What not to do with a table saw?
Do not use your Craftsman 113242720 table saw in ways that increase kickback or put your hands in the blade path: never cut freehand, never reach around or behind the blade, never feed from the rear, and never leave the saw running unattended. Follow the safety rules in the owner's manual.
Never do these high-risk actions
- Do not perform any operation freehand; always guide the work with the rip fence or miter gauge.
- Do not use the rip fence for crosscutting or the miter gauge for ripping.
- Do not reach behind the blade to support the workpiece or clear scraps.
- Do not clear cutoffs trapped in/near the guard while the blade is moving; shut the saw off and wait for a complete stop.
- Do not feed material into the blade from the rear.
- Do not use dull, gummy, or improperly sharpened blades; they can jam, stall, and kick back.
Setup and operation mistakes to avoid (kickback prevention)
Kickback is most likely when the workpiece twists, pinches the blade, or loses guidance.
| Situation | What not to do | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Ripping long or heavy stock | Do not let the saw shift or tip | Bolt the saw down or support extensions and outfeed |
| Twisted or bowed lumber | Do not force it through | Use extra care; keep it firmly against the fence and table |
| Fence alignment | Do not rip with a fence that is not parallel to the blade | Check and adjust the fence alignment before ripping |
| Blade height and guarding | Do not run without the proper insert/guards when possible | Keep guards in place; use the correct table insert |
Why it matters
Most table saw injuries happen during routine cuts when the workpiece binds or the operator’s hands drift into the blade path. Using the correct guiding device, keeping your body out of the line of cut, and shutting the saw off before clearing scraps directly reduces kickback and contact risk.
Last updated: February 2026
How much is a Craftsman 113242720 table saw?
A Craftsman 113242720 9-inch motorized table saw is typically priced based on condition, completeness (legs and table extensions), and whether it runs smoothly; most used listings land in the low hundreds of dollars, while clean, complete setups often sell higher. For exact configuration details, use the 113242720 owner's manual.
What affects the price most
- Condition of the saw table and trunnion: rust, pitting, and blade-tilt/elevation smoothness change value fast.
- Completeness: model 113242720 was sold as a saw with legs and two table extensions, which usually increases value.
- Safety and alignment parts present: guard/spreader hardware, fence parts, and miter gauge matter.
- Motor performance: starts reliably, no excessive sparking, no overheating under load.
- Included accessories: blades, dado insert, extra fence faces, or original hardware bags.
Typical price ranges (used market)
| Condition | What you usually see included | Typical range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Project / not running | Missing parts, wiring or motor issues | $50 to $150 |
| Working, average wear | Runs, basic fence and miter gauge | $150 to $300 |
| Clean and complete | Legs, extensions, guard parts, smooth adjustments | $300 to $500 |
Quick checks before you buy (or before you list)
- Verify the model and serial tag on the right-hand side of the base matches 113242720.
- Raise and lower the blade fully; it should move without binding.
- Tilt mechanism should lock firmly at common angles.
- Inspect the power cord and internal wiring for brittle insulation.
- Confirm the saw uses a 9-inch blade and the arbor nut tightens correctly.
Why it matters
Pricing this saw correctly depends on whether it is the 113242720 package (with legs and extensions) and whether key assemblies like the fence and motor cradle are intact; missing assemblies can cost more to replace than the saw is worth.
Last updated: February 2026
Are craftsman table saws any good?
Yes. Craftsman table saws are a solid choice for DIYers and hobby woodworkers who want a sturdy, affordable saw for common rip cuts and crosscuts; the Craftsman 113242720 is an older, heavy-duty style that’s widely valued for durability when it’s cleaned, aligned, and maintained per the owner's manual.
What “good” means for the Craftsman 113242720
This model is a 9-inch motorized table saw, and the manual emphasizes practical upkeep and safety features (like the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls). When those are in place and adjusted, the saw is well-suited for general shop work.
Strengths we typically see with this style of Craftsman saw:
- Durable cast-metal construction on many assemblies
- Good long-term serviceability (parts diagrams and standard hardware)
- Capable of accurate cuts after fence and blade alignment
- Straightforward maintenance (cleaning sawdust, waxing the table)
- Expandable work surface on the 113242720 version (legs and table extensions)
Where owners get mixed results
Most “bad saw” complaints come from setup, wear, or missing safety and alignment parts, not from the motor itself.
Common issues that affect cut quality and satisfaction:
- Fence not parallel to the blade (causes burning, binding, or drift)
- Dull blade or wrong blade type for the material
- Sawdust buildup inside the cabinet affecting movement and cooling
- Worn power cord or switch problems
- Anti-kickback pawls not sharp or not functioning smoothly
Quick maintenance checklist (high impact)
The manual calls out several basics that make a big difference in how the saw feels and cuts.
- Unplug the saw before any service or adjustment
- Blow out dust from the cabinet and motor area regularly
- Wax the table so stock feeds smoothly
- Keep the blade guard installed when possible
- Keep anti-kickback pawl teeth sharp and clean
What to expect: DIY use vs. pro use
| Use case | What you can expect | Typical upgrades/attention |
|---|---|---|
| DIY, weekend projects | Very good value and durability | Tune fence and blade alignment; keep table waxed |
| Hobby furniture builds | Good results with careful setup | Better blade selection; add jigs/sleds as needed |
| Daily jobsite production | Less ideal compared to modern pro saws | Frequent alignment checks; dust control becomes critical |
Why it matters
A table saw’s “goodness” is mostly about repeatable accuracy and safe feeding. On the 113242720, routine cleaning, a smooth table surface, and properly working anti-kickback parts help prevent binding and improve cut consistency.
Last updated: February 2026
How to get rid of an old table saw?
For a Craftsman table saw model 113242720, the best way to get rid of it is to make it safe first (unplug it, lower the blade, lock the switch OFF, remove the key), then choose a disposal route: sell or donate if it runs well, or recycle it as scrap metal if it is worn out. Use the 113242720 owner's manual for the correct shutdown and blade-lowering steps.
Make the saw safe before moving or disposing
Before you transport, donate, or scrap a table saw, we recommend these safety steps:
- Unplug the power cord.
- Push the switch to OFF and remove the switch key (store it separately).
- Lower the blade or cutting tool below the table surface; return the blade to 90 degrees if it was tilted.
- Remove the blade guard and blade only after the saw is unplugged.
- Secure loose parts (rip fence, miter gauge, insert) so nothing shifts in transit.
Best disposal options (from most value to least)
Choose the option that matches the condition of your saw and how quickly you need it gone:
- Sell: If the motor runs and the arbor tightens normally, selling is usually the fastest way to recover value.
- Donate: Many community shops and reuse programs accept working power tools.
- Recycle as scrap metal: If the saw is incomplete, unsafe, or not worth repairing, scrap recycling is typically the cleanest end-of-life option.
- Haul-away or transfer station: Use this when recycling is not available locally.
What to do with the blade and small metal parts
Saw blades and sharp accessories should be handled separately so they do not cut through bags or injure handlers.
| Item | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Saw blade | Remove (unplug first), wrap edges in cardboard, tape securely | Prevents cuts during handling and transport |
| Switch key | Keep or discard separately | Prevents accidental start-up if the saw is reused |
| Power cord | Inspect for damage; keep with saw if donating | A damaged cord is a safety hazard |
| Blade guard/insert | Keep with saw if donating | Missing safety parts reduce safe usability |
Why it matters
The 113242720 uses a removable switch key and requires lowering the blade below the table surface when the saw is not in use. Doing those steps before disposal reduces the risk of accidental start-up, tip-over handling incidents, and injuries from exposed teeth.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you use an 8 inch blade on a 10 inch table saw?
Yes; an 8-inch blade can be used on a 10-inch table saw when the arbor size matches and the blade’s RPM rating meets or exceeds the saw’s speed. For your Craftsman model 113242720, the saw is designed around a 9-inch blade, so an 8-inch blade is also a smaller-than-designed option with reduced cutting depth.
What to check before you install an 8-inch blade
Use these fit and safety checks on the Craftsman 113242720:
- Arbor fit: the blade bore must match the saw’s arbor; the arbor collars and arbor nut must seat fully.
- RPM rating: the manual warns not to use any blade marked for an operating speed less than 3450 RPM.
- Blade diameter limits: never use a cutting tool larger than the diameter the saw was designed for.
- Guarding for through-cuts: keep the blade guard installed for “thru-sawing” operations.
- Blade height: set the blade about 1/8 inch above the workpiece for many cuts to reduce exposure.
For the exact safety statements and setup procedures, follow the 113242720 owner’s manual.
What changes when you use an 8-inch blade
An 8-inch blade generally works, but it changes performance and setup:
- Less maximum depth of cut than the designed blade size
- Guard, spreader, and table insert alignment can be less ideal than with the designed diameter
- More chance of burning or binding if the fence is out of alignment or the blade is dull
Quick comparison
| Blade diameter | Designed for 113242720? | What you’ll notice |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch | Yes | Best overall geometry for guard/spreader and cutting capacity |
| 8-inch | Usable if compatible | Reduced depth of cut; verify guarding and insert clearance |
Why it matters
Blade diameter affects cutting depth and how well the guard and spreader line up with the blade. Matching arbor fit and RPM rating helps prevent vibration, binding, and kickback.
Last updated: February 2026





