Craftsman 34983 Drill Press Parts: What to Measure Before You Order
The Craftsman 34983 is a 10-inch benchtop drill press that Craftsman sold in the post-Sears era — a compact five-speed machine designed for home-shop use. If you have one and you’re looking for replacement parts, the first thing you need to know is that the 34983 is a different system from the 113-series Sears-era machines. Parts don’t cross over, and the manual that covers a 113.213850 has nothing to do with your machine.
Model Identification and Documentation
The model number 34983 (sometimes listed as Craftsman 34-983 or model 34983) is a compact benchtop machine. The full designation may include a 315.XXXXX prefix on the data plate. Manuals and parts diagrams are available from:
- Sears PartsDirect (craftsman.com) — search the model number
- eReplacementParts.com — often has better parts availability
- PDF archive sites — the operator’s manual PDF circulates online
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Swing | 10 inches |
| Quill travel | Approximately 2 inches |
| Speeds | 5 |
| Motor | Induction, â…“ HP |
| Chuck | ½-inch, JT33 taper |
| Table tilt | ±45° |
| Spindle taper | MT2 (verify on your unit) |
What to Measure Before Ordering Any Part
Spindle Taper
The 34983 most commonly uses a JT33 chuck on an MT2 spindle taper. Verify this by removing the chuck and arbor and measuring the arbor shank against Morse Taper dimension charts. Don’t assume MT2 — measure it.
For chuck replacement, a JT33 keyed chuck is the correct type. Keep a dedicated chuck key in the spring holder on the machine.
Column Diameter
The column OD on the 34983 is typically around 2 inches. Measure it with calipers before ordering any table support, table bracket, or rack components.
V-Belt Size
The 34983 uses a single V-belt. Check the stamp on the existing belt. If the stamp is gone, measure the circumference. A link belt eliminates the sizing challenge entirely — you cut it to fit on the machine.
Quill Spring
The quill return spring on the 34983 is one of the most commonly searched parts, particularly for older units. Symptoms of failure: quill doesn’t return to full up position, or returns sluggishly. Order by model number from eReplacementParts.com.
Laser Attachment Notes
Some Craftsman 34983 units were sold with a laser guide attachment. If yours is missing the laser module or the laser no longer functions, the laser is a separate assembly that mounts to the quill housing. These are available as spare parts if you have the part number from your specific variant.
For better practical visibility, a magnetic LED work light on the column is often more useful than a laser for everyday drilling — it illuminates the work surface directly rather than projecting a reference line.
Work Table Accessories
The 10-inch table on the 34983 is a cast-iron platform with T-slots. A 3-inch drill press vise is well-matched to this table size — it doesn’t overhang, and it provides secure workholding for both wood and metal drilling.
Pre-Order Checklist
- ✅ Full model number from data plate (may be 315.34983 or similar)
- ✅ Spindle taper verified (MT2 is typical — measure to confirm)
- ✅ Chuck interface (JT33)
- ✅ Column OD measured
- ✅ V-belt stamp or circumference measurement
- ✅ Quill spring dimensions if replacing spring
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