Craftsman 15-Inch Drill Press 12-Speed 1 HP: Models, Manual, and What to Expect
The phrase “Craftsman 15-inch drill press 12-speed 1 HP” turns up in parts searches, eBay listings, and shop forums constantly, and for good reason: Sears sold several variations of this class of floor press under the Craftsman name for decades. If you are trying to identify your machine, find a manual, or locate parts, the first thing you need is a confirmed model number, because Craftsman made more than one 15-inch press that matches this general description.
Identifying the Right Model
The most commonly referenced Craftsman 15-inch floor drill presses with 12 speeds and a 1 HP motor fall into the 113.xx series (made during the Sears manufacturing era). Likely candidates include:
Model 113.213150 and 113.213250. These are 15-inch swing floor-standing drill presses with a 1 HP motor (115/230V dual voltage), 12 speeds, and a cast iron table with tilt and rack-and-pinion height adjustment. Speed range is typically 250 to 3,000 RPM across the 12 steps, achieved through a two-belt, three-pulley step system.
To confirm your model, look for the data plate on the column or motor housing. Once you have the full model number (e.g., 113.213150), ManualsLib and Sears PartsDirect are the two primary sources for documentation.
Specs to Know
| Specification | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Swing | 15 inches |
| Motor | 1 HP, 115/230V dual voltage |
| Speeds | 12 (approx. 250-3,000 RPM) |
| Quill travel | 4 inches (varies by model) |
| Table | Cast iron, tilts left/right |
| Chuck | 5/8-inch capacity Jacobs-style |
Where to Find the Manual
ManualsLib.com is the first stop. Search “Craftsman 113.213150” or your specific model number for a free PDF download.
Sears PartsDirect (searspartsdirect.com) hosts parts diagrams and some manual documentation for discontinued models.
VintageMachinery.org maintains a library of vintage Sears and Craftsman machine references.
Where to Find Parts
eReplacementParts.com: Search by your full model number. They carry belts, switches, springs, and chuck components for many Craftsman drill presses.
eBay: Functional used parts and new-old-stock components show up regularly. Search your model number plus the part name.
Generic cross-references: Belts, chucks, switches, and springs are often replaceable with correctly sized generic parts.
The Honest Flaw
These machines were built to last, but the parts situation is the flaw. OEM Craftsman replacement parts are mostly discontinued, and finding specific components like the depth stop assembly or the spindle return spring can require patience. If you inherit one with a damaged motor or a cracked column, the repair math becomes unfavorable fast.
Who Should Skip a Full Rebuild?
If the motor has failed completely and no compatible replacement (NEMA 48 or 56, 1 HP, 1,725 RPM, single-phase) can be sourced, rebuilding stops making sense. A damaged column or quill housing is also a stop sign.
Comparison: Craftsman 113.xx vs. JET JDP-17
| Factor | Craftsman 113.xx (15-inch, 12-speed, 1 HP) | JET JDP-17 |
|---|---|---|
| Swing | 15 inches | 17 inches |
| Motor | 1 HP, 115/230V | 1 HP, 115/230V |
| Speeds | 12 | 12 |
| Parts availability | Mostly discontinued OEM | Current production |
| Warranty | None (vintage) | JET warranty |
| Table | Cast iron | Cast iron |
If the Craftsman is mechanically sound and structurally intact, it is worth restoring. If it needs a motor or major structural work, the JET JDP-17 deserves serious consideration.
Conclusion
The Craftsman 15-inch 12-speed 1 HP floor drill press (most likely a 113.213150 or 113.213250) is a capable vintage machine if the structure and motor are intact. Find your manual on ManualsLib using the full model number. Source parts through eReplacementParts.com and eBay. Know that OEM parts are mostly discontinued before you commit to a restoration.
FAQ
What is the model number of the Craftsman 15-inch 12-speed 1 HP drill press? The most common models are 113.213150 and 113.213250. Check your machine’s data plate for the exact number.
Where can I download the manual? ManualsLib.com is the most reliable free source. Search your full model number.
What belt does the Craftsman 15-inch 12-speed drill press use? Most 113.xx 15-inch presses use two A-section V-belts. Check eReplacementParts.com for the parts diagram.
Where can I buy parts? eReplacementParts.com, Sears PartsDirect, and eBay.
What is the quill travel? Typically 4 inches on models in this class.
Can I upgrade the chuck? Yes. A standard Jacobs-style chuck with the correct taper (usually JT33) is interchangeable.
What modern machine compares to this Craftsman? The JET JDP-17 is the closest current equivalent.
How many speeds and what speed range? 12 speeds, approximately 250 to 3,000 RPM through a two-belt, three-step-pulley system.
References
- ManualsLib.com, Craftsman 113.xx drill press manuals
- Sears PartsDirect: searspartsdirect.com
- eReplacementParts.com: ereplacementparts.com
- VintageMachinery.org: vintagemachinery.org
- WEN Products Drill Press FAQs: wenproducts.com
- OSHA Drill Press Safety: osha.gov
- CCOHS Drill Press Safety: ccohs.ca
