Craftsman 12 Inch Band Saw Review: Specs, Price, and Is It Worth Buying?

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The Craftsman 12 inch band saw can be a practical choice for woodworking hobbyists who want to cut curves, resaw smaller boards, and shape solid wood without investing in a large industrial machine. However, the exact model matters more than the Craftsman name alone. Older machines sold under this description differ in motor configuration, blade speed, accessories, and included stands.

Many Craftsman 12-inch band saws encountered on the used market are older Sears-era machines, including models 113.243300, 113.248211, and 113.248321. Their specifications are not interchangeable, and a listing that simply says “Craftsman 12-inch band saw” does not establish which machine is being sold. Manufacturer manuals identify these as distinct models or configurations.

Verdict: A well-maintained Craftsman 12-inch band saw can be worth buying for a home workshop, especially if it includes a working motor, intact blade guides, functional guards, and a suitable stand. It is a less attractive purchase if essential parts are missing, the electrical condition is questionable, or the seller cannot identify the model. Because these are legacy machines, inspect the actual saw before assigning value to it.

Craftsman 12 Inch Band Saw: Key Specifications

The following specifications illustrate two documented versions. They should not be treated as specifications for every Craftsman 12-inch band saw.

Sources for model identification include the 113.243300/113.243311 owner’s manual and the 137.224120 owner’s manual.

The 1 HP figure for model 137.224120 is specified as maximum developed horsepower. It should not be interpreted as a verified continuous output rating or compared directly with another saw’s differently defined motor rating.

Before buying, locate the model and serial-number plate on the machine. Use that information to identify the correct manual, replacement parts, blade requirements, and electrical specifications.

Craftsman 12 Inch Band Saw Price: What Should You Pay?

The price of a Craftsman 12-inch band saw depends on its model, working condition, motor, stand, included accessories, and local demand. Since the keyword covers multiple older machines, there is no single reliable price for every version.

A useful reference is the observed used-market evidence below.

The two completed-sale examples are from August 2026, so they provide recent context as of October 26, 2026, but they are not a statistically representative market survey.

A practical used-buying budget

Rather than assuming that every Craftsman 12-inch saw is worth a particular amount, evaluate the machine in front of you.

• Lower-priced, untested machine: Consider it only if you can inspect it safely and account for possible repair costs.
• Complete, working machine: A functioning motor, sound blade wheels, intact guards, and an included stand can justify paying more than you would for an incomplete saw.
• Restored or unusually complete machine: A premium may be reasonable when the condition and restoration work are documented, but cosmetic restoration alone does not prove mechanical reliability.
• Missing motor or damaged components: Deduct the realistic cost of sourcing compatible replacements, including any labor and electrical work.

These are buying categories, not fixed price bands. The best approach is to compare completed sales of the same model rather than comparing all 12-inch Craftsman machines together.

What Makes the Craftsman 12 Inch Band Saw Worth Buying?

1. A useful size for a home woodworking shop

A 12-inch throat is suitable for many furniture components, small cabinet projects, wooden toys, curved cutouts, and general hobby woodworking. The throat describes the approximate distance between the blade and the frame, which limits the width of material that can be cut.

Cutting height is a separate specification. For example, the Craftsman 351.224000 manual specifies a maximum cut depth of 7 inches at 90 degrees and 4 inches at 45 degrees. Those figures apply to that model, not automatically to the older 113-series machines.

For most buyers, the practical question is whether the machine has sufficient throat and cutting height for the projects they actually plan to build.

2. Blade speed options on some models

The Craftsman 351.224000 has two listed blade speeds: 1,450 and 3,000 feet per minute. Its manual describes different applications for these speeds, including lower-speed cutting for hardwoods, some plastics, and certain nonferrous metals. Material suitability still depends on the blade and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not assume that an older Craftsman saw has the same speed options. Some legacy machines use a different motor and pulley arrangement, and their original speed specifications may differ substantially.

3. Potential value compared with buying new

A used machine can offer good value if it is complete, mechanically sound, and inexpensive relative to a comparable new saw. You may also avoid paying for features you do not need.

However, a low purchase price is less attractive if you must replace unavailable parts, repair a motor, rebuild worn wheel assemblies, or correct unsafe electrical modifications. The total cost matters more than the initial asking price.

4. A repairable machine is not necessarily an economical machine

Parts support varies by model. Sears PartsDirect lists a parts diagram for model 113.243300 and identifies at least one component that is no longer manufactured and has no listed substitute. This is a concrete reason to check parts availability before buying a damaged machine.

A complete, functioning saw may therefore be a better purchase than a cheaper machine advertised as an easy restoration project.

Main Advantages and Disadvantages

The strongest reason to buy one is a combination of suitable capacity, good condition, and a sensible total cost. The brand name by itself is not enough.

What to Inspect Before Buying a Used Craftsman Band Saw

A used band saw should be inspected before it is connected to power. If you are not qualified to assess damaged wiring or electrical components, have a qualified technician handle that inspection.

Frame, table, and wheels

• Look for cracks, bent components, heavy corrosion, or signs of impact damage.
• Check that the table is secure and that its tilt mechanism locks correctly.
• Inspect the blade wheels and visible tires for damage, deterioration, or obvious misalignment.
• Confirm that the upper and lower doors, guards, and latches are present and functional.

Motor and electrical condition

• Identify the motor’s voltage and electrical rating from its nameplate.
• Inspect the plug and cord for damage, and look for exposed conductors or improvised wiring.
• Check that the switch and safety-related components are present.
• Do not power up a machine with questionable wiring, missing guards, or damaged electrical parts.

The 351.224000 manual specifies a 120-volt AC motor rated at 7 amperes, but that specification must not be applied to other Craftsman models without checking their own nameplates.

Blade, guides, and tracking

• Verify the required blade length and supported blade widths against the exact manual.
• Check for damaged blade guides, worn bearings, or missing adjustment hardware.
• Confirm that the blade-tensioning and tracking adjustments are present and operable.
• Inspect the fence and miter gauge, if included, for damage and alignment.

Never assume a replacement blade fits simply because it is marketed for a 12-inch band saw. The actual blade length, width, and machine requirements must match.

Accessories and completeness

Ask whether the sale includes the original stand, fence, miter gauge, dust ports, guards, motor, and any model-specific attachments. For older combination band saw/sanders, verify which sanding components are actually present rather than assuming the second function is ready to use.

Once the machine has passed the necessary inspection and has been set up according to its manual, a controlled test cut can help assess tracking, vibration, and cut quality. Stop if the blade wanders excessively, the machine vibrates abnormally, or any safety component fails to operate correctly.

Craftsman 12 Inch Band Saw vs. Buying a New Band Saw

A used Craftsman can make sense for a budget-conscious woodworker, but a newer machine may be preferable if you need dependable parts support, a manufacturer-backed warranty, or features designed for frequent use.

Before choosing a new alternative, compare its actual cutting height, throat capacity, motor rating, blade specifications, table tilt, and included accessories. A newer saw is not automatically more capable simply because it is newer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Craftsman 12 inch band saw good for woodworking?

Yes, a complete and properly maintained model can be useful for hobby woodworking, curved cuts, and selected resawing tasks. Its suitability depends on the exact model, cutting capacity, motor condition, blade, and intended workload.

What is the maximum cutting height of a Craftsman 12-inch band saw?

It depends on the model. The Craftsman 351.224000 specifies a maximum cut depth of 7 inches at 90 degrees and 4 inches at 45 degrees. Other 12-inch Craftsman models may have different capacities, so verify the model number before buying.

What size blade does a Craftsman 12-inch band saw use?

Blade length and supported widths vary by model. The 351.224000 uses an 89½-inch blade and supports widths from ⅛ to ½ inch. Do not use these specifications for a different Craftsman model without checking its manual.

Is a used Craftsman 12-inch band saw worth buying?

It can be, particularly if the motor, blade wheels, guides, guards, and table are in good condition and the asking price reflects the machine’s completeness. Avoid buying solely on price if essential components are missing or electrical safety is uncertain.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy a Craftsman 12 Inch Band Saw?

The Craftsman 12 inch band saw is worth considering for a home woodworking shop if you find a complete, mechanically sound machine at a reasonable price. Its cutting capacity can suit many hobby projects, and a used example may offer good value without the expense of a larger industrial saw.

The biggest qualification is the model. Craftsman’s older 12-inch band saws are not all equivalent, and the cost of unavailable parts or repairs can erase the savings of a bargain purchase.

Buy it if the exact model is identified, the machine passes inspection, the required accessories are present, and the total cost makes sense for your projects.

Skip it if the seller cannot establish its condition, the wiring or guards are unsafe, critical components are damaged, or replacement parts are difficult to obtain.

Before paying, record the model number and compare the machine’s manual specifications with its actual configuration. That is the most reliable way to decide whether a particular Craftsman 12-inch band saw is a good buy.