Craftsman 8″ Table Saw Model No. 103.22170 – A King-Seeley Bench Saw
Introduction
The Craftsman 8″ Table Saw Model No. 103.22170 stands as a testament to mid-century American craftsmanship. Produced during the early 1950s, this compact bench saw offered precision, durability, and affordability for the home workshop. Built under contract by King-Seeley Corporation for Sears, Roebuck & Co., it was one of the cornerstone machines in the Craftsman 103-series line—beloved today by vintage tool collectors and restoration enthusiasts.
History of the Craftsman 103.22170
The Model 103.22170 was part of Sears’ post-war expansion of home workshop tools. Manufactured by King-Seeley of Ann Arbor, Michigan, it reflected the company’s engineering focus on portability and reliability.
Released around 1951–1953, this model featured a precision-ground cast-iron top, heavy cast trunnions, and a direct-drive motor mounted beneath the table. It was typically sold with an 8-inch blade, making it smaller and more compact than the 10” contractor saws that would dominate the 1960s Craftsman lineup.
Its model prefix “103” identifies the King-Seeley Manufacturing Company as the original equipment maker (OEM)—a respected producer for many Sears Craftsman machines in the 1940s and 1950s.
Manufacturer Background – King-Seeley and Sears Craftsman
The King-Seeley Corporation was one of the earliest OEMs contracted by Sears to build high-quality woodworking tools under the Craftsman brand. Known for their precision castings and robust mechanical design, King-Seeley built table saws, drill presses, lathes, and jointers that set a standard for the mid-century hobbyist workshop.
Sears’ Craftsman division emphasized both performance and accessibility, offering professional-grade tools at prices that appealed to serious hobbyists and tradesmen alike. The partnership with King-Seeley yielded some of the most collectible Craftsman tools ever produced—recognized by their distinctive gray enamel finishes, cast-iron bases, and durable fence systems.
Personalized Wood Shop Signs - Great Gifts!
Design and Features
The Craftsman 103.22170 was a compact bench-top table saw featuring:
- 8-inch circular saw blade capacity
- Cast-iron table with precision-machined miter slots
- Tilting arbor for beveled cuts up to 45°
- Direct-drive motor (commonly 1/2 to 3/4 HP) mounted below the table
- Cast-aluminum fence and miter gauge
- Adjustable rip capacity suitable for general woodworking projects
- Optional steel stand for floor-mount operation
Though smaller than later 10” contractor saws, the 103.22170 delivered reliable accuracy and power for furniture building, cabinetry, and hobby work. Its smooth-running motor and balanced arbor made it a go-to machine for home craftsmen.
1954 Craftsman Catalog Description
We’ve made many careful comparisons, and sincerely believe there is NO other bench saw in this price range which matches this superb CRAFTSMAN saw in quality, features, accuracy, and size. Massive, heavy duty construction throughout. Easily meets the most rigid requirements of amateur and professional craftsmen and large woodworking shops. Has exceptional accuracy in operation because of the very close machining tolerances maintained in manufacture. Has features and operating advantages you’ll find in no other bench saw!
New-type motor mount. Motor is mounted in a special support on the bench behind the saw. This stops transmission of motor vibration to the saw by eliminating any mechanical connection. Minimizes the strain on the frame and the arbor of the saw, since practically all motor weight rests on the motor mount itself. Eliminates need for using a special motor. Makes it easier to tilt blade because motor is not lifted, but is moved horizontally.
Big 20×17-inch table of heavy cast semi-steel. The surface is precision ground and all sides are completely machined. Table has replaceable insert for dadoing, sanding or grinding. Grooved on both sides of blade for use of miter gauge.
Specifications; 2 1/2-in. maximum depth of cut; Dado capacity (maximum, with 6-in. head)—Width 15/16-in., depth 1 1/2—in.; Combination-type blade, 8—in. diameter and 1/2-in. bore; Double-row precision ball bearings; Recommended arbor speed (approximately) 4500 R.P.M.; Motor recommended (minimum)—1/2 H.P. 3450 R.P.M.; Mounting dimensions (bolt holes)— 11-9/16 x 11-5/16 inches, (extremes of saw and motor brackets) 19-11/16 x 15-11/16 inches inches; Overall dimensions—height: 14-7/8 in., width 17 in., length 26-7/32 in.
Usage and Applications
This saw was ideal for small shop environments, where space and mobility mattered. Woodworkers used the 103.22170 for:
- Cabinet and furniture component cutting
- Dado and rabbet joinery (with optional dado head)
- General purpose crosscutting and ripping
- Hobbyist and school woodworking programs
The saw’s portability made it a popular choice for home garages and school shop classes during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Restoring the Craftsman 103.22170
Restoring a Craftsman 103-series saw is a rewarding project for any vintage tool enthusiast. Common restoration steps include:
- Cleaning and de-rusting cast-iron tables using evaporust or electrolysis
- Replacing bearings in the arbor and motor
- Repainting with period-correct Craftsman gray enamel
- Polishing aluminum components and hand wheels
- Installing a modern power cord and switch for safety
- Aligning the blade and fence to ensure precision cutting
Replacement parts and manuals can often be found through OWWM.org (Old Woodworking Machines), VintageMachinery.org, or online marketplaces such as eBay.
Vintage Craftsman Table Saw Parts on Ebay
Collectibility and Value Today
Today, the Craftsman 8” Table Saw Model 103.22170 holds nostalgic and functional appeal for collectors and active woodworkers alike. Its compact footprint, durable design, and association with the golden era of American toolmaking make it a sought-after collectible.
Well-restored examples often sell between $100–$300, depending on completeness, motor type, and cosmetic condition. Those with the original fence, miter gauge, and stand command higher prices.
See Prices of Used Craftsman 103.xxx Table Saws for Sale on Ebay
Finding Manuals and Parts
Owners Manual Craftsman 8″ Table Saw
This manual is for the Craftsman 8″ Table Saw Model 103.22171 which is essentially the exact same table saw without the stand.
Craftsman Table Saw 103.22170 Restoration Parts
Other Craftsman Table Saw Parts that are frequently found on Ebay include:
- King-Seeley Logo Badges
- Cast Iron and Aluminum Table Saw Extension Wings
- Rip Fences
- Miter Gauges
- Saw Blade Guards
- Table Saw Stands
Additional Craftsman Table Saw Parts for the 103.xxx Saws Frequently Found on Ebay
Craftsman Table Saw 103.xxx Extension Wings
Usually available in cast iron or aluminum. These bolt on to the side of the table to provide more surface area to support larger pieces.
Craftsman 103.xxx Table Saw Motor Mounts
Motor mounts were usually on hinges at the back of the saw so the weight of the motor can put tension on the belt and reduce vibration.
Craftsman Table Saw 103.xxx Fences and Fence Rails
Fence rails usually attach to the front and sometimes to both the front and rear of the saw table.
Craftsman Table Saw 103.xxx Hand Wheels
Hand wheels are used to to adjust the blade height and to tilt the arbor for bevel cuts. They come in a variety of styles.
Craftsman Table Saw 103.xxx Table Inserts
Table inserts are usually available for saw blades, with a narrow opening, dado inserts with a wider opening, and molding head inserts also with a wide opening for the molding knives.
Craftsman Table Saw 103.xxx King Seeley Badges
There are original and some reproduction badges for Craftsman and Craftsman tools made by the King Seeley Corp.
More Original owner’s manuals, catalog pages, and exploded diagrams for the 103.22170 can be found in public archives or online repositories such as:
- VintageMachinery.org
- OWWM.org Craftsman Tool Database
- Sears Parts Direct (for legacy part numbers and motor references)
PDF scans of 1950s Sears tool catalogs often include the 103.22170 and related models, providing valuable reference for restorers and collectors.
1950 Sears Craftsman Tool Catalog Links
Conclusion
The Craftsman 8″ Table Saw Model No. 103.22170 exemplifies the quality and engineering excellence of mid-century Craftsman woodworking machines. Compact yet powerful, it remains a favorite among vintage tool collectors and functional woodworkers who appreciate its simplicity, precision, and enduring design. Whether restored for display or daily use, the 103.22170 continues to tell the story of an era when American craftsmanship was built to last.
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