Owner’s manual
Are radial arm saws worth anything?
Yes. A Craftsman radial arm saw like model 113197151 is still worth owning and can be worth money, especially if it is complete, runs smoothly, and includes the guard kit and table hardware. Most resale value comes from condition and safe setup, not age.
Radial arm saw prices vary widely, but these factors consistently move the needle:
- Completeness: blade guard, anti-kickback parts, table boards, fence, yoke/handle, and fasteners
- Mechanical condition: tight arm and carriage, minimal play, smooth travel, solid column lock
- Electrical condition: reliable switch/trigger action, no overheating smell, intact cord
- Safety equipment present: riving knife and pawls matter because ripping hazards include kickback and outfeed-zone exposure
- Local demand: heavy cast-iron tools often sell better where hobby woodworking is common
A radial arm saw is most “worth it” when you use it for the jobs it does best and set it up carefully.
| Goal | When it makes sense | When it does not |
|---|---|---|
| Keep and use | Frequent wide crosscuts, repetitive cuts, dado work with proper guarding | You mainly need quick trim cuts (a miter saw is usually faster) |
| Sell | Saw is clean, aligned, and complete with guard components | Missing guard/table parts or has excessive carriage/arm slop |
| Restore | You enjoy tuning tools and can verify safe operation | You need plug-and-play accuracy with no setup time |
The manual highlights serious hazards including severe cuts, thrown workpieces, shock, and major ripping hazards such as kickback and wrong-way feed. A saw that is properly guarded and adjusted is more desirable and typically commands a higher price. Review the safety and adjustment procedures in the 113197151 owner's manual.
- Verify the guard assembly is installed and functions correctly
- Confirm the table and fence are solid and not badly chewed up
- Check that the carriage rolls smoothly without binding
- Test that locks (arm, bevel, miter, column) hold firmly
- Inspect cord and switch area for damage; repair wiring correctly if needed
If you are missing guard or table-related components, use the model diagrams and parts list for 113197151 first; then search by model number on Sears PartsDirect to compare availability and pricing.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes the best radial arm saws?
There is no single “best” radial arm saw maker for every shop, but Craftsman radial arm saws like model 113197151 are among the most common and well-supported, largely because they were produced in high volume and have strong parts and manual coverage. For safe setup and use, follow the owner's manual.
We recommend choosing based on accuracy, safety features, and parts support, not just brand name.
- Solid, adjustable arm and column with minimal play
- Smooth carriage travel and reliable return spring action
- Complete blade guard system (including anti-kickback pawls and riving knife when equipped)
- Easy-to-set bevel and miter scales that hold position
- Available replacement wear items (switches, cords, guards, table components)
This Craftsman saw family is widely seen in home shops, and the documentation for the guard kit calls out major hazards and safe-use priorities, especially for ripping.
| What matters most | Why it matters on a radial arm saw | What to check on your 113197151 |
|---|---|---|
| Guard condition | Reduces blade-contact and thrown-workpiece risk | Guard clamps, links, hardware tightness |
| Ripping safety | Ripping has higher kickback risk | Outfeed zone awareness, correct feed direction |
| Electrical safety | Prevents shock and nuisance failures | Cord condition, switch function, grounding |
Radial arm saw injuries often come from incorrect setup or technique, not just the brand. A well-tuned saw with a complete guard system and correct ripping/crosscutting procedures is the “best” saw for most users.
Even when specific part pages are not listed for this model, we use the model number to match diagrams and compatible components. For broader parts searching by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why are radial arm saws no longer made?
Radial arm saws are far less common today because most buyers moved to tools that are simpler to set up and easier to guard for common cuts. On Craftsman model 113197151, the safety guidance in the 113197151 owner's manual highlights higher-risk ripping hazards (kickback, outfeed-zone hazard, wrong-way feed) that many users prefer to avoid.
Several practical factors pushed demand down:
- Sliding compound miter saws took over crosscuts and miters with faster setup
- Table saws became the main choice for ripping with more standardized guarding and jigs
- Radial arm saws need frequent alignment and table/fence upkeep to stay accurate
- Ripping on a radial arm saw has more ways to be done incorrectly
- Many shops preferred smaller footprints and more portable tools
Your Craftsman documentation calls out major ripping hazards. Those risks are controlled by correct guarding, feed direction, and stock support, but they require consistent attention.
- Ripping without the correct guard and anti-kickback setup
- Feeding the work the wrong direction during ripping
- Cutting warped or poorly supported stock
- Using a dull blade or the wrong blade type
- Letting the fence or table surfaces get loose or uneven
| Tool | Best use | Why it replaced the radial arm saw for many users |
|---|---|---|
| Radial arm saw | Crosscuts, dados, some ripping | More setup and more misuse risk |
| Sliding compound miter saw | Crosscuts and miters | Faster, portable, repeatable |
| Table saw | Ripping and general cutting | Common accessories and guarding options |
- Use the 113197151 owner's manual for safe ripping and crosscut procedures
- Keep locks and controls working smoothly (miter, bevel, arm height)
- Maintain a flat table and straight fence to reduce binding and kickback
- Order replacement parts by model at Sears PartsDirect
Understanding why the market shifted helps you choose the safest tool for the cut and keep an older radial arm saw accurate and properly guarded.
Last updated: February 2026