Old Craftsman Band Saw Parts Guide: A Compatibility Guide for Repairs and Restoration
You own an old Craftsman band saw and you need to find parts to restore it. Old Craftsman band saws were made by several manufacturers over the decades, and parts can be challenging to find. You need to know how to identify your model, what parts are interchangeable, and where to find replacements. You need a guide that covers old Craftsman band saw parts.
Old Craftsman band saws were sold by Sears under the Craftsman brand. They were manufactured by several companies over the years, including Emerson Electric, King-Seeley, and TTI. Parts availability varies by model and age, with some parts being easy to find and others requiring aftermarket solutions or fabrication.
Model Identification
Common Old Craftsman Band Saw Models
| Model Series | Manufacturer | Blade Length | Type | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103.xxxxx | King-Seeley | Varies (verify) | 10 to 12-inch | 1950s to 1960s |
| 113.2xxxxx | Emerson Electric | 59-1/2 or 93-1/2 inches | 9 to 14-inch | 1970s to 2000s |
| 113.298xxx | Emerson Electric | 93-1/2 inches | 14-inch floor | 1980s to 2000s |
| 113.24xxxx | Emerson Electric | 59-1/2 inches (verify) | 9 to 10-inch | 1980s to 1990s |
| 22400 | TTI | 93-1/2 inches | 14-inch floor | 2000s+ |
| 21400 | TTI | 93-1/2 inches | 14-inch floor | 2000s+ |
How to Identify Your Old Craftsman Saw
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame or column.
- If the label is missing, look for a stamped number on the frame.
- Measure the blade length to identify the saw size.
- Check the motor label for manufacturer, horsepower, and voltage.
- Look up the model number on Sears Parts Direct or eReplacementParts.
Important: The model number prefix (103, 113, 22400) tells you the manufacturer, which helps in finding compatible parts.
Common Wear Parts
1. Blades
The most frequently replaced part.
9-inch saws: 59-1/2 inch blade. Available from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers. 14-inch saws: 93-1/2 inch blade. Available from all major blade manufacturers.
Compatibility: Blades are interchangeable between saws that use the same length, regardless of brand or age.
2. Tires
Rubber or urethane rings on the wheels.
9-inch saws: 9-inch tires. 14-inch saws: 14-inch tires.
Compatibility: Tires are sized by wheel diameter. Any 14-inch tire fits any 14-inch saw. Cost: 15 to 35 dollars per pair.
Recommendation: Replace old rubber tires with urethane tires. They last longer and do not require adhesive.
3. Blade Guides
9-inch saws: Metal guide blocks. Can be upgraded to Cool Blocks from Olson Saw. 14-inch saws: Metal guide blocks. Can be upgraded to Cool Blocks or Carter bearing guides.
Compatibility: Cool Blocks fit most Craftsman guide assemblies. Carter guides may require adapter plates. Check compatibility before buying.
4. Drive Belt
Compatibility: Model-specific. Measure the old belt or check the parts diagram. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
5. Wheel Bearings
How to choose: Read the bearing number on the old bearing. Common bearing numbers include 6203, 6204, 6205, 6206.
Compatibility: Bearings are standard industrial parts. Any bearing with the same number will fit, regardless of brand. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars per bearing.
6. Motor
Compatibility: Model-specific. Check the frame size, horsepower, voltage, and shaft diameter. Cost: 80 to 200 dollars.
Note: Old motors can often be rebuilt (replace bearings, start capacitor) for less than the cost of a new motor.
7. Switch
Compatibility: Any switch with the same amperage rating will work. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Upgrade: Consider replacing the old toggle switch with a magnetic switch that prevents restart after power interruption.
8. Tension Spring
If the blade tension will not hold, the tension spring may be weak or broken. Compatibility: Model-specific. Check the parts diagram. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.
Where to Find Parts
Sears Parts Direct
The first stop for Craftsman parts. Enter the model number to find available parts. Some parts for older models may be discontinued.
eReplacementParts
A large online parts supplier. Enter the model number to find available parts and parts diagrams.
Aftermarket Suppliers
Olson Saw: Blades and Cool Blocks for all common lengths. Carter Products: Guide upgrades (check compatibility). Industrial bearing suppliers: Standard bearings by bearing number. Belt suppliers: Standard belts by belt number.
Online Retailers
Amazon: Blades, tires, bearings, belts, and switches. eBay: Hard-to-find and discontinued parts. Good source for old Craftsman parts. Etsy: Sometimes has reproduction parts for vintage saws.
Fabrication
For parts that cannot be found, consider having them fabricated:
- Machine shops: Can fabricate metal parts.
- 3D printing: Can produce plastic parts.
- Welding: Can repair broken metal parts.
Restoration Tips
1. Clean Everything
Disassemble the saw completely. Clean all parts with degreaser. Remove old grease, sawdust, and rust. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove rust from metal parts.
2. Replace the Tires
Old rubber tires are almost certainly hardened and cracked. Replace with urethane tires. Soak in hot water before installation.
3. Replace the Bearings
Old bearings are likely worn. Read the bearing numbers and replace with new industrial bearings.
4. Replace the Drive Belt
Old belts are likely cracked or stretched. Measure the old belt and replace with a new one.
5. Install a Quality Blade
A quality blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf makes more difference than any other single change. Choose the correct length for your saw.
6. Upgrade the Blade Guides
Replace old metal guide blocks with Cool Blocks from Olson Saw. Consider Carter bearing guides for 14-inch saws.
7. Check the Motor
Run the motor and listen for bearing noise. If the bearings are noisy, replace them. If the motor does not start, check the start capacitor. If the motor smokes, it may need rewinding or replacement.
8. Align the Table
Check that the table is 90 degrees to the blade. Shim the trunnion if needed. Check that the table tilts smoothly from 0 to 45 degrees.
9. Replace the Switch
Old switches can be unreliable. Replace with a new switch of the same amperage rating. Consider a magnetic switch for safety.
10. Paint and Refinish
After cleaning and repairing, paint the saw frame to prevent rust and improve appearance. Use a rust-preventing primer and enamel paint.
FAQ
Where can I find parts for my old Craftsman band saw?
Sears Parts Direct, eReplacementParts, aftermarket suppliers like Olson Saw and Carter Products, Amazon, and eBay for discontinued parts. For parts that cannot be found, consider fabrication by a machine shop.
Are old Craftsman band saw parts interchangeable with modern parts?
Blades are interchangeable with any saw using the same length. Tires are interchangeable with any saw having the same wheel diameter. Bearings, belts, and switches can be replaced with standard industrial parts by part number. Guides and other model-specific parts may not be interchangeable.
How do I identify my old Craftsman band saw model?
Find the model number on the label or stamped on the frame. The model number prefix (103, 113, 22400) tells you the manufacturer. If the label is missing, measure the blade length and contact Sears Parts Direct.
Is it worth restoring an old Craftsman band saw?
If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires, bearings, belt, and a quality blade, an old Craftsman saw can produce good results. Typical restoration cost is 50 to 150 dollars in parts.
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts and Diagrams.” searspartsdirect.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Compatibility Chart.” Carter Products.
- Fine Woodworking. “Restoring an Old Band Saw.” Taunton Press.
- Vintage Machinery. “Craftsman Band Saw Reference.” vintagemachinery.org.
