Owner’s manual
What size blade is a craftsman 137 table saw?
For the Craftsman table saw model 137218071, the correct blade size is 10 inches (10 in. diameter). This saw is designed to use a 10-inch blade so the guard and riving knife line up correctly for safe, accurate cuts.
Blade size details that matter
A 10-inch blade is not just about fit; it also affects how the safety and alignment parts work together.
- Blade diameter: 10 in.
- Typical blade body thickness: about 0.07 in.
- Typical kerf (cut width): about 0.10 in.
- Typical riving knife thickness: about 0.09 in.
- The blade kerf should be wider than the riving knife, and the blade body should be thinner than the riving knife
For the exact blade and riving knife matching guidance for your saw, use the 137218071 owner's manual.
Quick compatibility checklist (before you buy a blade)
Use this checklist to avoid binding, burning, or misalignment.
- Confirm the blade is 10-inch diameter
- Match the blade type to the cut (rip, crosscut, combination, plywood)
- Verify the blade kerf is compatible with the riving knife (kerf wider than riving knife)
- Inspect the blade for wobble, missing teeth, or pitch buildup
- Recheck blade-to-miter-slot and fence alignment after installing a new blade
Common blade options (what most owners use)
| Blade type | Best for | Typical result |
|---|---|---|
| Combination (40T to 50T) | General purpose | Balanced cut quality and speed |
| Rip (24T to 30T) | Thick hardwood ripping | Faster feed, rougher edge |
| Crosscut/Fine (60T to 80T) | Plywood, trim | Cleaner edge, slower feed |
Why it matters
Using the correct 10-inch blade helps the blade guard, riving knife, and cut geometry work as designed. That reduces kickback risk and improves cut accuracy, especially on bevels and long rips.
Helpful DIY guidance
- If you want step-by-step blade removal and installation, follow how to replace a table saw blade.
If you need to look up replacement parts by diagram for model 137218071, we list parts by model on our site and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What not to do with a table saw?
For the Craftsman table saw model 137218071, do not cut freehand, do not defeat the blade guard or riving knife, and do not rip warped or twisted lumber; these mistakes are the most common causes of kickback and severe injury. Follow the safety rules and setup steps in the 137218071 owner's manual.
Never do these high-risk actions
- Never cut freehand (do not guide the work with your hands alone); always use the rip fence or the miter gauge to position and guide the workpiece.
- Never remove or bypass the blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls for through-cuts.
- Never use the rip fence as a cut-off gauge when crosscutting.
- Never try to free a stalled blade until the saw is switched OFF and the blade stops completely.
- Never rip stock that is warped, twisted, or bowed, or that lacks a straight edge against the fence.
- Never leave the saw running unattended; wait for the blade to stop before walking away.
Safe setup and cutting habits that prevent kickback
We recommend these habits every time you rip or crosscut:
- Hold the workpiece firmly against the fence or miter gauge.
- Feed the work against the blade’s rotation (correct feed direction).
- Keep the rip fence parallel to the blade.
- Raise the blade to about 1/8 inch above the top of the workpiece for ripping.
- Support long or wide boards at the rear and sides of the table.
Quick “don’t do this” vs “do this instead”
| If you do this | It can cause | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Freehand cutting | Kickback, loss of control | Use fence or miter gauge (not both for the same guidance) |
| Rip warped/twisted boards | Binding, kickback | Use straight stock with a straight reference edge |
| Clear a jam with power on | Hand injury, motor damage | Switch OFF, wait for full stop, then clear |
| Crosscut using rip fence as a stop | Pinch, kickback | Use miter gauge and proper support/stop method |
Why it matters
Most table saw injuries happen when the workpiece binds and kicks back or when hands drift into the blade path. The guard system (blade guard, riving knife, anti-kickback pawls) and proper guidance (rip fence or miter gauge) are designed to keep the cut stable and your hands out of danger.
If you need parts for your Craftsman 137218071, start with the model’s parts list, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the reset button on a Craftsman table saw?
On the Craftsman 137218071 table saw, the reset is the overload reset switch/button located on the switch housing area (near the ON/OFF switch with the safety key). If the motor shuts off from overload or low voltage, you let it cool, press the reset button, then restart the saw; see the owner's manual.
How to reset it safely
- Turn the saw OFF.
- Unplug the power cord to prevent accidental starting.
- Wait about 5 minutes for the motor to cool.
- Press the overload reset button.
- Plug the saw back in.
- Insert the safety key and turn the saw ON.
What usually causes the overload to trip
Overload protection is there to protect the drive motor. It trips most often when the saw is working too hard or power delivery is poor.
Common causes to check:
- Dull, dirty, or incorrect blade for the material
- Feed rate too fast (forcing the workpiece)
- Blade height set too high for the cut
- Misalignment (blade to rip fence or miter gauge)
- Extension cord too long or too light-gauge
Quick troubleshooting table
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Saw stops mid-cut | Overload trip | Cool down, press reset, reduce load |
| Trips repeatedly | Dull blade or misalignment | Clean/replace blade; verify alignment |
| Slow start or weak power | Voltage drop/cord issue | Use a shorter, heavier-gauge cord |
Why it matters
Resetting the overload gets you running again, but repeated trips usually point to a setup or cutting-load issue. Fixing the root cause helps prevent motor overheating and improves cut quality.
For step-by-step blade and alignment help, use our DIY guides like how to adjust a table saw blade. If you need to look up replacement parts by model number, start with the parts list for 137218071 or search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you use an 8 inch blade on a 10 inch table saw?
Yes for some non-through cutting setups, but not for normal through cuts. The Craftsman 137218071 comes with a 10-inch blade, and the manual limits dado blade diameter to 6 inches; an 8-inch dado set is not a supported size for this saw. Confirm blade type, kerf, and riving knife compatibility in the 137218071 owner's manual.
What you can use on Craftsman 137218071
- Standard saw blade (through cuts): Use a 10-inch blade (this saw is provided with a 10-inch blade).
- Dado cuts (non-through cuts): Use stackable dado blades only.
- Dado diameter limit: 6-inch maximum.
- Dado width limit: 1/2 inch maximum.
- Not allowed: Adjustable or wobble dado sets.
Why 8-inch blades are a problem on this model
This saw’s guarding and kickback-reduction system is designed around the factory blade size and the riving knife relationship to the blade. If the blade diameter and kerf do not match the riving knife requirements, you increase binding and kickback risk.
Quick compatibility check
| Setup | Allowed on 137218071? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10-inch standard blade | Yes | Use guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls for through cuts. |
| 8-inch standard blade | Not recommended | Changes guarding and riving knife geometry; not a supported configuration. |
| 6-inch stackable dado set | Yes | Requires removing guard and pawls for the cut, then reinstalling for through cuts. |
| 8-inch dado set | No | Manual specifies a 6-inch maximum dado diameter. |
Safe-use reminders that matter
- Use the blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls for every through-sawing operation.
- Never cut freehand; use the rip fence or miter gauge.
- Use a push stick or push block for narrow rips.
- For non-through cuts (like dadoes), remove the guard and pawls as directed, then reinstall them for through cuts.
Helpful DIY guidance
If you are changing blades or setting up for a different cut type, follow how to replace a table saw blade to avoid damaging the arbor hardware and to keep the blade aligned.
You can look up diagrams and replacement items for Craftsman 137218071 on the model parts list, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Are craftsman table saws any good?
Craftsman table saws, including model 137218071, are a solid choice for DIYers who want good cutting power and a practical feature set at a reasonable cost. For best results, we focus on setup and alignment (blade, fence, and miter gauge) because accuracy and safety depend more on adjustment and technique than the badge.
What “good” usually means for a table saw
Most owners judge a saw on three things: cut quality, repeatable accuracy, and safe operation.
- Cut quality: depends heavily on blade condition and alignment
- Accuracy: depends on fence straightness, miter gauge fit, and blade-to-slot parallelism
- Safety: depends on using the guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls correctly
- Usability: smooth blade height and bevel adjustments matter for everyday work
- Durability: keeping sawdust cleared out helps prevent performance issues
For model-specific operating and safety details, use the owner's manual.
How to get the best performance from your 137218071
The manual’s safety and operating guidance is the fastest path to better results and fewer problems.
- Use the blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls for through-cuts
- Keep the workpiece firmly against the rip fence or miter gauge (not freehand)
- Use a push stick/push block for narrow ripping
- Avoid crosscutting with the fence acting as a length stop
- Do not use a dull blade; replace or resharpen it
- Remove sawdust often; connect dust collection if your setup allows
Quick expectations table
| If you need… | Craftsman table saws are typically… | Best practice to improve results |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend DIY cuts | A good value | Use a sharp blade and verify alignment |
| Repeatable precision | Good with careful setup | Tune fence and miter gauge; avoid freehand cuts |
| Heavy daily jobsite use | More dependent on model and maintenance | Keep it clean; address vibration and slow-start symptoms early |
Why it matters
A table saw can feel “bad” when it is simply out of adjustment or running a dull blade. Proper guarding and technique also reduce kickback risk, which directly affects both safety and cut quality.
Helpful DIY resources
If you end up needing replacement parts for your Craftsman 137218071, start with the model’s parts list, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
