Old Craftsman Band Saw: Identification, Restoration, and Parts Sourcing

You found an old Craftsman band saw and you want to identify it, restore it, or find parts. Old Craftsman band saws were made by several manufacturers over the decades. You need to know how to identify the model, date it, and find parts for restoration.

Old Craftsman band saws were sold by Sears under the Craftsman brand from the 1950s through the 2000s. They were manufactured by several companies, including Emerson Electric, King-Seeley, and TTI. Identifying the manufacturer and model is the first step in restoration.

Model Identification

Manufacturers by Era

Era	Manufacturer	Model Prefix	Notes
1950s to 1960s	King-Seeley	103.xxx	Cast iron, heavy, well-built
1970s to 2000s	Emerson Electric	113.xxx	Most common
2000s+	TTI	22xxx, BASxxx	Newer, lighter

How to Identify Your Model

1. Find the model number. Look for a metal label or stamped number on the saw frame or column.
2. Check the prefix. 103.xxx = King-Seeley, 113.xxx = Emerson Electric, 22xxx = TTI.
3. Measure the blade length. This helps identify the saw size.
4. Check the motor label. Look for manufacturer, horsepower, voltage, and date codes.
5. Look up the model number. Search Sears Parts Direct, eReplacementParts, or Vintage Machinery.

Common Old Craftsman Band Saw Models

Model	Type	Blade Length	Era	Manufacturer
103.24xxxx	12-inch floor	80 inches (verify)	1950s to 1960s	King-Seeley
113.24xxxx	9-inch benchtop	59-1/2 inches	1970s to 1990s	Emerson Electric
113.298xxx	12-inch floor	80 inches (verify)	1980s to 2000s	Emerson Electric
113.2980xx	14-inch floor	93-1/2 inches (verify)	1980s to 2000s	Emerson Electric
22400	12/14-inch floor	93-1/2 inches (verify)	2000s+	TTI

Dating Your Saw

Methods for Dating

1. Model number prefix. 103 = 1950s to 1960s. 113 = 1970s to 2000s. 22xxx = 2000s+.
2. Motor date code. Emerson Electric motors have date codes stamped on the motor label.
3. Style and features. Cast iron frame = older. Stamped steel frame = newer.
4. Vintage Machinery. Look up the model number on vintagemachinery.org for manufacturing dates.
5. Sears catalogs. Old Sears catalogs list the model numbers and years.

Restoration Steps

1. Disassembly

1. Remove the blade, blade guides, and fence.
2. Remove the table.
3. Remove the wheel covers.
4. Remove the wheels.
5. Remove the motor (if separate).
6. Take photos during disassembly for reference.

2. Cleaning

1. Clean all parts with degreaser.
2. Remove rust with a wire brush, sandpaper, or electrolysis.
3. Clean the table with a random orbit sander or hand sanding.
4. Clean the wheels and wheel covers.

3. Inspection

1. Check the frame for cracks.
2. Check the wheels for cracks and runout.
3. Check the bearings for noise and play.
4. Check the table for flatness.
5. Check the trunnions for wear.
6. Check the guide post for smooth movement.

4. Repair and Replacement

Part	What to Do	Cost
Tires	Replace with urethane	15 to 35 dollars
Bearings	Replace if noisy or worn	15 to 30 dollars each
Blade guides	Replace or upgrade to Cool Blocks	15 to 20 dollars
Drive belt	Replace	8 to 15 dollars
Switch	Replace if unreliable	10 to 15 dollars
Power cord	Replace if cracked or frayed	10 to 20 dollars
Motor	Rebuild or replace	60 to 200 dollars
Table	Flatten by sanding	Free

5. Reassembly

1. Install new bearings in the wheels.
2. Install new tires on the wheels.
3. Reinstall the wheels.
4. Install the table and trunnions.
5. Install the blade guides.
6. Install a new blade.
7. Adjust tension, tracking, and guides.
8. Test run.

6. Finishing

1. Paint bare metal to prevent rust.
2. Wax the table for smooth material sliding.
3. Apply a rust inhibitor to bare metal surfaces.

Parts Sourcing

Sears Parts Direct

Website: searspartsdirect.com How to use: Enter the model number to find parts diagrams and order parts. Availability: Varies. Common parts are available. Discontinued parts may not be.

eReplacementParts

Website: eReplacementparts.com How to use: Enter the model number to find parts diagrams and order parts. Availability: Good for common parts. May not have discontinued parts.

eBay

How to use: Search for the model number or part description. Availability: Good for used and NOS (new old stock) parts. Check seller ratings.

Amazon

How to use: Search for generic parts (tires, blades, bearings, belts). Availability: Good for generic parts. Not for model-specific parts.

Vintage Machinery

Website: vintagemachinery.org How to use: Search for the model number to find manuals, parts lists, and photos. Availability: Free reference information. Does not sell parts.

Specialty Suppliers

Olson Saw: Blades and Cool Blocks. Carter Products: Guide upgrades. Bandsawparts.com: Tires and parts for many saws.

FAQ

How old is my Craftsman band saw?

Check the model number prefix. 103.xxx = 1950s to 1960s (King-Seeley). 113.xxx = 1970s to 2000s (Emerson Electric). 22xxx = 2000s+ (TTI). For more precise dating, check the motor date code or look up the model on Vintage Machinery.

Is an old Craftsman band saw worth restoring?

Yes, if the frame is sound. King-Seeley (103.xxx) and Emerson Electric (113.xxx) saws are well-built and can produce good results with new tires, bearings, and a quality blade. Total restoration cost is typically 50 to 150 dollars.

Where can I find parts for an old Craftsman band saw?

Sears Parts Direct, eReplacementParts, eBay, Amazon, and specialty suppliers like Olson Saw and Carter Products. Common parts (tires, blades, bearings, belts) are widely available. Model-specific parts may be harder to find.

References

• Sears Parts Direct. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts.” searspartsdirect.com.
• eReplacementParts. “Craftsman Band Saw Parts Diagrams.” eReplacementParts.com.
• Vintage Machinery. “Craftsman Band Saw Reference.” vintagemachinery.org.
• Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade and Parts Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
• Carter Products. “Band Saw Guide Upgrades.” Carter Products.