Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Model 113.243330 – The Emerson Electric Precision Band Saw
Introduction
The Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Model 113.243330 stands as one of the most advanced versions of Sears’ popular mid-sized band saw line. Manufactured by Emerson Electric Company of St. Louis, Missouri, during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this machine was designed for both the serious hobbyist and the light-duty professional shop.
The 113.243330 offered exceptional versatility — equally at home resawing hardwoods or shaping delicate curves in softwoods and plastics. Its quiet belt-driven operation and durable Emerson construction made it one of the most dependable Craftsman band saws ever sold.
History of the Craftsman 113.243330
The Craftsman Model 113.243330 was introduced in the late 1970s, following a long line of successful Emerson-built 12-inch saws such as the 113.24290 and 113.24350.
Emerson Electric had been Sears’ primary manufacturer since the 1950s, replacing King-Seeley (the “103” era). The 113.243330 represented the refinement of that lineage — featuring a two-speed pulley system, improved blade guide assembly, and a more rigid cast-iron table trunnion for precise tilt adjustments.
Marketed as a “Professional Home Craftsman” model, it was offered in Sears catalogs with optional motor and steel stand kits. It became especially popular in the late 1970s through early 1980s as woodworking grew in popularity among serious hobbyists.
Manufacturer Background – Emerson Electric Company
Founded in 1890 in St. Louis, Missouri, Emerson Electric Company became one of the largest producers of electric motors and home workshop machinery in America. By the mid-20th century, it was the main OEM for Craftsman’s 113-series tools, including table saws, jointers, drill presses, and band saws.
Emerson-built Craftsman machines were known for smooth performance, and simple serviceability. The Model 113.243330 exemplified these qualities, earning a reputation as one of the most balanced and reliable saws of its class.
Design and Features
The Craftsman 113.243330 is a 12-inch, two-wheel vertical band saw for wood. Its compact footprint made it ideal for home workshops, while this model has a dicast aluminum table and a belt-driven design that ensured precision and longevity.
The most glaring difference between this and earlier models in the 113.xxx series is that the once machined cast iron table has been replaced with a lighter weight aluminum table with machined grooves and a miter slot. If given a choice, most woodworkers would prefer the cast iron table that reduces vibration.
Key Specifications & Features
- Throat Capacity: 12 inches
- Resaw Height: Approx. 6 inches
- Blade Length: 80 inches (standard Craftsman size)
- Speed Options: Single speed for cutting wood
- Frame: Cast-aluminum lower housing, die-cast aluminum upper body
- Table: Aluminum tilting table (0°–45° right tilt) with machined grooves and miter slot
- Wheels: Precision-balanced aluminum wheels with rubber tires
- Drive System: Belt-driven via external ¼–½ HP motor (sold separately)
- Blade Guides: Adjustable upper and lower steel guide blocks
- Tensioning System: Manual top-wheel adjustment with lock knob
- Finish: Factory gray enamel with red-and-silver Craftsman nameplate
- Weight: Approx. 100 lbs (without motor)
Performance and Applications
The Craftsman 113.243330 was designed to be a truly all-purpose saw capable of handling a wide range of materials and applications.
Common Applications
- Cutting curves, scrolls, and templates in wood or plastic
- Resawing boards and veneers
- Shaping furniture components and cabinetry parts
- Model building and fine joinery work
Restoration and Maintenance
Restoring the Craftsman 113.243330 is straightforward, thanks to its simple mechanical design and plentiful availability of replacement parts.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Disassemble and clean all cast-iron, aluminum, and steel components.
- Strip and repaint using period-correct Craftsman gray enamel.
- Replace rubber tires, bearings, and blade guide blocks.
- Inspect and align wheels, trunnions, and table for accurate tracking.
- Rewire or replace the motor and switch for modern safety standards.
- Restore or reproduce Craftsman decals and badges for authenticity.
Modern replacements for common wear parts — including tires, bearings, blades, and tension springs — are available from Carter Products, Iturra Design, and eReplacementParts.com.
Finding Manuals and Parts
Manuals
Craftsman 12″ Band Saw/Sander Model 113.243330 Manual (Pdf)
Parts
Parts for the Craftsman 12″ Band Saw Model 113.243330
Saw Blades for the Craftsman 12″ Band Saw Model 113.243330 80″ Saw Blade
Additional Resources
Original manuals and diagrams for the Craftsman 113.243330 are still available online through trusted archives and parts suppliers, and used and new parts are available on Ebay:
- VintageMachinery.org – Craftsman 113.243330 Manual & Photos
- OWWM.org (Old Woodworking Machines) – restoration guides and user photos
- Internet Archive – Sears Power Tool Catalogs (1977–1982) – period ads and specifications
- eReplacementParts.com – replacement bearings, belts, guide blocks, and switches
- Ebay – Parts for Craftsman Band Saws
- Spaceage Ceramics – Replacement Guide Blocks and Thrust Bearings
These references include detailed exploded diagrams and setup instructions helpful for tuning and rebuilding.
Collectibility and Value
Among vintage tool collectors, the Craftsman 113.243330 is prized for its two-speed capability, Emerson Electric build quality, and 1970s Craftsman styling. It’s both a functional shop tool and a collectible example of American-made woodworking machinery.
Collector Appeal Factors
- “113” prefix confirming Emerson Electric manufacture
- Dual-function cutting and sanding
- Durable cast-iron and aluminum hybrid construction
- Compatible with modern parts and accessories
Fully restored examples with original stands and motors are frequently seen in vintage tool collections and remain excellent everyday shop saws.
Craftsman Woodworking Machine Links
Craftsman Woodworking Machines
Craftsman Band Saws
Craftsman Radial Arm Saws
Craftsman Scroll Saws
Craftsman Table Saws
Craftsman Drill Presses
Craftsman Jointers
Craftsman Planers
Craftsman Belt/Disc Sanders
Craftsman Wood Lathes
Craftsman Wood Shapers
Craftsman Tool Stands
Craftsman Rip Fences
Craftsman Miter Gauges
More Vintage Craftsman Band Saws
Vintage Craftsman Band Saw on stand Model 113.243330
Vintage Craftsman band saw
Vintage CRAFTSMAN Band Saw. Art Deco Design Model 103.0103
Craftsman “100” – 12 Inch Band Saw
Craftsman 3 Wheel Band Saw
Conclusion
The Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Model 113.243330 represents the peak of Emerson Electric’s mid-century engineering for Sears. With its quiet operation, and solid construction, it offered serious performance for the serious craftsman.
Decades later, this model continues to deliver smooth, accurate cuts — a lasting tribute to the Craftsman legacy of dependable, American-made tools.
Suggested Image Alt Texts
- “Craftsman 12-inch Band Saw Model 113.243330 Emerson Electric design”
- “Vintage 1970s Craftsman 113.243330 band saw with cast-iron table and gray finish”
- “Restored Craftsman 113.243330 band saw with original red Craftsman badge”
- “Close-up of Craftsman 113.243330 pulley system and blade guides”
SEO Keywords:
Craftsman 113.243330, Emerson Electric, Sears Craftsman tools, vintage band saw, 12-inch Craftsman saw, 1970s woodworking tools, Craftsman band saw, antique power tools, Craftsman saw restoration, collectible woodworking machinery
