Sears Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You own a Sears Craftsman 12-inch band saw and you want to know about its capacity, controls, and maintenance. The Sears Craftsman 12-inch band saw is a mid-size floor-standing band saw sold by Sears under the Craftsman brand. You need to know the specifications, what it can do, and what to watch for as an owner.
The Sears Craftsman 12-inch band saw is a mid-size floor-standing band saw sold by Sears under the Craftsman brand. It was manufactured by Emerson Electric for Sears. The 12-inch saw is larger than the 9-inch benchtop models but smaller than the 14-inch floor models.
Model Identification
Common Sears Craftsman 12-Inch Models
| Model Series | Manufacturer | Blade Length | Type | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113.298xxx | Emerson Electric | 80 inches (verify) | 12-inch floor | 1980s to 2000s |
| 113.24xxxx | Emerson Electric | 80 inches (verify) | 12-inch floor | 1980s to 1990s |
| 22400 | TTI | 93-1/2 inches (verify) | 12/14-inch floor | 2000s+ |
How to Identify Your Model
- 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.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 12-inch floor-standing band saw |
| Throat | 11 to 12 inches |
| Resaw capacity | 6 to 8 inches (verify by model) |
| Blade length | 80 inches (verify by model) |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 1/2 inch |
| Motor | 1 to 1-1/8 HP, 120V |
| Speed | Single speed, ~2500 to 3000 FPM |
| Table | Cast iron, ~14 x 14 inches |
| Table tilt | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | ~150 to 200 pounds |
Cut Capacity
Throat
The throat is 11 to 12 inches, meaning you can cut stock up to about 11 inches wide.
Resaw Capacity
The resaw capacity is 6 to 8 inches, depending on the model. This is sufficient for most resawing tasks.
What It Can Cut
Can cut: Hardwood up to 6 to 8 inches thick. Softwood of any thickness within capacity. Plywood, MDF, and composite materials. Cannot cut: Metal (speed is too fast). Stock wider than 11 inches.
Controls
Power Switch
Standard toggle switch.
Blade Tension
Tension is adjusted by turning the tension knob on the upper wheel hub.
Tracking
Tracking is adjusted by tilting the upper wheel.
Blade Guides
Upper guides: Adjustable side guides and thrust bearing. Lower guides: Same procedure as upper guides. Guide material: Metal blocks (stock). Can be upgraded to Cool Blocks.
Table Tilt
The table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees.
Band Saw Sander Attachment
Some Craftsman 12-inch saws include a sanding attachment that converts the saw to a spindle sander. The attachment replaces the blade with a sanding drum.
Blade Selection
Blade Length
Verify the blade length by measuring the old blade or checking the manual. Common lengths for Craftsman 12-inch saws are 80 inches and 93-1/2 inches.
Recommended Blades
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 15 to 20 dollars. Resawing: 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth, bi-metal M42. Cost: 25 to 35 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 12 to 18 dollars. Scroll work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars.
Common Repairs
Replacing Tires
Replacement: Urethane tires for 12-inch wheels. Cost: 20 to 35 dollars per pair.
Upgrading Blade Guides
Cool Blocks: 15 to 20 dollars.
Replacing Wheel Bearings
Cost: 15 to 30 dollars per bearing.
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Motor Repair
- Motor replacement: 100 to 200 dollars.
Ownership Notes
What to Check Before Buying Used
- Frame and wheels for cracks.
- Tires for cracking and hardening.
- Motor for smooth running.
- Table for flatness.
- Fence and miter gauge inclusion.
- Blade guides for wear.
- Sanding attachment inclusion (if applicable).
Maintenance Schedule
Daily: Clean sawdust from table and wheels. Check blade. Weekly: Clean wheel covers. Lubricate guide post. Monthly: Check drive belt tension. Check bolts. Annually: Replace tires if worn. Check bearings. Inspect cord and switch.
Upgrades
- Install a quality blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf.
- Upgrade to urethane tires.
- Upgrade blade guides to Cool Blocks.
- Add dust collection.
FAQ
What blade does the Sears Craftsman 12-inch band saw use?
The blade length varies by model. Common lengths are 80 inches and 93-1/2 inches. Measure the old blade or check the manual to verify.
Can I resaw with a Sears Craftsman 12-inch band saw?
Yes. The resaw capacity is 6 to 8 inches. Use a 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal blade for resawing.
Where can I find parts for my Sears Craftsman 12-inch band saw?
Sears Parts Direct, eReplacementParts, Amazon, and eBay. Blades and tires are widely available. Model-specific parts may be harder to find for older models.
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Parts.” searspartsdirect.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Craftsman 113.298xxx Parts.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “80-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Fine Woodworking. “12-Inch Band Saw Setup.” Taunton Press.
- Vintage Machinery. “Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Reference.” vintagemachinery.org.
