What are the parts of a miter saw?
On the Craftsman 137212370 compound miter saw, the main parts include the blade and blade guards, the miter and bevel controls, the fence and table/base, and the switch handle with trigger. These parts work together to support the workpiece, set angles, and control the cut (see the owner's manual).
Main parts you will see on the saw
Common, user-facing parts called out for this model include:
- Switch handle and ON/OFF trigger switch (starts and stops the motor)
- Blade, lower blade guard, and upper blade guard (cutting and guarding)
- Miter handle and miter scale (sets left/right miter angle)
- Positive miter detents and positive stop locking lever (locks common miter angles)
- Fence, table, base, and table insert (supports the workpiece and blade path)
- Sliding carriage, slide carriage lock knob, and extension tables (supports wider crosscuts)
Controls and what they do
| Part | What it’s for | When you use it |
|---|---|---|
| Miter handle + miter scale | Rotates the saw left/right for miter cuts | Framing, trim, angled crosscuts |
| Bevel detent pin | Helps set bevel positions | Bevel cuts, compound cuts |
| Trigger switch in switch handle | Turns the saw on/off | Every cut |
| Slide carriage lock knob | Locks or frees the sliding head | Lock for small stock; unlock for wide boards |
Included accessories (often packed with the saw)
Depending on what you received with your unit, common accessories for this model include:
- Blade wrench
- Dust bag
- Hold-down clamp
Why it matters
Knowing the names of the miter saw parts helps you set angles accurately, use the correct lock or detent, and troubleshoot issues like misalignment, loose hardware (such as the arbor bolt), or poor cut quality.
If you need replacement parts for your Craftsman 137212370, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Will any miter saw stand work with any miter saw?
No. A miter saw stand is not automatically a perfect fit for every saw; you need to match the stand’s mounting method to the Craftsman 137212370 miter saw base and its mounting holes. Most “universal” stands work once the brackets are adjusted or the saw is bolted through the base holes.
What to check for a proper fit
- Mounting hole pattern: Your 137212370 base has four mounting holes; confirm the stand’s rails/brackets can line up with them.
- Bolt size and hardware: Use proper bolts, washers, and lock hardware so the saw cannot shift during a cut.
- Stand top width and rail spacing: The stand must support the full saw base without rocking.
- Clamping option: If the stand allows clamping, it can help when hole patterns do not align perfectly.
- Head clearance and travel: Make sure the saw can bevel/miter and lower fully without hitting stand supports.
Common stand types and what usually works
| Stand type | Typical compatibility | What you may need |
|---|---|---|
| Universal rail stand with adjustable brackets | Works with many brands/models | Bracket adjustment, correct bolts/washers |
| Stand with quick-release mounting arms | Often works well if arms reach your hole spacing | Mounting arms set to your hole pattern |
| Brand-specific stand | Best fit when designed for that brand family | Usually direct bolt-on |
| DIY bench or plywood top on sawhorses | Works if built flat and rigid | Drill holes to match the saw base |
Safe mounting basics (important)
We recommend mounting your Craftsman 137212370 so it cannot move unexpectedly during operation.
- Unplug the saw before mounting.
- Lock the cutting head down using the stop latch.
- Set the saw on a level surface.
- Bolt or clamp the saw securely to the support.
For the exact mounting procedure and hardware callouts, use the owner's manual.
Why it matters
A stand that does not match the mounting holes or does not clamp tightly can let the saw shift under load. That can throw off miter angle accuracy, increase vibration, and raise the risk of binding or kickback.
To shop by model and confirm fitment options, start with the parts list for Craftsman 137212370, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to unlock an old Craftsman miter saw?
On the Craftsman 137212370 compound miter saw, “unlocking” usually means releasing the cutting head transport lock (stop latch knob) and/or loosening the miter table lock so the saw can pivot to an angle. Use the steps below to safely free the head and the table; then re-lock before cutting. For diagrams, use the owner's manual.
Unlock the cutting head (transport lock)
Use this when the saw is stored with the head locked down.
- Unplug the saw.
- Push down slightly on the switch handle.
- Pull out the stop latch knob.
- Let the cutting head rise to the up position.
- For transport or storage, push the head down and push the stop latch knob into the locking hole.
Unlock the miter table (to change the miter angle)
If the saw will not rotate left or right, the miter table is locked.
- Turn the miter handle counterclockwise to unlock the table.
- Lift the positive stop locking lever while you rotate the turntable.
- Align the indicator to the angle you want.
- Release the lever into a positive stop (if you are using one), then tighten the miter handle to lock.
Quick “what’s locked?” checklist
| What won’t move? | Most likely lock | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Head will not raise | Stop latch knob engaged | Push down slightly, pull out stop latch knob |
| Table will not rotate | Miter handle tightened | Turn miter handle counterclockwise |
| Table won’t pass detents | Positive stop lever engaged | Lift positive stop locking lever while rotating |
| Head won’t tilt (bevel) | Bevel lock handle tightened | Loosen bevel lock handle, set bevel, then tighten |
Why it matters
Unlocking the correct control prevents forcing the cutting head, turntable, or bevel mechanism. That reduces misalignment, broken knobs/handles, and unsafe binding during a cut.
If you need replacement parts for the Craftsman 137212370, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026