Owner’s manual
Are radial arm saws worth anything?
Yes. A Craftsman radial arm saw like model 113197751 is still worth owning and can be worth money, especially if it is complete, runs smoothly, and holds accurate settings. Most value comes from its ability to make wide, repeatable crosscuts and dadoes when it is properly aligned (see the owner's manual).
What affects the value most
- Condition and completeness: guard, table, fence, and anti-kickback/spreader parts present
- Accuracy: arm and yoke index cleanly at common positions (0° and 45°) and lock firmly
- Smooth travel: carriage rolls without binding; elevation crank raises and lowers evenly
- Electrical health: switch with key works correctly; cord and wiring are intact
- Maintenance history: clean mechanisms and correct lubrication habits (not over-oiled)
Practical “worth it” uses (where a radial arm saw shines)
Radial arm saws are most useful for crosscutting and certain shop setups where you want the motor to travel through the cut.
| Task | Radial arm saw | Typical alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Wide crosscuts | Very good | Miter saw (limited width) |
| Repetitive cut-to-length | Very good with stops | Miter saw |
| Dados and trenching | Good with correct setup | Table saw with dado stack |
| Ripping | Possible but requires strict setup and guarding | Table saw |
Setup and safety points that protect both value and results
The manual emphasizes learning the controls and indexing technique before operation. Keeping the saw aligned and using the locks correctly is what makes it accurate and safer.
- Use the arm control lever to index and lock miter positions; the arm has positive indexes at 0° and 45° left/right
- Get in the habit of “indexing in one direction” (go slightly past, then return to the index) to improve repeatability
- Keep the anti-kickback pawls sharp; replace them if they are not sharp
- Do not oil sealed bearings; use light oil only at the specific points called out for periodic lubrication
Why it matters
A tuned radial arm saw can be extremely accurate, but a loose lock, sticky index pin, or dirty carriage can make it frustrating and unsafe. A clean, correctly adjusted saw is also the difference between “cheap used tool” and a tool that earns its keep.
For replacement parts and diagrams for Craftsman 113197751, start with the model parts list, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the best brand of radial arm saw?
For most DIY and home-shop users, Craftsman is a strong, practical choice for a radial arm saw, especially when you can still get documentation and repair parts support for models like Craftsman 113197751. For production-level work, premium industrial brands are typically the best fit because they’re built for heavier daily use.
How we recommend choosing the “best” brand
The best brand depends on how you’ll use the saw, how much adjustment you’re comfortable doing, and how important parts availability is.
- Home shop and occasional use: Craftsman and other consumer-grade saws are a good value.
- Frequent, heavy-duty use: Industrial-grade saws are built for long duty cycles and repeatable accuracy.
- Vintage vs. new: Older, heavier saws can be excellent, but they often need alignment and wear compensation.
- Parts and documentation: A brand is “best” when you can still identify parts and service it correctly.
- Safety features and guarding: Choose a saw with complete guards and anti-kickback components installed.
What matters most for performance (more than the logo)
Even a top brand will cut poorly if it’s out of alignment or worn. The Craftsman manual for model 113197751 includes alignment, adjustments to compensate for wear, troubleshooting, and maintenance guidance, which is a big advantage when you’re dialing in accuracy. See the 113197751 owner's manual.
Quick comparison: what “best” looks like by user type
| User type | Best fit | What to prioritize |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner DIY | Mainstream consumer brand (like Craftsman) | Complete guard, clear manual, easy adjustments |
| Serious hobbyist | Heavier-duty vintage or premium consumer | Rigidity, alignment range, parts support |
| Production shop | Industrial brand | Duty cycle, repeatability, serviceability |
Why it matters
Radial arm saw accuracy and safety depend on correct setup. A brand with good documentation and service support helps you keep the arm, carriage, fence, and guard system adjusted so the saw tracks straight and cuts consistently.
Getting the right parts for your saw
When you’re ready to maintain or repair your Craftsman 113197751, start with the model-specific parts diagrams and lists, then use Sears PartsDirect to search by model number if you’re cross-shopping parts or accessories.
Last updated: February 2026
Why are radial arm saws no longer made?
Radial arm saws like the Craftsman 113197751 became less common because many woodworkers preferred tools that are easier to keep aligned and simpler to use safely for everyday crosscuts and ripping. Sliding compound miter saws and table saws filled those roles with faster setup and more standardized guarding.
What changed in most shops
Radial arm saws still handle crosscuts, miters, and dados well, but the market shifted toward lighter, more task-focused saws.
Common reasons for the decline:
- More setup discipline required for ripping and specialty cuts
- More frequent alignment checks (arm, yoke, carriage, bevel)
- Larger footprint and heavier mounting needs
- Faster workflow on a miter saw for trim and crosscut work
- Table saws remain the go-to for ripping with consistent jigs and fences
How this applies to Craftsman 113197751
This model relies on correct lock, clamp, guard, and anti-kickback setup for each operation. We use the 113197751 owner's manual to match the guard and controls to the cut before switching between crosscut, miter, bevel, or ripping.
Safety and setup checks we follow:
- Unplug before adjustments or maintenance
- Tighten arm, yoke, and bevel locks/clamps before cutting
- Install and set the proper guard for the operation
- Keep hands out of the blade path; never use hands to steady the cutting tool
- Stop immediately for unusual noise or excessive vibration
Quick comparison
| Task | Radial arm saw | Sliding compound miter saw | Table saw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosscuts | Excellent | Excellent | Good (with sled/gauge) |
| Ripping | Possible, higher setup discipline | Not intended | Excellent |
| Alignment attention | Higher | Lower | Medium |
Why it matters
With a radial arm saw, small alignment or guarding mistakes can make the tool feel unpredictable. Correct setup improves cut accuracy and reduces kickback risk.
For parts lookup by model number and ordering, use the parts list for 113197751 or search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026