Craftsman 12IN Band Saw: What to Check Before Buying or Restoring One
You are looking at a used Craftsman 12-inch band saw and you want to know if it is worth buying. Or you already own one and you want to restore it. The Craftsman 12-inch band saw has been made in several models over the years, and some are better than others. You need to know what to look for, what to avoid, and what it takes to get one running well.
The Craftsman 12-inch band saw is a mid-size woodworking saw that has been sold by Sears for decades. It is larger than the 9-inch and 10-inch benchtop models but smaller than a 14-inch floor-standing saw. It is a good choice for a hobbyist who needs more capacity than a benchtop saw but does not want to invest in a 14-inch saw.
Model Identification
Common 12-Inch Models
Craftsman 113 Series: The most common 12-inch Craftsman band saw. Made by Emerson Electric.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 113 series |
| Throat | 12 inches |
| Cut capacity | 6 inches |
| Blade length | 80 inches (verify with manual) |
| Motor | 1/2 to 1-1/8 HP, 120V |
| Table | Cast aluminum or cast iron |
| Type | Benchtop or floor standing |
Craftsman 12-inch Electronic Band Saw: A newer model with electronic speed control.
Craftsman 12-inch Band Saw and Sander: A combination unit that includes a sanding attachment.
How to Identify Your Saw
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame.
- If the label is missing, measure the blade length.
- Check the motor horsepower and amperage.
- Look up the model number on Sears Parts Direct.
What to Check Before Buying Used
1. Frame and Wheels
Check the frame for cracks, especially around the wheel housings and the column. Check the wheels for cracks, chips, and wobble. Spin both wheels by hand and feel for bearing roughness.
Red flags: Cracks in the frame, cracked or chipped wheels, wobbly wheels.
2. Tires
Check the rubber tires on both wheels. The tires should be smooth and flexible. If they are cracked, hardened, or have flat spots, they need to be replaced. This is a 15 to 35 dollar repair.
Red flags: Cracked, hardened, or missing tires. Not a deal-breaker but factor in the cost.
3. Blade Guides
Check the blade guides for wear. The stock guides are metal blocks. If they are deeply grooved or worn, they need to be replaced or upgraded. This is a 15 to 60 dollar repair depending on the upgrade.
Red flags: Deeply grooved guides, guides that do not adjust properly.
4. Table
Check the table for flatness. A cast iron table should be flat and smooth. A cast aluminum table may have minor imperfections but should not be warped or cracked. Check that the table tilts smoothly from 0 to 45 degrees.
Red flags: Warped or cracked table, table that does not tilt, trunnion damage.
5. Motor
Run the motor if possible. Listen for bearing noise, humming, or smoking. Check that the motor starts promptly and runs smoothly.
Red flags: Motor that hums but does not start, bearing noise, smoking.
6. Fence and Miter Gauge
Check if the fence and miter gauge are included. These are often missing on used saws. Replacements can be hard to find for older models.
Red flags: Missing fence or miter gauge. Factor in the cost of replacements or aftermarket alternatives.
7. Blade Tension and Tracking
Install a blade and check that the tension mechanism works. Check that the tracking adjustment can center the blade on the tire.
Red flags: Tension knob stripped, tracking adjustment not working.
Common Repairs
Replacing the Tires
The most common repair. Rubber tires harden and crack after 5 to 10 years.
Replacement: Urethane tires in the correct size for 12-inch wheels. Soak in hot water before installation. Cost: 15 to 35 dollars per pair.
Upgrading the Blade Guides
The stock metal guide blocks can be upgraded to Cool Blocks (15 to 20 dollars) or Carter bearing guides (50 to 80 dollars, if available for your model).
Replacing the Drive Belt
The drive belt stretches and cracks over time. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Motor Repair or Replacement
If the motor hums but does not start, the start capacitor may be bad (10 to 20 dollars). If the motor has bearing noise, the bearings may need replacement (15 to 30 dollars). If the motor is burnt out, replacement may be needed (80 to 200 dollars).
Switch Replacement
The power switch can fail after years of use. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Restoration Tips
Clean everything. Disassemble the saw, clean all parts, and remove old grease and sawdust.
Replace the tires. New urethane tires make a big difference in blade tracking and cut quality.
Upgrade the guides. Cool Blocks or bearing guides improve cut quality.
Install a good blade. A quality blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf in the correct length makes more difference than any other single change.
Align the table. Check that the table is 90 degrees to the blade. Shim the trunnion if needed.
Check the fence. If the stock fence is missing or inaccurate, consider an aftermarket fence or a Kreg resaw guide.
Blade Selection
The Craftsman 12-inch band saw uses an 80-inch blade (verify with your manual). This is a standard length available from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers.
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Fine work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel.
Is It Worth Restoring?
If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires, a good blade, and properly adjusted guides, a Craftsman 12-inch band saw can produce acceptable results for hobby woodworking.
Good for: Hobby woodworking, furniture parts, curve cutting, light resawing. Not good for: Production work, heavy resawing, metal cutting, precision joinery.
Typical restoration cost: 50 to 150 dollars for tires, blade, guides, belt, and switch.
FAQ
What blade does the Craftsman 12-inch band saw use?
An 80-inch blade (verify with your manual). Available in widths from 1/8 to 5/8 inch. Carbon steel for general woodworking, bi-metal for resawing.
Is the Craftsman 12-inch band saw worth restoring?
If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires and a good blade, it can produce acceptable results for hobby work. Typical restoration cost is 50 to 150 dollars.
Where can I find parts for my Craftsman 12-inch band saw?
Sears Parts Direct, eReplacementParts, and aftermarket suppliers like Olson Saw and Carter Products.
Can I cut metal with my Craftsman 12-inch band saw?
No. The saw runs at wood-cutting speed (2500 to 3500 SFPM), which is too fast for metal.
What should I check before buying a used Craftsman 12-inch band saw?
Check the frame for cracks, the wheels for wobble, the tires for wear, the motor for smooth running, and the table for flatness. Factor in the cost of any needed repairs.
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Parts Diagrams.” searspartsdirect.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts Reference.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “80-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Compatibility Chart.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “Restoring an Old Band Saw.” Taunton Press.
