What Blade Size Fits the Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Model 113? Length, Width, and TPI

You found a Craftsman 12-inch band saw at a garage sale for 40 dollars. The motor runs, the tires look decent, and the table is flat. The model number on the tag says 113.243280. You need blades, but the manual is long gone and you are not sure if this is the same as other Craftsman 12-inch saws.

The Craftsman model 113 series is the most widely sold 12-inch band saw in North America. Sears produced variants of this saw from the 1980s through the early 2000s. The 113 prefix identifies it as a Emerson Electric manufactured tool (Sears used different manufacturers for different product lines). Despite the many sub-model numbers, they all share the same basic frame and blade specifications.

Blade Length: 80 Inches Standard

The Craftsman 12-inch model 113 takes an 80-inch blade. This is the standard length for a 12-inch band saw without a riser block. The 80-inch measurement is the circumference of the blade loop when installed and tensioned.

If your saw has a riser block installed (a spacer between the upper and lower wheel housings that increases resaw capacity), the blade length changes to 105 inches. To check for a riser block, measure the distance from the table to the upper blade guide at maximum height. A stock model 113 gives you about 6 inches. With a riser block, you get about 12 inches.

Most model 113 saws do not have a riser block. The riser block was an optional accessory sold by Sears, and many owners never installed one. If your saw gives you 6 inches of resaw clearance, you need an 80-inch blade.

Model 113 Variants

The 113 series includes several sub-models. The most common are:

113.243280: The standard 12-inch band saw. Single speed, 1 HP motor (some versions are 1-1/8 HP), aluminum table. This is the most common variant.

113.243281: Same as the 243280 but with a different switch configuration. Internally identical.

113.243300: Updated version with improved blade guards and a different motor mount. Still uses 80-inch blades.

113.248210: Two-speed version. Has a belt change for high/low speed. The low speed allows light metal cutting. Same 80-inch blade length.

All of these use the same 80-inch blade. The differences are in motor, switch, and speed options, not in blade dimensions.

Blade Width Options

The model 113 accepts blades from 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch wide. The blade guides are adjustable to accommodate different widths.

1/8 inch: Tight curves, scroll work. Minimum cutting radius about 2 inches. Not suitable for resawing or straight ripping. The blade will wander on straight cuts.

1/4 inch: General purpose. Handles curves down to about 4 inch radius and straight cuts in stock up to 2 inches. Good for furniture parts and small projects.

3/8 inch: The best all-around width for this saw. Tracks straight for ripping and resawing up to 4 inches. Still handles gentle curves (5 inch radius and up). If you only buy one blade, make it 3/8 inch.

1/2 inch: Resawing and straight ripping. Can handle the full 6-inch resaw capacity of the stock saw. Will not cut curves tighter than about 12 inch radius.

3/4 inch: Maximum width the model 113 can run. Resawing only. The stock blade guides may need adjustment to accept this width. Some owners report that 3/4 inch blades rub the guide post on older models.

TPI Selection for the Model 113

3 TPI (hook tooth): Resawing thick stock (3 inches and up). The aggressive hook angle pulls the blade through the wood. Large gullets clear chips fast. The cut is fast but rough.

4 TPI (skip tooth): General woodworking. The default for 1/4 and 3/8 inch blades. Handles 3/4 to 2 inch stock well. Good chip clearance in softwoods.

6 TPI: Smoother cuts on 1/2 to 1 inch stock. Slower feed rate than 4 TPI but better surface finish. Good for furniture parts where you want to minimize sanding.

10 to 14 TPI: Thin stock (1/4 inch and under) and fine curves. Clean cut but will burn in thick material. Use only for thin work.

Tooth Profile

Hook tooth has a positive rake angle (about 10 degrees). The tooth leans forward. Cuts aggressively, fast. Best for thick stock and resawing. Can grab in soft woods if feed is too fast.

Skip tooth has a 0 degree rake. Straight up tooth with large gullet. The most common profile for general woodworking. Good chip clearance, moderate cut speed.

Regular tooth has a slight negative rake. Cuts slower, produces the smoothest finish. Best for thin stock and fine work.

Blade Material

For woodworking on the model 113, carbon steel blades are fine. They are inexpensive and hold an edge adequately for softwoods and moderate hardwood use.

If you cut a lot of hardwood (oak, maple, hickory), bi-metal blades last 3 to 5 times longer. The M42 edge resists the abrasive nature of hardwood fibers better than carbon steel.

For the two-speed model 113.248210 in low speed mode, use a bi-metal blade for metal cutting. Carbon steel will not hold up on steel or aluminum.

Known Issues with the Model 113

Blade guides: The stock guide blocks are metal and can run hot. They wear blades faster than aftermarket guides. Replacing them with Carter bearing guides or Cool Blocks is the most common upgrade for this saw. The improvement in blade life and cut quality is significant.

Tires: The original rubber tires harden and crack after 10 to 15 years. If your saw is old, the tires probably need replacing. Urethane tires are the best replacement. They grip the blade better and last longer than rubber.

Table alignment: The aluminum table on the model 113 can become non-square to the blade after years of use. Check with a combination square and shim the table if needed. A misaligned table causes angled cuts.

Motor: The 1 HP motor is adequate for most work but struggles on thick hardwood resawing. If the motor bogs down, reduce feed rate. Forcing the cut will stall the motor and potentially burn it out.

Recommended Blades

For general woodworking, an 80-inch carbon steel blade in 3/8 inch width with 4 TPI skip tooth handles 80 percent of tasks. This is the blade to keep on the saw for daily use.

For resawing, an 80-inch bi-metal blade in 1/2 inch width with 3 TPI hook tooth. The bi-metal construction handles the heat of deep cuts better than carbon steel.

For curve work, an 80-inch carbon steel blade in 1/4 inch width with 6 TPI. Narrow enough for moderate curves, fine enough for a clean finish.

FAQ

What blade length does the Craftsman model 113 use?

80 inches for a stock saw. 105 inches if a riser block is installed.

Can I cut metal with the model 113?

Only if you have the two-speed version (113.248210) and run it in low speed. The standard single-speed model is too fast for metal cutting and will destroy the blade.

Where can I find blades for the Craftsman 113?

80-inch band saw blades are widely available from Olson Saw, LENOX, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers. They are sold at woodworking stores, online retailers, and some hardware stores.

What is the best blade for resawing on the model 113?

A 1/2 inch wide, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal blade in 80-inch length. The bi-metal edge handles the heat of deep cuts, and the coarse teeth clear chips fast.

How do I know if my model 113 needs new tires?

If the tires are cracked, hardened, or have flat spots, replace them. If the blade tracks poorly or comes off the wheels, the tires are likely the cause. Urethane tires are the best replacement.

Can I install a riser block on the model 113?

Yes, if you can find one. Sears sold riser blocks for the 113 series, but they are discontinued. Aftermarket riser blocks are available from some suppliers. Installing a riser block changes the blade length from 80 to 105 inches.

References

• Sears Craftsman. “12-Inch Band Saw Model 113 Owner’s Manual.” Sears Roebuck and Co.
• Emerson Electric. “Model 113 Parts Diagram.” Emerson Tool Company.
• Carter Products. “Band Saw Guide Upgrade for Craftsman 12-Inch.” Carter Products.
• Olson Saw. “80-Inch Band Saw Blade Selection Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
• Suffolk Machinery. “Timber Wolf Blade Specifications for 12-Inch Saws.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.