Craftsman 12" Band Saw - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Mike Crosa · 04-09-2008, 02:23 PM

I have been looking for a band saw and this one appeared on Craigs list. It is a 12" Craftsman Band Saw, 2 speed 1.5 hp, 6" depth cut, Tilt head 0 to 45 degrees, 80" blade, Rip fence, 23x27 inch work surface. and 1/2 inch sanding belt. Anybody have any experience with this saw? I have attached a picture of it. Hope it is viewable. Comments welcome. Asking price is $150.00

millwab · 04-09-2008, 04:22 PM

Mike,
No experience with this one, but take into consideration what you plan on using it for. If your intent is to re-saw boards for scrolling you'll be disappointed with that 6" clearance.

Neal Moore · 04-09-2008, 04:31 PM

Don't know what you plan on using it for but at that price you can't go wrong. I bought a 12" Craftsman in 1980 when I was stationed in Philadelphia and it's in my shop still going strong!!! I put new roller bearings and cool blocks in it about 10 years ago but that's all I've had to do as far as maintenance. Keep it clean and it will run virtually forever!!! WOW....Just noticed I broke the 1000th post mark!!!

guitarman · 04-09-2008, 06:59 PM

Mike, that looks just like the one I have. Same size and everything you mentioned. I've had it a long time, about 15 years or so. It's been a great saw for me and the only trouble I've ever had with mine is the key fell out of the motor shaft and the blade stopped moving. I fixed that and I haven't had any more problems with it. The motor is getting a rough sound in one of the bearings and I may have to replace it before long. The price of 150.00 dollars may be a little steep if it's as old as mine but all I can add is that it's been a very good saw for me and I use it a lot. Hope this helps. David

sdguy · 04-10-2008, 08:57 PM

Check the price of a new one before buying. I agree that it sounds a bit steep.

Mike Crosa · 04-10-2008, 09:21 PM

Thanks for all the info. After thinking it over a lot and considering how far away it was I decided to keep my eyes open a bit longer.

04-09-2008, 04:22 PM	#2
millwab Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 400	Mike, No experience with this one, but take into consideration what you plan on using it for. If your intent is to re-saw boards for scrolling you'll be disappointed with that 6" clearance. __________________ Bruce . . . because each piece will be someone's heirloom someday. visit sometime Hawk 220VS, Delta 40-570

04-09-2008, 04:31 PM	#3
Neal Moore Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cottageville, West Virginia Posts: 1,085	Don't know what you plan on using it for but at that price you can't go wrong. I bought a 12" Craftsman in 1980 when I was stationed in Philadelphia and it's in my shop still going strong!!! I put new roller bearings and cool blocks in it about 10 years ago but that's all I've had to do as far as maintenance. Keep it clean and it will run virtually forever!!! WOW....Just noticed I broke the 1000th post mark!!! __________________ If it don't fit, don't force it....get a bigger hammer!!

04-10-2008, 09:21 PM	#6
Mike Crosa Land Locked Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ocala, FL Posts: 1,695	Thanks for all the info. After thinking it over a lot and considering how far away it was I decided to keep my eyes open a bit longer. __________________ Mike C. Hawk G4

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04-09-2008, 06:59 PM	#4
guitarman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lewisville, N.C. Posts: 870	Mike, that looks just like the one I have. Same size and everything you mentioned. I've had it a long time, about 15 years or so. It's been a great saw for me and the only trouble I've ever had with mine is the key fell out of the motor shaft and the blade stopped moving. I fixed that and I haven't had any more problems with it. The motor is getting a rough sound in one of the bearings and I may have to replace it before long. The price of 150.00 dollars may be a little steep if it's as old as mine but all I can add is that it's been a very good saw for me and I use it a lot. Hope this helps. David

04-10-2008, 08:57 PM	#5
sdguy Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 22	Check the price of a new one before buying. I agree that it sounds a bit steep.