Which Craftsman Drill Press Belongs in Your Shop?

Type “Craftsman drill press” into any classifieds site and you get a flood of results: little 8-inch benchtop units, mid-size 9-inch machines, hulking floor-standing presses, all wearing the same familiar badge, all made in different decades by different companies. That is the puzzle with Craftsman. It is not one drill press, it is dozens, sold under a single brand over more than half a century. Picking the right one for your shop means ignoring the badge and reading the machine, and that is easier than it sounds once you know what to look at.

A Craftsman drill press is any of the many benchtop and floor-standing drill presses sold under the Sears Craftsman brand, built by contract manufacturers such as Emerson Electric and King-Seeley, and identified by a model number (for example 113.213850) whose prefix reveals the actual maker. Sizes range from 8-inch benchtop machines to full floor-standing presses, most using stepped-pulley belt drives and keyed chucks.

Short answer: the best Craftsman drill press for you depends on your work. For small parts and hobby drilling, an 8-inch or 9-inch benchtop model is enough; for general woodworking, look for a larger benchtop or a floor model with a 3/4-HP motor; and whatever you choose, buy by condition and model number, favoring Emerson-built 113-series machines. Here is how to match one to your shop.

First, understand what you are buying

Sears never built these machines. It contracted the work out and stamped the Craftsman name on the result, so the model number prefix is what tells you the real maker and, roughly, the quality:

• 113.xxxxx indicates Emerson Electric, the maker behind many of the best Craftsman stationary tools.
• Other prefixes indicate other contractors with varying reputations.

That single fact reframes the whole search. You are not shopping for “a Craftsman,” you are shopping for a specific machine from a specific maker, and the number on the ID plate is your guide. Write it down before anything else.

Matching size to your work

8-inch benchtop. The smallest common Craftsman press, often a 5-speed with a 1/3-HP motor. Good for hobby work, small parts, and thin stock. Light and compact, but limited in swing, stroke, and power.

9-inch to 10-inch benchtop. A step up in swing and often power, still bench-mounted. A sensible general-purpose home-shop size.

Larger benchtop and floor models. These bring 3/4-HP motors, bigger swings, and the stability of more mass or a standing column. The right choice if you drill larger holes, work with metal, or want one machine to handle everything.

Match the swing and motor to the largest work you actually do. A big floor press is wasted on someone drilling small holes in thin stock, and an 8-inch benchtop will frustrate anyone boring large holes in hardwood.

The honest trade-offs

Age and wear. Most Craftsman presses on the market are old, so expect to replace a chuck, belt, or switch. None of this is hard, but budget for it.

Belt-change speeds. These are stepped-pulley machines. Changing speed means opening the cover and moving the belt, reliable but slower than a modern dial.

Sold as-is. No warranty, no support line. Condition is the whole deal, so inspect before buying.

Buying used: what to check

Before money changes hands, run through the basics. Chuck a bit and spin it by hand to check runout; a wobble usually means a tired chuck, which is a cheap fix. Extend the quill and rock it for bearing play. Start the motor and listen for smooth, quiet running. Confirm the table raises, lowers, tilts, and locks, and that the column is free of deep rust. A machine that passes these checks and needs only a chuck and belt is a good buy.

Parts are a genuine Craftsman strength: Sears PartsDirect maintains diagrams for many models, and generic belts and chucks cover the wear items. Our Craftsman drill press parts guide covers ordering by model number.

Craftsman versus buying new

A clean used Craftsman gives you heavy iron for little money, which is its whole appeal. What it cannot give you is variable speed, a laser, or a warranty. If those matter, a current benchtop press like the WEN 4214T offers dial-and-read speed and a fresh start, and the WEN drill press lineup spans hobby to floor sizes. Buy the Craftsman for value and mass; buy new for convenience and support. For a specific vintage size, see our Craftsman 15-1/2 inch drill press guide.

The verdict

The right Craftsman drill press is the one whose size and condition match your work, not the one with the most impressive badge. Read the model number to learn who built it and favor Emerson-made 113-series machines. Choose an 8-inch or 9-inch benchtop for hobby work, a larger benchtop or floor model with a 3/4-HP motor for general and heavier drilling. Inspect chuck runout, quill play, and the motor before buying, and count on Sears PartsDirect for the chuck or belt it will likely need. Do that and a modest sum buys a machine that lasts. Want variable speed and a warranty instead? Buy new.

Frequently asked questions

Who made Craftsman drill presses? Sears contracted the work to outside manufacturers. Model numbers beginning with 113 point to Emerson Electric, while other prefixes indicate other makers. The prefix identifies both the machine and its builder.

What size Craftsman drill press should I buy? For hobby work and small parts, an 8-inch or 9-inch benchtop. For general woodworking and larger holes, a bigger benchtop or a floor model with a 3/4-HP motor. Match the swing and power to your largest jobs.

How do I find the model number on a Craftsman drill press? Look for the ID plate on the head casting, column, or base. Record the full number, including the prefix, which identifies the manufacturer and is needed for parts.

Are Craftsman drill presses good? Many are, especially Emerson-built 113-series machines, which are heavy, simple, and repairable. Quality varies by maker, so the model number matters more than the badge.

Can you still get parts for a Craftsman drill press? Often yes. Sears PartsDirect maintains diagrams for many models, and generic belts and chucks cover the common wear items. Some model-specific parts may only be found used.

What should I check when buying a used Craftsman drill press? Chuck runout, quill play, smooth quiet motor operation, and clean table and column movement. A machine that passes and needs only a chuck or belt is a good value.

Do Craftsman drill presses have variable speed? Most vintage models use stepped-pulley belt drives with a handful of set speeds, not a variable-speed dial. For variable speed, look to a current machine.

References

• Sears PartsDirect, Craftsman drill press parts and diagrams by model: https://www.searspartsdirect.com
• VintageMachinery.org, Craftsman and Emerson tool documentation: https://vintagemachinery.org
• Popular Woodworking, choosing and buying a drill press