Craftsman 14 Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You own a Craftsman 14-inch band saw and you want to know about its capacity, controls, and maintenance. The Craftsman 14-inch band saw is a floor-standing woodworking saw designed for serious hobby and light professional use. You need to know the specifications, what it can do, and what to watch for as an owner.
The Craftsman 14-inch band saw is a floor-standing woodworking saw. It has been sold under several model numbers including the BAS350 and the 22400 series. It is designed for curve cutting, ripping, and light resawing in a home or small professional shop.
Model Identification
Common Models
| Model | Manufacturer | Blade Length | Motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAS350 | Various | 93-1/2 inches | 3/4 HP |
| 22400 | Various | 93-1/2 inches | 3/4 to 1 HP |
| 113.298031 | Emerson Electric | 93-1/2 inches | Similar to above |
| 113.298030 | Emerson Electric | 93-1/2 inches | Similar to above |
How to Identify Your Model
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame or column.
- If the label is missing, measure the blade length. A 93-1/2 inch blade indicates a 14-inch saw.
- Check the motor label for horsepower and voltage.
- Look up the model number on Sears Parts Direct.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | BAS350 (and variants) |
| Type | 14-inch floor-standing woodworking band saw |
| Throat | 13-1/2 to 14 inches |
| Cut capacity | 6 inches (12 inches with riser block) |
| Blade length | 93-1/2 inches (105 inches with riser) |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/4 inch |
| Motor | 3/4 to 1 HP, 120V |
| Speed | Single or two speed, 2500 to 3000 FPM |
| Table | Cast iron, 15 x 15 inches |
| Table tilt | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | 200 to 250 pounds |
Cut Capacity
Throat
The throat is 13-1/2 to 14 inches, meaning you can cut stock up to about 13-1/2 inches wide.
Resaw Capacity
The resaw capacity is 6 inches without a riser block. With a riser block, the capacity increases to 12 inches.
Riser block: Available as an accessory. Installs between the upper and lower frame sections to increase resaw capacity. Cost: 50 to 100 dollars.
What It Can Cut
Can cut: Hardwood up to 6 inches thick (12 inches with riser). Softwood of any thickness within capacity. Plywood, MDF, and composite materials. Cannot cut: Metal (speed is too fast). Stock wider than 13-1/2 inches.
Controls
Power Switch
Standard toggle or paddle switch. Some models have a magnetic switch that prevents restart after power interruption.
Blade Tension
Tension is adjusted by turning the tension knob on the upper wheel hub. Turn clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease.
Recommended tension: 15,000 to 20,000 PSI for a 3/8 inch blade. Use a tension gauge for accurate settings.
Tracking
Tracking is adjusted by tilting the upper wheel. Turn the tracking knob to center the blade on the tire.
Blade Guides
Upper guides: Adjustable side guides and thrust bearing. Set side guides about 1/32 inch from the blade sides. Set thrust bearing about 1/64 inch behind the blade. Lower guides: Same procedure as upper guides.
Table Tilt
The table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees. Loosen the trunnion lock, tilt the table, and retighten.
Guide Post
The upper guide post moves up and down to accommodate different stock thicknesses. Set the guide post about 1/4 inch above the workpiece.
Blade Selection
The Craftsman 14-inch band saw uses a 93-1/2 inch blade (105 inches with a riser block).
Recommended Blades
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 15 dollars. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: about 25 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 15 dollars. Scroll work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: about 12 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 93-1/2 inch blade is shared with:
- Delta 14-inch saws
- Jet 14-inch saws
- Grizzly 14-inch saws
- Rikon 14-inch saws
- Most other 14-inch saws
Blades from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers will fit the Craftsman 14-inch saw.
Common Repairs
Replacing Tires
Tires harden and crack after 5 to 10 years. Replacement: Urethane tires for 14-inch wheels. Soak in hot water before installation. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars per pair.
Upgrading 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).
Replacing Wheel Bearings
Cost: 15 to 30 dollars per bearing. Read the bearing number on the old bearing.
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars. Measure the old belt.
Motor Repair
- Start capacitor: 10 to 20 dollars (if applicable)
- Motor replacement: 80 to 200 dollars
Ownership Notes
What to Check Before Buying Used
- Frame: Check for cracks.
- Wheels: Check for cracks, chips, and wobble.
- Tires: Check for cracking and hardening.
- Motor: Run the motor and listen for bearing noise.
- Table: Check for flatness and cracks.
- Fence: Check if the fence is included and square.
- Blade guides: Check for wear.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily: Clean sawdust from the table and wheels. Check blade for wear. Weekly: Clean the wheel covers inside. Lubricate the guide post. Monthly: Check drive belt tension. Check all bolts for tightness. Annually: Replace tires if worn. Check wheel bearings. Inspect electrical cord and switch.
Upgrades
- Install a quality blade. A blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf makes more difference than any other change.
- Upgrade to urethane tires. Better tracking and longer life.
- Add a riser block. Increases resaw capacity from 6 to 12 inches.
- Upgrade blade guides. Cool Blocks or Carter bearing guides.
- Add a quick-release tensioner. Makes blade changes easier and extends blade life.
- Add dust collection. Connect a dust collector to the 4-inch port.
FAQ
What blade does the Craftsman 14-inch band saw use?
A 93-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/4 inch. With a riser block, the blade length is 105 inches. Carbon steel for general work, bi-metal for resawing.
Can I resaw with a Craftsman 14-inch band saw?
Yes, with a 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal blade. The resaw capacity is 6 inches without a riser block and 12 inches with a riser block.
Where can I find parts for my Craftsman 14-inch band saw?
Sears Parts Direct, eReplacementParts, aftermarket suppliers like Olson Saw and Carter Products, and eBay for discontinued parts.
Can I cut metal with my Craftsman 14-inch band saw?
No, unless it has variable speed that can be reduced to 40 to 500 FPM. Most Craftsman 14-inch saws run at 2500 to 3000 FPM, which is too fast for metal.
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman 14-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manuals.” searspartsdirect.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Compatibility Chart.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “14-Inch Band Saw Setup.” Taunton Press.
