set well. Please think about offering a hard case.

11. Rated 4 out of 5

    Joyce Satterfield (verified owner) – October 9, 2021

    Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Dual-Trigger Bandsaw Kit with Two 3.0 Ah High Output Batteries – a Home Depot Seeds Program ReviewI have quite a few Milwaukee M18 Fuel tools and have been pretty happy with them. The battery life is good, the power is great and the tools are very functional. This Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Dual-Trigger Bandsaw is no exception.This handheld bandsaw is probably not going to be a heavily used tool in my DIY arsenal but when there’s a use for it, it’s really nice to have. In my case, it was cutting through some ½ inch black pipe. This is not much fun with a hacksaw. It takes a bit of time and my arms and shoulders are not what they used to be. With this bandsaw the cut took about seven seconds and it left a smooth, clean cut. It worked equally well on angle iron and even some wood deck balusters, though the blade installed is for metal.The opening and throat are 3 ¼ inches. This doesn’t seem like much and it won’t replace my woodworking bandsaw, but its portability makes it great for doing metal cuts in any situation. It’s fast, powerful and pretty lightweight at a little under eight pounds. The operation, except it being handheld, is very similar to a floor standing bandsaw. The guide rollers hold the band nice and secure and the blade tensioner get the blade plenty tight. There’s a dual trigger operation for safety that I still have a problem with because the triggers have to be activated in proper order for the bandsaw to operate. I suppose if I were to use this every day it would be much easier to remember.This Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Dual-Trigger Bandsaw is another great tool in the battery powered lineup from Milwaukee. It’s powerful, pretty lightweight and, except for the dual trigger, pretty easy to use. For the DIYer this is not likely to be a heavily used tool but on some jobsites it could be invaluable. It will certainly be used by me instead of a handheld hacksaw.This is the manufacturer’s product page if interested:https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Metalworking/Band-Saws/2829S-22

12. Rated 4 out of 5

    Vincent Schmeler (verified owner) – October 6, 2021

    I do residential and commercial construction and have long-needed a bandsaw for cutting metal. I cut everything from pipe to conduit to bolts, rebar, all-thread and bar, angle and every type of steel and metal you can imagine. This cordless Milwaukee M18 makes the job far easier than using an angle grinder or Sawzall on many jobs that need and clean, effortless cut, especially over and over again. The 3-1/4 in. x 3-1/4 in. cut capacity is more than enough for most of my purposes, and portability more than makes up for any “lack” of capacity. This bandsaw comes with two 3.0Ah batteries, charger and bag and is great for anyone who needs to cut metal all day and needs portability. The only thing I don’t like is having to hold the trigger first and then the second trigger on the foregrip to start the saw. I’m string enough to use it one-handed and prefer it, but I understand the safety aspect of it

13. Rated 5 out of 5

    Hilbert Hand (verified owner) – August 22, 2021

    This new style is wonderful. We appreciate the safety feature with the 2 triggers and the shield on the bottom to protect you from the blade and metal shavings as we use the tool. I will recommend this product.

14. Rated 5 out of 5

    Haven Emard (verified owner) – August 2, 2021

    If you own a small business and checkout tools to various hands, this Milwaukee M18 FUEL Compact Dual-Trigger Bandsaw Kit is a nice tool with a very important safety feature. The part# is 2829S-22.Safety is a very important practice within our business and you cannot have too much in my opinion. And the dual-trigger feature is what I really feel good about with this tool. Dual triggers requires you to firmly grip the bandsaw with both hands: therefore, not allowing the user one hand operation which can cause severe injury. When this tool is checked out for a day of work, I rest easy knowing the user must utilize both hands.Outside the primary safety feature, the cutting ability is very impressive. I am quite satisfied with this tool and believe it will serve our business well.

15. Rated 5 out of 5

    Hilma Larkin (verified owner) – August 1, 2021

    The 18 volt Milwaukee bandsaw is well worth it for any metal cutting project. We are installing a welded 3 rail fence, made from old drill stem. We had been cutting the saddles with a torch and a grinder with a cutting wheel. The torch drops molten metal and can be a fire hazard. The grinder made a cleaner cut than the torch, but the gaps in the cuts took longer to fill when welding. The bandsaw not only made a clean, very accurate cut, but it also was not a fire hazard when we were cutting. Welding times and the number of rods we were using decreased after we started using this saw.It is light enough to be able to use all day and not get tired and mess up the cuts.The batteries lasted a long time when cutting. The charger is a fast charger and we never had to wait for the batteries to be fully charged before we needed to switch them out. If there was a draw back to any aspect of the saw, it would be the blade. The one that came with it had a small teeth count per inch. I believe it was 14TPI. We burned up that blade pretty quick. We put some 24TPI blades on the saw and they lasted a lot longer before we had to change them out. I will be using this saw for many more projects in the future and would recommend anyone needing a clean cut, to check out this saw.

16. Rated 5 out of 5

    Haley Fisher (verified owner) – February 12, 2021

    I received everything in an acceptable amount of time. Great product.

17. Rated 5 out of 5

    Janick Fadel (verified owner) – January 24, 2021

    This Mikwaukee M18 bandsaw arrived very quickly and all pieces intact and secured in its own box and packed inside another carton. I ordered it because of the name Milwaukee. I like the light weight and balance feel to it. The specific features are the small size, double trigger, 18 volt battery operated and the durable sharp blade that is very easy to install. I use it for cutting round and flat stock that does it effortlessly. I would immediately go to Home Depot store or their web site if I misplace and lose this tool. It is a tremendously helpful tool that I cannot do without. I recommend it whole heartedly for professionals as well as home owners etc. I like it soo much!

18. Rated 5 out of 5

    Dwight Weissnat (verified owner) – December 4, 2020

    Great all-around band saw. It has the power, without the weight. This saw is compact, not as big or heavy as their big guy, but it has plenty of power and speed. They offer a great range of blades for this one also, for whatever you’re cutting. The blades are easy to install and remove. This one has the dual trigger on it, which means you have to keep both hands on the handles and away from the blade. If either trigger is released, the saw stops. You have to release both triggers to restart the saw. Squeeze the rear trigger first, then the front to start it. There is also a trigger lock that keeps the tool from accidentally starting when not in use. The trigger varies the speed according to the pressure applied. It has an LED light on it and a rafter hook. It’s a very well-made and solid build. It is made with Milwaukee’s Jobsite Armor Technology, just like their big saw, which better protects it from drops and debris. This saw uses the M18 batteries that are so popular and dependable. This kit comes with two 3.0 batteries, the Rapid Charger and a sturdy canvas bag. Read the manual for proper use and warranty information is there also. This is a great saw, but Milwaukee has always made the best band saw.

19. Rated 5 out of 5

    Halie Koss (verified owner) – November 21, 2020

    This machine destroys steel. When you have this saw in your hands you are a superhero who can cut steel like it’s butter. We had a saw like this at an industrial job I once worked at. There was a conveyor that was two large,long parallel chains that had steel carts between them that it pulled along. They went through a machine turning at the end so they traveled over the other run going in the opposite direction. If something got snagged there was a big crack-up inside the machine. Everything had to be cleared out between the chains and the chains run to the end to install new carts. When there was a cart crash it was time to get the bandsaw. We’d reach into the machine and start cutting the cart into pieces small enough to get them out. That saw had a cord on it. This nice saw doesn’t and has plenty of power to cut up steel.The opening where you cut is about 3 and 3/8 inches. It comes with two 3 amp/hour batteries. There is a very nice carrying case with a detachable shoulder strap. It was easily assembled, I admit I didn’t read the instructions first. Just think how easily you can cut steel tubing,pipe, angle iron or steel plate in your shop standing at a bench and not reaching awkwardly into a machine while standing on a ladder. Or maybe that’s what you need this for. “Look Ma, no cord”. I do not miss that machine.

20. Rated 5 out of 5

    Chaz Stroman (verified owner) – November 16, 2020

    This is a very well-designed battery-powered band saw by Milwaukee, and it has quite a few good safety features which are really essential for safe use. First, it has a front and rear trigger mechanism (see pictures). You must engage the back trigger first with your right hand, watch for the LED light to activate (see picture), and then pull the front trigger with you left hand. Another great safety feature is the front and rear covers for the band saw blade (see pictures). Although the instructions do not address it, just look at the Milwaukee logo on each piece and make sure the logo is facing up (see picture). I did have a little difficulty getting the front blade cover in place at first, but I found that the upper edge was not initially seated well. This band saw blade (see picture) can cut up to a five-inch square, and it is easy to handle because it is well-balanced with the 3 Ah Lithium battery on the end (see picture). This kit includes a battery charger, two 3 Ah batteries, and a handy carrying case with strap so I am all set to take this anywhere! Final tip: read the manual for installation of the band saw blade – it is step-by-step and a must-do because the process is not completely intuitive. I highly recommend this band saw, especially because the batteries are compatible across all of my Milwaukee tools!