Craftsman 351214190 bench band saw Parts

The 4-inch rule for a band saw means we keep our hands and fingers at least 4 inches away from the moving blade at all times. On the Craftsman 351214190 bench band saw, we do that by using push tools, proper blade guard height, and safe work support instead of guiding small stock with our fingertips.

How to apply the 4-inch rule on a bench band saw

• Set the upper blade guide and guard as low as practical above the workpiece (a small gap improves control and reduces exposure).
• Use a push stick, push block, or a small-parts holding jig when the cut would bring your hands within 4 inches of the blade.
• Keep the workpiece flat on the cast iron table and use the miter gauge when it helps control the cut.
• Plan the cut so your hands stay to the sides of the blade path, not in line with it.
• Stop the saw before removing offcuts or clearing sawdust near the blade.

Quick safety checklist (before you cut)

The operator guidance for this model emphasizes safe setup and control. We also recommend these basics every time:

Item to check	What “good” looks like	Why it helps
Blade tension and tracking	Blade runs centered on the wheels	Reduces wandering and sudden grabs
Blade guides	Guides adjusted close to the blade	Improves stability and cut accuracy
Work support	Stable bench mounting, stable stance	Prevents tipping and hand slips
Switch control	You can shut off quickly; key can be removed	Prevents unintended start-up

Why it matters

Most band saw injuries happen when a cut gets unstable and a hand drifts into the blade line. The 4-inch rule forces us to use safer control methods (push tools and jigs) so a slip does not become a severe injury.

Helpful model-specific notes

• This Craftsman 351214190 is designed to be mounted to a stable, level bench or table; a solid mount reduces vibration and improves control.
• Disconnect power before changing or adjusting the blade; wear leather gloves for blade handling (never gloves while operating).

Parts and documentation

For operating and safety details (including blade tensioning, tracking, and guide adjustment), use the 351214190 owner's manual. For parts lookup by model number, search Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman 351214190 bench band saw, the blade usually falls off when tracking or tension is off, the wheels are dirty, or the blade guides are misadjusted. We correct this by unplugging the saw, hand-rotating the wheel, and setting tracking with the rear tracking knob per the owner's manual.

Fix it in a safe, repeatable order

Before adjusting anything, unplug the saw. The manual warns not to do tracking adjustments while the band saw is running.

• Release and reapply blade tension using the tension lever; then fine-tune with the tension knob.
• Open the doors and hand-rotate the drive wheel clockwise; watch the blade through the tracking window.
• Adjust tracking with the tracking knob on the back of the frame:
  • If the blade rides away from the cabinet, turn the knob clockwise.
  • If the blade rides toward the cabinet, turn the knob counterclockwise.
• Tighten the tracking lock nut after the blade tracks correctly.
• Clean sawdust and pitch off the tires and wheels; debris causes poor tracking and blade slippage.

Common causes and what you will notice

What is wrong	What you see	What to do
Blade tracking off	Blade walks forward or backward on the wheel	Set tracking by hand-rotating the wheel and adjusting the tracking knob
Incorrect blade tension	Blade flutters, wanders, or pops off during a cut	Re-tension with the lever, then fine-adjust with the tension knob
Dirty wheels/tires	Blade slips, tracking changes after a few cuts	Clean wheels and tires; keep dust from building up
Guide blocks/bearings misset	Blade gets pushed off line when you start cutting	Reset guides so they support the blade without forcing it sideways

Why it matters

A blade that is not tracking correctly can spring off the wheels and cause injury, and it also leads to crooked cuts, binding, and repeated blade damage. Keeping the wheels clean and tracking set prevents slippage and improves cut accuracy.

Parts and ordering note

We use the parts list for model 351214190 to match the correct items (such as guide components, tires, or hardware) to your exact saw; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 351214190 bench band saw, the blade size is defined by length, width, and teeth per inch (TPI). Your saw is specified for a 62-inch blade length and 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch blade width; confirm the exact setup and adjustments in the 351214190 owner's manual.

Blade size for Craftsman 351214190 (what to look for)

A “bandsaw blade size” is usually these three specs:

• Blade length: the total loop length (this model uses 62 in.)
• Blade width: tooth tip to back of blade (this model supports 1/4 in. to 3/8 in.)
• TPI (pitch): teeth per inch, chosen by material and cut quality

Quick reference table

Spec	What it means	Craftsman 351214190 spec	Why you care
Length	Total loop length	62 in.	Must match the saw’s wheel spacing and tension range
Width	Tooth tip to back edge	1/4 in. to 3/8 in.	Wider blades track straighter; narrower blades cut tighter curves
TPI	Teeth per inch	Choose by material	Controls speed vs. smoothness and reduces tooth stripping

How to confirm the blade you have (fast, accurate checks)

If you already have a blade installed or an old blade to reference:

• Check the blade printing (many blades list length, width, and TPI on the band).
• Measure width with a ruler or calipers from tooth tip to the back edge.
• Estimate TPI by counting how many tooth points fall in 1 inch.
• Confirm length by reading the blade marking; if it is unmarked, lay the blade flat and measure the full loop length with a tape.

Choosing TPI for your cut (simple rules)

We use these rules to pick a blade that cuts cleanly and protects the teeth:

• Soft wood and softer materials: 6 to 8 TPI
• Harder materials: 8 to 12 TPI
• Keep at least 3 teeth in the cut at all times to prevent “shocking” and tooth loss.

Why it matters

Using the correct 62-inch blade length and staying within the 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch width range helps the blade tension correctly, track on the wheels, and work with the guide pins and thrust bearing adjustments. That directly improves cut accuracy and reduces premature blade wear.

If you need to search additional replacement parts or diagrams by model number, we recommend starting with the model parts list and then using Sears PartsDirect for broader model-based search.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Craftsman 351214190 bench band saw, replacing the drive belt involves disconnecting power, opening the lower access area, relieving belt tension, swapping the belt on the motor and lower wheel pulleys, then re-tensioning and test-running for smooth operation. Use the 351214190 owner's manual for the correct cover removal and adjustment points.

Safety first

• Unplug the saw before removing covers or touching the belt, pulleys, wheels, or wiring.
• Let the motor stop completely before servicing.
• Wear eye protection; wear gloves only when handling the blade (never while operating).
• Keep hands clear of pinch points around the pulleys and lower wheel.
• Replace a worn or damaged power cord before using the saw.

Belt replacement steps

1. Disconnect power and open the lower door/cover.
2. Relieve belt tension using the motor mount or belt tension mechanism.
3. Roll the old belt off the motor pulley, then off the lower wheel pulley.
4. Install the new belt on the lower wheel pulley first, then on the motor pulley.
5. Set tension so the belt deflects slightly with firm finger pressure.
6. Verify pulley alignment; the belt should run centered and not rub the guard.
7. Close covers and test run briefly; recheck tension if you hear squealing or feel vibration.

Belt tension quick guide

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix
Squeals on startup	Belt too loose	Increase tension slightly
Excess vibration	Belt too tight or misaligned	Reduce tension, align pulleys
Smooth, steady cut	Tension correct	Recheck after a few cuts

Why it matters

Correct belt tension transfers motor power to the drive wheel without slipping, which improves cut consistency and helps protect the motor and bearings.

Getting the right replacement belt

Use the model number 351214190 to match the belt size/type in the parts breakdown; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 351214190 bench band saw, the 3-tooth rule means selecting a bandsaw blade pitch (TPI) so at least three teeth are in contact with the workpiece at all times during the cut. This prevents blade shocking, reduces tooth stripping, and improves cut quality; see the blade pitch section in the 351214190 owner's manual.

How to apply the 3-tooth rule

Use the workpiece thickness at the cut to choose TPI so multiple teeth share the load.

• Measure the thickness where the blade enters the material (for tubing, use wall thickness).
• Choose a finer TPI for thin material so you keep 3 or more teeth engaged.
• Choose a coarser TPI for thicker material to clear chips efficiently.
• If the blade chatters or snags, move to a finer TPI.
• If the cut is slow and the gullets pack with dust or chips, move to a coarser TPI.

What our manual says for model 351214190

The manual explains that blade pitch is teeth per inch (TPI) and that the material being cut determines how many teeth should be in contact with the work. It also states:

• There should always be at least three teeth in contact with the cut.
• Too-large pitch can cause blade shocking, which can strip teeth.

Quick reference table

If you are cutting	Common symptom when TPI is wrong	What to change
Thin sheet or thin-wall tubing	Snagging, tooth stripping, rough start	Increase TPI (finer)
Thick solid stock	Slow feed, gullets loading up	Decrease TPI (coarser)
Harder material	Harsh “shocking,” rough cut	Increase TPI and feed steadily

Why it matters

Keeping at least three teeth engaged spreads cutting force across multiple teeth. That reduces impact on each tooth, helps the blade track more smoothly, and extends blade life.

Parts and accessories

If you need replacement parts or accessories for your saw, start with the model-specific parts list; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026