Craftsman Band Saw: Model Identification, Setup, and Common Repairs

You inherited a Craftsman band saw from your grandfather. It is old but solid. You want to get it running but you are not sure which model you have, what blade to buy, or what to check before you start cutting. The label is partially worn and you cannot read the model number clearly. You need a guide to identify the saw and get it set up.

Craftsman made band saws in several sizes over the decades, sold primarily through Sears. The most common are the 9-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch models. They range from basic benchtop saws to floor-standing saws with good capacity. Identifying your model is the first step to getting the right blades and parts.

Model Identification

9-Inch Models

Craftsman 9-Inch Band Saw (BAS230): A 9-inch benchtop saw with a 1/3 HP motor. Uses a 59-1/2 inch blade. The smallest Craftsman band saw.

Specifications:

• Throat: 9 inches
• Cut capacity: 3-1/2 inches
• Blade: 59-1/2 inches, 1/8 to 3/8 inch wide
• Motor: 1/3 HP, 120V
• Table: Aluminum, tilts 0 to 45 degrees

10-Inch Models

Craftsman 10-Inch Band Saw (21400): A 10-inch benchtop saw with a 1/2 HP motor. Uses a 70-1/2 inch blade.

Craftsman 10-Inch Band Saw (113 series): Some 10-inch Craftsman saws use a 62-inch blade. Check your manual to confirm.

Specifications:

• Throat: 10 inches
• Cut capacity: 4 to 4-1/2 inches
• Blade: 70-1/2 or 62 inches (varies by model)
• Motor: 1/2 HP, 120V
• Table: Cast iron or aluminum (varies by model)

12-Inch Models

Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw (113.248320): A 12-inch saw with a 1 HP motor. Uses an 80-inch blade. One of the most common Craftsman band saws on the used market.

Specifications:

• Throat: 12 inches
• Cut capacity: 6 inches
• Blade: 80 inches, 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide
• Motor: 1 HP, 120V
• Table: Cast iron, tilts 0 to 45 degrees
• Features: Two-speed, miter gauge, fence

14-Inch Models

Craftsman 14-Inch Band Saw (BAS350): A 14-inch floor-standing saw with a 1 HP motor. Uses a 93-1/2 inch blade. The largest Craftsman band saw.

Specifications:

• Throat: 14 inches
• Cut capacity: 6 inches
• Blade: 93-1/2 inches, 1/8 to 3/4 inch wide
• Motor: 1 HP, 120V
• Table: Cast iron, tilts 0 to 45 degrees
• Features: Fence, miter gauge, dust port

How to Identify Your Saw

Check the model number on the label on the back of the column or on the motor housing. Craftsman model numbers typically start with 113 or 214 followed by more digits.

If the label is worn, measure the throat (distance from blade to column) to determine the size. Then check the blade length by measuring the old blade or looking up the model online.

Blade Selection

59-1/2 Inch (9-Inch Saws)

1/8 inch, 14 TPI: Tight curves and scroll work. 1/4 inch, 6 TPI: General purpose. Handles 3/4 to 2 inch stock. 3/8 inch, 4 TPI: The best all-around width. Straight cuts and gentle curves.

Carbon steel blades are fine for 9-inch saws. The 1/3 HP motor does not need bi-metal.

80-Inch (12-Inch Saws)

1/8 inch, 14 TPI: Tight curves. 1/4 inch, 6 TPI: General curves. 3/8 inch, 4 TPI: The best all-around width. Handles 80 percent of tasks. 1/2 inch, 3 TPI: Resawing up to 6 inches.

Carbon steel for general work, bi-metal for resawing.

93-1/2 Inch (14-Inch Saws)

1/8 inch, 14 TPI: Tight curves. 1/4 inch, 6 TPI: General curves. 3/8 inch, 4 TPI: The best all-around width. 1/2 inch, 3 TPI: Resawing up to 6 inches. 3/4 inch, 3 TPI: Maximum width for resawing.

Carbon steel for general work, bi-metal for resawing and hardwood.

Initial Setup

Install the blade. Open the wheel covers, place the blade around both wheels with teeth pointing down and toward the table, close the covers, and tension the blade.

Set the tracking. Run the saw briefly and watch the blade on the upper wheel. Adjust the tracking knob until the blade runs centered on the tire.

Adjust the blade guides. Set side guides about 1/32 inch from the blade and the thrust bearing about 1/64 inch behind the blade.

Check the table. The table should be 90 degrees to the blade. Check with a combination square. Shim the trunnion if needed.

Align the fence. Align the fence parallel to the blade using a straightedge. A misaligned fence causes drift.

Common Repairs

Replacing the Tires

Rubber tires harden and crack after 5 to 10 years. Replace with urethane tires. Soak in hot water before installation. This fixes most tracking problems.

Fixing Blade Drift

Check in order: dull blade, uneven guides, worn tires, misaligned fence. Replace or adjust as needed.

Replacing the Drive Belt

The drive belt stretches and cracks over time. A worn belt causes slipping. Measure the old belt or look up the part number.

Motor Issues

If the motor bogs down, reduce feed rate. If it hums but does not start, the start capacitor may be bad. If it runs but has no power, the bearings may be worn.

Upgrading the Blade Guides

Stock metal block guides can be upgraded to Cool Blocks (15 to 25 dollars) or Carter bearing guides (80 to 150 dollars). This is the most impactful upgrade for cut quality.

Parts Availability

Craftsman band saw parts are available from several sources:

Sears Parts Direct: The original source for Craftsman parts. Has diagrams and part numbers for most models. Some parts may be discontinued.

eReplacementParts: A good source for Craftsman parts. Has diagrams and part numbers.

Aftermarket suppliers: Urethane tires, drive belts, bearings, and blades are available from multiple aftermarket suppliers.

Olson Saw: Sells blades in all Craftsman lengths (59-1/2, 62, 70-1/2, 80, 93-1/2 inches).

Carter Products: Sells guide upgrades for most Craftsman saws.

FAQ

What blade does my Craftsman band saw use?

It depends on the model. 9-inch: 59-1/2 inches. 10-inch: 62 or 70-1/2 inches (check manual). 12-inch: 80 inches. 14-inch: 93-1/2 inches.

Where can I find parts for my Craftsman band saw?

Sears Parts Direct, eReplacementParts, and aftermarket suppliers. Blades and tires are widely available. Internal parts may be harder to find for older models.

Is an old Craftsman band saw worth restoring?

If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires, a good blade, and properly adjusted guides, an old Craftsman can produce good results. The cast iron construction on 12-inch and 14-inch models is solid.

Can I cut metal with my Craftsman band saw?

Most Craftsman wood band saws run at 2500 to 3000 SFPM, which is too fast for metal. Some 12-inch models have a two-speed option. Check your manual.

How do I identify my Craftsman band saw model?

Check the model number on the label on the back of the column or motor housing. If the label is worn, measure the throat and blade length to determine the size.

What is the best upgrade for a Craftsman band saw?

Replacing the stock metal blade guides with Carter bearing guides. The improvement in cut quality and blade life is significant.

References

• Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts Reference.” SearsPartsDirect.com.
• Olson Saw. “Craftsman Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
• Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade for Craftsman Band Saws.” Carter Products.
• eReplacementParts. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts.” eReplacementParts.com.
• Old Woodworking Machines. “Craftsman Band Saw Restoration Guide.” OWWM.com.