Craftsman Band Saw Parts Guide: How to Identify and Match Replacement Components
You own a Craftsman band saw and you need to find parts for maintenance or restoration. Craftsman band saws have been made for decades under several model lines, and parts are not always interchangeable between models. You need to know how to identify your saw, what parts commonly wear out, where to find replacements, and what is compatible. You need a parts guide that covers the major Craftsman band saw models and helps you source the right components.
Craftsman band saws have been produced by several manufacturers over the years, including Emerson Electric, Ryobi, and others. The brand has gone through multiple owners, which means parts availability varies by model and age. Identifying your exact model is the first step to finding the right parts.
Model Identification
10-Inch Benchtop Models
Craftsman 21400: The most common 10-inch Craftsman band saw. A benchtop saw with a 1/3 HP motor.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 21400 |
| Throat | 10 inches |
| Cut capacity | 4 inches |
| Blade length | 70-1/2 inches |
| Motor | 1/3 HP, 120V |
Older 10-inch models: Some older Craftsman 10-inch saws use a 62-inch blade. Check your manual or measure the old blade.
12-Inch Models
Craftsman 12-inch (Model 113 series): A larger benchtop or floor-standing saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 113 series |
| Throat | 12 inches |
| Cut capacity | 6 inches |
| Blade length | 80 inches (verify with manual) |
| Motor | 1/2 HP, 120V |
9-Inch Models
Craftsman BAS230: A compact 9-inch benchtop saw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | BAS230 |
| Throat | 9 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches |
| Motor | 2.5 amp, 120V |
How to Identify Your Saw
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame or motor.
- If the label is missing, measure the blade length.
- Measure the throat (distance from blade to frame).
- Check the motor amperage or horsepower.
- Look up the model number on Sears Parts Direct or eReplacementParts.
Common Wear Parts
Blade
The most frequently replaced part. The blade length depends on the model.
| Model | Blade Length | Blade Width |
|---|---|---|
| 21400 | 70-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 1/2 inch |
| 113 series | 80 inches (verify) | 1/8 to 5/8 inch |
| BAS230 | 59-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
Replacement: Available from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other blade manufacturers. Use carbon steel for general woodworking, bi-metal for resawing.
Tires
The rubber tires on the wheels harden and crack after 5 to 10 years. This is the most common repair needed on a used Craftsman band saw.
Symptoms: Blade tracking problems, blade coming off the wheels. Replacement: Urethane tires in the correct size for your saw’s wheel diameter.
| Model | Wheel Diameter | Tire Size |
|---|---|---|
| 21400 | 10 inches | 10 inch urethane |
| 113 series | 12 inches | 12 inch urethane |
| BAS230 | 9 inches | 9 inch urethane |
Cost: 15 to 30 dollars per pair.
Blade Guides
The blade guides support the blade during cutting. On older Craftsman saws, these are metal blocks. On newer models, they may be roller bearings.
Symptoms of wear: Blade wandering, poor cut quality, excessive blade wear.
Replacement options:
- Original metal blocks: Available from Sears Parts Direct or eReplacementParts.
- Cool Blocks: A budget upgrade that reduces friction and heat. Available from Olson Saw.
- Carter bearing guides: A premium upgrade for some models. Check Carter’s compatibility chart.
Cost: 15 to 60 dollars depending on the upgrade.
Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the motor to the lower wheel. It stretches and cracks over time.
Symptoms: Slipping, reduced blade speed, squealing noise. Replacement: Measure the old belt or look up the part number from the parts diagram.
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Switch
The power switch can fail after years of use. Older Craftsman saws use a simple toggle switch.
Symptoms: Saw does not start, intermittent operation. Replacement: Match the switch type and mounting. A generic toggle switch can work if the original is unavailable.
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Motor
The motor is generally reliable but can fail after heavy use.
Symptoms: No power, humming but not starting, burning smell.
Diagnosis:
- If the motor hums but does not start, the start capacitor may be bad.
- If the motor runs but has no power, the bearings may be worn.
- If the motor smokes or smells burnt, the windings may be shorted.
Replacement: Match the horsepower, voltage, and frame size. Common frame sizes for Craftsman saws are 48 and 56 frame.
Cost: 80 to 200 dollars.
Table Trunnion
The table trunnion allows the table to tilt. It can become stiff or loose.
Symptoms: Table does not tilt smoothly, table is not square to the blade.
Repair: Clean and lubricate the trunnion. If the trunnion is worn, replace it. Available from Sears Parts Direct.
Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Guide Post
The guide post holds the upper blade guide assembly. It can become stiff or corroded.
Symptoms: Guide post does not slide smoothly, guide assembly is loose.
Repair: Clean and lubricate the guide post. If the post is corroded, use fine sandpaper to clean it. If the post is bent, replace it.
Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
Parts Sources
Sears Parts Direct
The traditional source for Craftsman parts. Has parts diagrams and part numbers for most Craftsman models. Some parts are discontinued.
eReplacementParts
A good source for Craftsman parts. Has diagrams, part numbers, and user-submitted repair guides.
Aftermarket Suppliers
Olson Saw: Sells blades, Cool Blocks, and urethane tires for Craftsman saws. Timber Wolf: Sells blades in Craftsman lengths. Carter Products: Sells bearing guide upgrades for some Craftsman models. Urethane tire suppliers: Multiple suppliers make urethane tires in 9, 10, and 12 inch sizes.
Used Parts
eBay and used machinery dealers can be good sources for hard-to-find parts for older models.
Compatibility Notes
Blades: Blades are interchangeable between Craftsman models and other brands that use the same length. A 70-1/2 inch blade for the 21400 will also fit other brands’ 10-inch saws that use the same length.
Tires: Tires are sized by wheel diameter. A 10-inch urethane tire will fit any saw with 10-inch wheels, regardless of brand.
Guide blocks: Guide blocks vary by model. Check the dimensions of your existing blocks before ordering replacements.
Motors: Motors are generally interchangeable if the frame size, horsepower, and voltage match. Check the rotation direction before installing.
Switches: Generic switches can replace original switches if the current rating and mounting match.
FAQ
Where can I find parts for my Craftsman band saw?
Sears Parts Direct, eReplacementParts, and aftermarket suppliers like Olson Saw and Carter Products. For older models, eBay and used machinery dealers can be good sources.
How do I identify my Craftsman band saw model?
Find the model number on the label on the saw frame or motor. If the label is missing, measure the blade length and throat capacity to narrow down the model.
What blade does my Craftsman band saw use?
It depends on the model. The 21400 uses a 70-1/2 inch blade. The BAS230 uses a 59-1/2 inch blade. The 113 series uses an 80-inch blade (verify with manual). Measure the old blade if you are not sure.
Can I upgrade the blade guides on my Craftsman band saw?
Yes. Cool Blocks are a budget upgrade for most models. Carter bearing guides are available for some models. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility chart.
Are parts interchangeable between Craftsman models?
Some parts like tires and blades are interchangeable if the size matches. Guide blocks, switches, and motors vary by model. Check the parts diagram for your specific model.
How do I know if my Craftsman band saw is worth restoring?
If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires, a good blade, and properly adjusted guides, most Craftsman band saws can produce acceptable results for hobby work.
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts Diagrams.” searspartsdirect.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts Reference.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade and Accessory Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Compatibility Chart.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “Restoring an Old Band Saw.” Taunton Press.
