Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw: Model Identification, Setup, and Common Repairs

You bought a Craftsman 12-inch band saw used. The previous owner said it worked fine, but when you got it home and turned it on, the blade wobbled, the cut drifted to the right, and the motor made a noise like a washing machine full of gravel. You paid 50 dollars for it and now you are wondering if you got a deal or a project.

The Craftsman 12-inch band saw was sold by Sears for decades under multiple model numbers. Some were built by Emerson Electric (model 113 series), some by others. They share the same basic design but have differences in motor, switches, and features. Most are fixable with basic tools and a few hours of work.

Model Identification

Craftsman 12-inch band saws fall into two main families.

Model 113 series (Emerson Electric): The most common. Built from the 1980s through early 2000s. Model numbers include 113.243280, 113.243281, 113.243300, and 113.248210 (two-speed). The 113 prefix indicates Emerson Electric manufacture. These saws have a 1 HP or 1-1/8 HP motor, aluminum table, and cast iron frame.

Newer models (post-2005): Sears switched manufacturers. These models have different model numbers (starting with 214 or 244) and may have different motor configurations. Some are rebadged versions of other manufacturers’ saws.

To identify your saw, look for the model number plate on the back of the column or on the motor housing. The plate will have the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date.

Initial Setup

Install the blade. Open the upper and lower wheel covers. Place an 80-inch blade around both wheels with the teeth pointing down and toward the cut direction. The teeth should face the table. Close the covers and tension the blade.

Set the tracking. Turn the saw on briefly and watch the blade on the upper wheel. The blade should run in the center of the tire crown. If it drifts to one side, adjust the upper wheel tilt with the tracking knob (usually on the back of the upper wheel housing). Turn the knob slightly until the blade centers.

Adjust the blade guides. The upper and lower guides should be about 1/32 inch from the blade sides and about 1/64 inch behind the blade teeth. If the guides are too tight, they will damage the blade set. If they are too loose, the blade will wander.

Check the table. The table should be 90 degrees to the blade. Check with a combination square. If it is off, loosen the table trunnion bolts, adjust, and retighten.

Set the fence. If your saw has a rip fence, align it parallel to the blade. A misaligned fence causes the blade to drift and can cause the blade to come off the wheels.

Common Repairs

Replacing the Tires

The rubber tires on the wheels harden and crack after 10 to 15 years. If your saw is old, the tires probably need replacing. Symptoms include blade tracking problems, blade coming off the wheels, and excessive vibration.

To replace: remove the wheel covers, take off the old tires (they may need to be cut off), clean the wheel rims, and install new urethane tires. Urethane tires are better than rubber because they grip the blade better and last longer. Soak the urethane tires in hot water for 10 minutes before installation to make them pliable.

Fixing Motor Noise

If the motor makes grinding or rumbling noises, the bearings are likely worn. On the model 113, the motor is a standard NEMA frame motor and the bearings are replaceable. You need to remove the motor, open the end bells, and press out the old bearings. New bearings cost 10 to 20 dollars. The bearing numbers are usually 6203ZZ or 6204ZZ, but check your old bearings for the exact number.

If the motor hums but does not start, the start capacitor may be bad. The capacitor is a small cylinder attached to the motor housing. Replacement is a 15 dollar part.

Replacing the Drive Belt

The drive belt connects the motor to the lower wheel. Over time, it stretches and cracks. A worn belt causes slipping, which reduces blade speed and causes uneven cuts. Replacement belts are available from Sears parts online or from third-party suppliers. Measure the old belt or look up the part number in the manual.

Fixing Blade Drift

If the blade cuts at an angle even though you are feeding straight, you have blade drift. Causes include:

Dull blade: Replace the blade. A dull blade drifts because the teeth are not cutting evenly.

Uneven blade guides: If one guide is tighter than the other, the blade is pushed sideways. Adjust both guides to equal clearance.

Worn tires: If the tires have flat spots, the blade gets pushed sideways on each revolution. Replace the tires.

Misaligned fence: If the fence is not parallel to the blade, the workpiece is pushed sideways into the blade. Realign the fence.

Upgrading the Blade Guides

The stock metal guide blocks on the model 113 are a known weak point. They run hot, wear the blade, and do not support the blade well. Two upgrade options:

Cool Blocks: Composite guide blocks that run cooler and are gentler on the blade. They cost about 20 dollars and install in place of the stock blocks. A good budget upgrade.

Carter Bearing Guides: Roller bearing guides that support the blade with minimal friction. They cost 100 to 150 dollars and significantly improve cut quality and blade life. The best upgrade you can make to a model 113.

Fixing the Table Tilt Lock

The table tilt lock on the model 113 can strip after years of use. The lock is a bolt that clamps the trunnion to the column. If it will not hold the table in position, the bolt or trunnion threads are stripped. Replace the bolt with a longer one and add a nut on the back side to lock it.

Recommended Parts and Upgrades

For blades, the Olson Saw 80-inch Pro Band blade in 3/8 inch width with 4 TPI skip tooth is the best general-purpose blade for the Craftsman 12-inch.

For tires, urethane tires from Carter or aftermarket suppliers. Do not use rubber tires. They will harden again in 5 years.

For guide upgrades, Carter bearing guides if budget allows, Cool Blocks if it does not.

FAQ

What blade does the Craftsman 12-inch band saw use?

An 80-inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/4 inch. The most common all-purpose blade is 3/8 inch wide with 4 TPI.

How much is a used Craftsman 12-inch band saw worth?

In working condition, 75 to 150 dollars depending on condition and included accessories. If it needs tires, bearings, or guides, subtract 50 to 100 dollars for parts and your time.

Can I cut metal with the Craftsman 12-inch?

Only the two-speed model (113.248210) in low speed mode. The standard single-speed model runs too fast for metal cutting.

Where can I find parts for the Craftsman 12-inch?

Sears parts website (searspartsdirect.com) has diagrams and parts for most models. Third-party suppliers like eReplacementParts and ToolPartsDirect also carry common parts. Aftermarket tires, blades, and guide upgrades are available from woodworking suppliers.

Why does my saw vibrate excessively?

Check the tires for flat spots, the drive belt for wear, the motor bearings for play, and the wheel balance. A worn tire or belt is the most common cause of vibration.

Can I install a riser block on the Craftsman 12-inch?

On the model 113, a riser block was available as an accessory but is now discontinued. Aftermarket riser blocks may fit some models. A riser block increases resaw capacity from 6 to 12 inches and changes the blade length from 80 to 105 inches.

References

• Sears Craftsman. “12-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Models 113.243280, 113.243300.
• Emerson Electric. “Model 113 Parts Diagram and Service Notes.” Emerson Tool Company.
• Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Kit for Craftsman 12-Inch.” Carter Products.
• Olson Saw. “80-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
• eReplacementParts. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts Reference.” eReplacementParts.com.