Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Model 113.24201 – Emerson’s Reliable Workhorse of the 1960s

Introduction

The Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Model 113.24201 is one of the most iconic mid-century woodworking machines produced under the Sears Craftsman brand. Manufactured by Emerson Electric Company of St. Louis, Missouri, during the 1960s and early 1970s, this saw became a staple in home workshops across America.

Known for its sturdy construction, smooth performance, and easy maintenance, the 113.24201 offered hobbyists and small-shop woodworkers a reliable, affordable band saw capable of cutting everything from softwoods and hardwoods to plastics and non-ferrous metals.

Even decades later, many of these machines remain in active service — a testament to the quality of Emerson-built Craftsman tools.

History of the Craftsman 113.24201

The Craftsman Model 113.24201 emerged in the early 1960s as part of a new generation of Craftsman power tools manufactured by Emerson Electric, following Sears’ gradual transition away from earlier King-Seeley production (which had used the “103” prefix).

The new “113” prefix designated Emerson Electric as the OEM, marking a significant shift in Craftsman’s manufacturing partnerships. Emerson modernized many designs, introducing lighter castings, improved blade tracking systems, and simplified assembly, all while maintaining the rugged reliability customers expected from the Craftsman name.

The 113.24201, in particular, became one of the best-selling Craftsman band saws of the 1960s, appearing in multiple Sears catalogs and tool department displays nationwide.

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 industrial equipment in the United States. By the 1950s, Emerson was a key manufacturing partner for Sears, Roebuck & Co., producing much of the Craftsman 113-series line of power tools — including table saws, drill presses, jointers, and band saws.

Emerson’s engineering emphasized efficiency, affordability, and durability, making their Craftsman-branded machines household staples. The 113.24201 exemplified Emerson’s ability to blend solid performance with user-friendly design, appealing to both hobbyists and small professional shops.

Design and Features

The Craftsman 113.24201 is a 12-inch, two-wheel vertical band saw featuring a compact design, smooth belt drive, and a sturdy cast-iron table. It offered the cutting capacity and precision of larger industrial saws while remaining lightweight enough for bench or stand mounting.

Key Specifications & Features:

• Throat Capacity: 12 inches
• Resaw Height: Approx. 6 inches
• Blade Length: 70½ inches (standard size)
• Wheels: Cast aluminum wheels with rubber tires
• Frame: Cast-iron lower frame and die-cast upper housing
• Table: Cast-iron table, tilts 0°–45° to the right
• Motor: Belt-driven system (¼–½ HP, external motor sold separately)
• Blade Guides: Adjustable steel guide blocks (upper and lower)
• Tension System: Manual top-wheel tensioning with quick-release mechanism
• Finish: Factory gray enamel with red-and-silver Craftsman logo badge
• Weight: Approx. 95 lbs (without motor)

The belt-driven design allowed for a quieter, smoother operation compared to direct-drive units. The cast-iron table and frame minimized vibration, making the saw well-suited for precision woodworking tasks.

Performance and Applications

The Craftsman 113.24201 was designed to serve as a versatile all-purpose band saw for both woodworking and light metalwork. It quickly became a favorite for small shops, schools, and home hobbyists who required accuracy and reliability.

Common Applications:

• Cutting curves and patterns in hardwood and softwood
• Resawing and ripping narrow stock
• Shaping components for furniture and cabinetry
• Model building and fine detail work
• Light-duty metal or plastic cutting (with proper blade selection)

When properly tuned and fitted with a quality blade, the 113.24201 delivered clean, accurate cuts and dependable performance — traits that have made it one of the most enduring Craftsman designs of its era.

Restoration and Maintenance

The Craftsman 113.24201 remains a popular choice for restoration projects among vintage tool collectors. Emerson’s simple, serviceable design makes the saw easy to restore to factory condition.

Typical Restoration Steps:

1. Disassemble and clean all cast-iron and aluminum components.
2. Repaint the frame in factory-style gray or silver enamel.
3. Replace rubber tires, blade guides, and bearings.
4. Align and tension the blade using the top-wheel adjustment mechanism.
5. Rewire or replace the external motor for modern safety standards.
6. Restore or reproduce the Craftsman nameplate and decals for authenticity.

Replacement parts — including blades, guide blocks, tires, and bearings — remain readily available through suppliers like Carter Products, Iturra Design, and eReplacementParts.com.

Finding Manuals and Parts

The Craftsman 113.24201 is well documented in Sears literature and modern restoration archives. Manuals and parts lists are easily found through several reputable sources:

• VintageMachinery.org – publication reprints and machine photos
• OWWM.org (Old Woodworking Machines) – user photos, restoration guides, and diagrams
• Internet Archive – Sears Catalog Collection – 1960s Sears Craftsman tool listings
• eReplacementParts.com – replacement bearings, tires, and switches

These resources provide invaluable reference material for restoring the saw to its original factory specifications.

CollectAbility and Value

The Craftsman 113.24201 holds significant appeal among vintage woodworking enthusiasts for its mid-century Emerson engineering and affordable collectability. It represents a pivotal transition from the heavy cast-iron era of the 1940s–50s to the more streamlined, efficient machines of the 1960s.

Collector Appeal Factors:

• “113” prefix identifying Emerson Electric manufacture
• Classic Craftsman styling and logo badge
• Solid performance and easy parts availability
• Compatibility with modern blades and accessories

Well-restored examples with matching stands and motors are sought after by collectors and often serve as functional shop tools decades after their production.

Conclusion

The Craftsman 12-Inch Band Saw Model 113.24201 stands as a testament to Emerson Electric’s precision engineering and Sears’ mid-century commitment to quality tools for the everyday craftsman.

Its durable construction, smooth performance, and timeless design have ensured that thousands of these machines remain in use more than half a century later. Whether restored as a collectible or kept as a working shop saw, the 113.24201 continues to exemplify the lasting legacy of Craftsman reliability and American-made craftsmanship.

Images of Craftsman Model 113.24201 Band Saws

1. “Craftsman 12-inch Band Saw Model 113.24201 manufactured by Emerson Electric”
2. “Vintage 1960s Craftsman 113.24201 two-wheel band saw with cast-iron table”
3. “Restored Craftsman 113.24201 in gray enamel finish with red Craftsman badge”
4. “Close-up of Craftsman 113.24201 upper wheel and blade guide assembly”

Craftsman Woodworking Machine Links

Craftsman Woodworking Machines
Craftsman Band Saws
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Craftsman Drill Presses
Craftsman Jointers
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Craftsman Tool Stands
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