Craftsman 11324350 12" band saw Parts

The Craftsman 11324350 is a 12 inch band saw, not a table saw; blade changes are different. To change the blade safely, we remove the covers, release blade tension, slip the blade off the wheels, install the new blade, then set tension, tracking, and blade guides using the 11324350 owner's manual.

Before you start (safety and setup)

• Unplug the band saw and remove the switch key (if equipped).
• Wear cut-resistant gloves; band saw blades are sharp even when stationary.
• Open the upper and lower wheel covers.
• Remove the table insert so the blade can pass through the table opening.
• Back off the blade guides and thrust bearings so they do not pinch the blade.

Blade change steps (what we do on model 11324350)

1. Release tension: Turn the blade tension knob to reduce tension until the blade is slack.
2. Remove the old blade: Carefully slip it off the upper and lower wheels and out through the table slot.
3. Install the new blade: Feed the blade through the table slot and around both wheels; keep the teeth pointing in the correct cutting direction.
4. Set blade tension: Use the built-in tension scale as a starting point; for example, the manual notes setting the pointer to the blade width marking (such as 1/4 inch) when installing that width.
5. Adjust guides: Set the side guides close to the blade without pinching; set guide position so the guides sit about 1/32 inch behind the deepest part of the teeth (the gullet).
6. Hand-rotate and verify: Rotate the upper wheel by hand several turns; recheck guide clearance and that the blade stays centered.
7. Reassemble: Reinstall the blade guard, table insert, and covers.

Quick setup targets (after the blade is on)

Adjustment	What to aim for	Why it matters
Blade tension	Pointer near the blade width mark	Reduces slipping and wandering cuts
Side guides	Close, not pinching	Prevents overheating and premature blade wear
Guide position vs. teeth	About 1/32 inch behind the gullet	Protects guides from tooth contact
Upper guide height	Not more than 1/4 inch above workpiece	Improves control and safety

Why it matters

On the 11324350 band saw, correct tension, tracking, and guide adjustment are what keep the blade from drifting, popping off the wheels, or cutting inaccurately. A blade swap is also the best time to reset the guides and thrust bearings.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problems we see with the Craftsman 11324350 12-inch band saw are blade tracking and tension issues, poor cut quality (drift or burning), vibration, and power or switch problems. Most of these are corrected with basic setup, cleaning, and inspection steps in the 11324350 owner's manual.

Common symptoms and what they usually mean

• Blade won’t stay on the wheels: tracking needs adjustment; tires may be worn or dirty.
• Cuts drift or won’t cut straight: blade is dull, wrong blade width/tooth count, or guides are misadjusted.
• Excess vibration or noise: blade weld bump, unbalanced wheels, loose stand/fasteners, or worn tires.
• Blade breaks often: over-tensioning, forcing the feed rate, or misaligned guides.
• Saw won’t start or stops mid-cut: switch, cord/plug, or internal wiring connection issue.
• Burning/scorching: dull blade, too fine teeth for thick stock, or feeding too slowly.

Quick checks we recommend first

1. Unplug the saw and open the wheel covers.
2. Spin the upper wheel by hand; confirm the blade tracks near the center of the tire.
3. Set blade tension for the blade width you’re using; recheck after a few minutes of running.
4. Adjust blade guides and thrust bearings so they support the blade without constant rubbing.
5. Verify the table is square to the blade and the fence is aligned.
6. Clean pitch/sawdust from tires, guides, and the lower cabinet; buildup causes tracking and vibration.

Setup targets (typical for 12-inch band saws)

Issue	Typical adjustment target	Result
Tracking	Blade centered on tire	Blade stays on wheels
Side guides	Just behind gullets; tiny clearance	Straighter cuts
Thrust bearing	Close, engages only under load	Less blade deflection
Tension	Correct for blade width	Fewer breaks, less drift

Why it matters

A band saw that is properly tensioned and guided cuts cooler, straighter, and safer. Most “bad blade” complaints trace back to guide alignment, tracking, or feeding technique rather than the motor.

If you suspect an electrical issue, use safe test methods and follow a wiring diagram when available; our how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video is a good starting point.

Last updated: March 2026

The Craftsman 12-inch band saw/sander model 11324350 uses an 80-inch band saw blade (measured as the blade’s continuous loop length). For the exact blade size range and setup details for your saw, use the specifications in the 11324350 owner's manual.

Confirming you have the right blade

Use these quick checks before you buy or install a replacement blade:

• Match the blade length to 80 inches.
• Confirm the saw’s ID plate shows model 11324350.
• Verify the blade is intended for a 12-inch band saw (different Craftsman 12-inch models can vary).
• After installation, set tension, then tracking, then blade guides.
• Hand-spin the wheels to confirm the blade stays centered before powering on.

Typical blade width and tooth count (TPI) choices

Blade length must match; width and TPI depend on the cut.

Cutting task	Typical blade width	Typical TPI
Tight curves	1/8 to 1/4 inch	10 to 18
General wood cutting	1/4 to 3/8 inch	6 to 10
Resawing thicker stock	1/2 inch (if your guides support it)	3 to 4

Why it matters

An 80-inch blade lets the tensioning system and wheel spacing on the Craftsman 11324350 work correctly. A blade that is even slightly too long slips and wanders; a blade that is too short over-stresses bearings and makes tracking adjustments ineffective.

Last updated: February 2026