Craftsman Drill Press Model 113 Manual: The Documents and Details Owners Need
Somebody left a Craftsman drill press in my garage when I bought my house. Model number on the back: 113.213151. No manual, no belt chart, no nothing — just a machine that ran and a complete mystery about how to set it up right.
If you’re in a similar situation — you’ve got a Craftsman 113-series drill press and need to find the manual, understand your model number, or figure out the right belt combination — this is the guide I wish someone had handed me on day one.
The “113” Mystery: What Your Model Number Actually Means
The number “113” confuses almost every Craftsman drill press owner the first time. It is not the model name. It is a Sears manufacturer code that appears on dozens of different drill presses made over several decades — everything from 8-inch benchtop units to 17-inch floor models with 1.5 HP motors.
Your full model number looks like this: 113.XXXXXX
The digits after “113.” are what actually identify your specific machine.
Common Models You’ll Encounter
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| 113.213151 | 15” floor model, Emerson Electric era |
| 113.213170 | 17” floor model, 1.5 HP developed motor |
| 113.213090 | 15” benchtop/floor variant |
| 113.213853 | 15” floor press |
| 113.213213 | 20” industrial-rated floor press |
| 113.24580 / 113.24590 | Older variants with different motor configurations |
Different 113-series models have different belt part numbers, pulley configurations, speed charts, and parts lists. Always use the full model number, not just “113.”
Where to Find Your Manual (Free PDF Sources)
1. Sears Parts Direct
Search by your full model number and look for the “Manuals” tab. Many 113-series manuals are available as free PDF downloads. URL: searspartsdirect.com
2. eReplacementParts
Strong inventory of Craftsman drill press manuals. Search your full model number. Their interactive parts diagrams let you click a component to order it directly. URL: ereplacementparts.com
3. VintageMachinery.org
The definitive archive for older machine tool manuals. Search under “Craftsman” in the publication reprints section. Includes original assembly and operating instruction manuals for dozens of 113-series models. URL: vintagemachinery.org
4. old-woodworking-machines.com
Specifically focused on vintage Craftsman woodworking machines. Includes model identification guides and links to downloadable manuals. URL: old-woodworking-machines.com
What to Look For in the Manual
1. The Belt Chart
The most practically important page. It shows exactly which pulley groove combination produces which spindle speed. Most 113-series manuals print this chart on a sticker also placed inside the belt guard cover. If your sticker is missing or illegible, the manual is your only reference.
2. The Speed-to-Material Chart
Recommended RPM ranges for specific materials and bit diameters. Prevents burning bits and scorching wood.
3. The Parts Diagram (Exploded View)
What you need when identifying a worn quill spring, a stripped feed handle, or a cracked table lock. Cross-reference the diagram number with the parts list to get the correct Sears part number.
4. Belt Specifications
Exact belt dimensions by industry standard (e.g., “Belt-V 3/8 x 26”). These translate directly to standard V-belt sizes available from industrial suppliers.
The Link Belt Upgrade
The one accessory mentioned in nearly every Craftsman 113 forum thread. Standard V-belts develop a flat spot at the contact point after years of sitting — that flat spot causes a rhythmic vibration maddening for precision drilling.
A link V-belt eliminates this entirely. Made of interlocking segments, there’s no flat spot possible. Size them exactly to your application without ordering a specific part. They also run quieter than standard V-belts.
The Honest Verdict
The Craftsman 113-series drill press is a machine built when Sears demanded that tools last. The cast iron is thick, the motors are rebuildable, and the mechanical simplicity means there is almost nothing that can fail that a home machinist can’t fix.
Use your full model number, check Sears Parts Direct and VintageMachinery.org first, and don’t overlook the belt chart inside your belt guard. If you find a 15-inch or 17-inch floor model for a fair price at an estate sale, with a motor that spins freely and a table that locks solid, buy it.
FAQ
Q: How do I find the model number on my Craftsman 113 drill press? The model number plate is attached to the rear of the head casting. It includes the full model number, the serial number, and sometimes electrical specs.
Q: Are all Craftsman 113 drill press manuals the same? No. Different models have different belt configurations, spindle speeds, motor specs, and parts. Always search for your exact full model number.
Q: Where can I download a Craftsman 113 drill press manual for free? Start with SearsPartsDirect.com and VintageMachinery.org. Both have free PDF downloads for many 113-series models.
Q: What V-belt size does a Craftsman 113 drill press use? Depends on the specific model. Common sizes include 3/8 × 26-inch and 3/8 × 24-inch. Verify against your manual’s parts list.
Q: Can I use a link V-belt as a replacement on my Craftsman 113 drill press? Yes, and most owners who do it never go back. Link belts are modular in length, run quietly, and eliminate the flat-spot vibration common in old V-belts.
Q: What is the spindle taper on Craftsman 113-series drill presses? Most 113-series models use a Jacobs Taper (JT33) chuck mounting. Verify in your specific manual’s parts diagram.
Q: My 113-series drill press vibrates badly. What should I check first? Check the belt first — flat spots from long storage are the most common cause. A link V-belt replacement often resolves it completely.
Q: What year was my Craftsman 113 drill press made? Cross-reference the serial number with Sears production date codes. VintageMachinery.org’s Craftsman section often has forum threads with production date decoding.
References
- Sears Parts Direct: searspartsdirect.com
- eReplacementParts Craftsman drill press manuals: ereplacementparts.com
- VintageMachinery.org Craftsman archive: vintagemachinery.org
- Old Woodworking Machines guide: old-woodworking-machines.com
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