Craftsman 12 Band Saw Blade: Dimensions, Uses, and Selection Rules
You own a Craftsman 12-inch band saw and you need to buy blades. The Craftsman 12-inch band saw uses a specific blade length that varies by model. You need to know the correct blade length, width, TPI, and material for your saw.
Craftsman 12-inch band saws are mid-size floor-standing band saws sold by Sears under the Craftsman brand. They were manufactured by Emerson Electric and later by TTI. The blade length varies by model, with common lengths of 80 inches and 93-1/2 inches.
Blade Length by Model
Common Blade Lengths
| Model Series | Manufacturer | Blade Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 113.298xxx | Emerson Electric | 80 inches (verify) | Common |
| 113.24xxxx | Emerson Electric | 80 inches (verify) | Common |
| 22400 | TTI | 93-1/2 inches (verify) | Newer model |
How to Verify Your Blade Length
- Check the manual. The manual lists the correct blade length.
- Measure the old blade. If you have the old blade, measure its total circumference.
- Contact Sears Parts Direct. Provide the model number to confirm the blade length.
Important: Do not guess the blade length. Some Craftsman 12-inch saws use 80-inch blades while others use 93-1/2 inch blades. Always verify before ordering.
Blade Dimensions
Standard Dimensions
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 1/8 to 1/2 inch |
| Thickness | 0.025 inches (typical) |
Available Blade Widths
| Width | Best For | Minimum Cut Radius |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | Scroll work, tight curves | 5/16 inch |
| 1/4 inch | Curve cutting | 7/8 inch |
| 3/8 inch | General woodworking | 1-1/2 inches |
| 1/2 inch | Ripping, resawing | 2-1/2 inches |
TPI Selection
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness | Cut Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 TPI | Resawing, thick stock | 2 to 6 inches | Fair |
| 4 TPI | General woodworking | 3/4 to 4 inches | Fair to good |
| 6 TPI | General woodworking | 1/2 to 3 inches | Good |
| 8 TPI | Smoother cuts | 1/4 to 2 inches | Good |
| 10 TPI | Thin stock | 1/4 inch and under | Good to excellent |
| 14 TPI | Scroll work, thin stock | 1/8 inch and under | Excellent |
Rule of Thumb
At least 3 teeth should be in the material at all times.
Tooth Profiles
Skip Tooth (Large Gullets)
Best for: General woodworking, softwoods, MDF. Large gullets clear sawdust efficiently.
Hook Tooth (Positive Rake)
Best for: Hardwoods, thick stock, resawing. Cuts aggressively.
Standard Tooth (0 Degree Rake)
Best for: General-purpose cutting. Good balance of speed and finish.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Best for: General woodworking, hobby use. Cost: 12 to 20 dollars.
Bi-Metal M42
Best for: Resawing hardwood, production cutting. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Carbide-Tipped
Best for: Production resawing, abrasive materials. Cost: 80 to 200 dollars.
Recommended Blades by Task
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.
Where to Buy Craftsman 12-Inch Blades
Olson Saw: Carbon steel and bi-metal blades in 80 and 93-1/2 inch lengths. Timber Wolf (Suffolk Machinery): Low-tension blades. Woodcraft: Various brands and materials. Amazon: Various brands and specifications. Sears Parts Direct: OEM blades (may be discontinued for older models).
FAQ
What blade does my Craftsman 12-inch band saw use?
The blade length varies by model. Common lengths are 80 inches (113.298xxx) and 93-1/2 inches (22400). Measure the old blade or check the manual to verify.
What TPI should I use for my Craftsman 12-inch band saw?
3 TPI for resawing. 4 to 6 TPI for general woodworking. 10 to 14 TPI for thin stock and scroll work.
What material should I choose for my Craftsman 12-inch blade?
Carbon steel for general woodworking (12 to 20 dollars). Bi-metal M42 for resawing and production (20 to 40 dollars). Carbide-tipped for production resawing (80 to 200 dollars).
References
- Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Parts.” searspartsdirect.com.
- Olson Saw. “80-Inch and 93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Suffolk Machinery (Timber Wolf). “Blade Selection Guide.” Suffolk Machinery Corporation.
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw Blade Selection.” Taunton Press.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw Blade Reference.” Woodcraft Supply.
