Craftsman 6” Jointer Model 113.20621
Introduction
Vintage Craftsman Cast Iron 6” Jointer/Planer Model 113.20621
For Sale on Ebay
The Craftsman 6-inch Jointer Model 113.20621 is one of Sears’ most recognizable mid-20th-century woodworking machines. Built during the golden era of American home workshops, this jointer was manufactured by Emerson Electric Co., a long-time OEM supplier for Sears. Known for its cast-iron durability, simple belt-drive system, and precision cutting, it remains a prized bench-top jointer for both collectors and woodworkers restoring vintage Craftsman machines.
History of the Craftsman 6″ Jointer (Model 113.20621)
The Craftsman 113.20621 was produced in the late 1960s through the early 1970s, during a period when Emerson Electric of St. Louis, Missouri supplied many of Sears’ stationary woodworking machines. It succeeded earlier King-Seeley-built jointers and reflected a design evolution toward easier belt tensioning, safer guards, and improved dust clearance.
The “113” prefix in the model number identifies Emerson Electric as the manufacturer, while the machine’s design closely mirrors other Emerson-built jointers from the era such as the 113.20680 and 113.20640 models.
Design and Construction
The Craftsman 113.20621 jointer is a 6-inch benchtop jointer featuring:
- Heavy cast-iron infeed and outfeed tables providing stability and accuracy.
- Cutterhead with three high-speed steel knives, delivering clean, smooth cuts.
- Adjustable cast-iron fence that tilts 45° in both directions for bevel and chamfer cuts.
- Belt-driven motor mount system for quieter, vibration-reduced operation.
- Cast-iron base and machined table surfaces, ensuring rigidity and durability over decades.
- Spring-loaded cutterhead guard for safety compliance with 1970s standards.
The jointer was typically powered by a 1/2 HP to 3/4 HP Craftsman belt-drive motor, mounted separately and connected with a V-belt. This modular motor system allowed the same motor to power multiple Craftsman machines via interchangeable stands and pulleys.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 113.20621 |
| Manufacturer | Emerson Electric Co. |
| Cutting Width | 6 inches |
| Cutterhead | 3-knife, 2-inch diameter |
| Motor | 1/2 HP – 3/4 HP (belt drive) |
| Table Length | Approx. 45 inches |
| Fence Tilt | 0° – 45° both left and right |
| Construction | Cast iron tables and base |
| Guard | Spring-loaded aluminum or steel |
| Weight | ~90 lbs (without motor) |
Performance and Use
The 113.20621 was designed for precision edge-jointing and surface flattening in small workshops. Its long tables and accurate fence made it capable of trueing boards for glue-ups or squaring lumber for cabinetry. Many home craftsmen used it alongside Craftsman planers and table saws to create a complete home workshop system.
Even today, when restored and properly tuned, this jointer performs remarkably well. Its solid iron construction provides stability unmatched by modern lightweight aluminum jointers.
Collectibility and Restoration
Vintage tool enthusiasts often seek out the Craftsman 6” Jointer 113.20621 because:
- Replacement parts (knives, bearings, belts) are widely available.
- The design is simple to restore and tune.
- Manuals and exploded diagrams are archived on OWWM.org and in Sears catalog scans.
- It represents a high-quality era of Craftsman-branded tools before production shifted overseas.
Collectors often restore the jointer by cleaning rusted surfaces, repainting in Craftsman gray or red, polishing the fence, and replacing knives or bearings. The result is both a functional woodworking machine and a beautiful display of mid-century American craftsmanship.
Craftsman Jointer Restoration Parts
Craftsman Jointer Knives (Blades)
Craftsman Jointer Fences
Craftsman Jointer Guards
Craftsman Jointer Motors
Craftsman Jointer Stands
Finding Manuals and Documentation
Owners can locate a Craftsman 113.20621 manual or parts list through these public sources:
- VintageMachinery.org (OWWM) – User manuals, parts diagrams, and restoration guides.
- Sears PartsDirect – OEM parts and diagrams.
- Archive.org Sears Catalogs – Period advertising and catalog listings.
The original instruction manual includes exploded diagrams, lubrication details, and alignment procedures for the infeed and outfeed tables.
>>> Free Craftsman Jointer Manuals for Download (Pdf)
Conclusion
The Craftsman 6” Jointer Model 113.20621 remains a benchmark example of mid-century American woodworking machinery. Built with precision, cast-iron durability, and a reputation for reliability, it stands as a testament to the quality of Emerson Electric’s manufacturing and Sears Craftsman’s legacy in home workshops.
Whether you’re restoring one for use or collecting it as a piece of tool history, the 113.20621 continues to deliver the performance and charm that made Craftsman tools a cornerstone of American woodworking.
Delta Jointer Images:
- Craftsman 6-inch jointer Model 113.20621 front view
- Emerson Electric-built Craftsman jointer cutterhead assembly
- Restored Craftsman 113.20621 jointer on bench stand
- Vintage Sears catalog ad showing Craftsman 6-inch jointer
I’m a former woodshop teacher, cabinet and furniture maker, and avid tool collector. I’ve been collecting antique woodworking tools and restoring old Craftsman and Delta machines for almost forty years. I love the quality of the old Delta, Craftsman, Walker Turner, and other woodworking machinery from the 1940s through the ’70s. They just don’t make tools like that anymore and no one is going to be restoring woodworking tools purchased at big box stores fifty years from now. You can see my OldWoodworkingTools.com website about hand tools.
