A Closer Look at the Craftsman 150 Drill Press Motor

The Craftsman Series 150 drill press was a step up in the Craftsman lineup, a more capable bench or floor machine than the basic 8-inch press. Owners who have one and need to address the motor are dealing with a machine that is now vintage, since the Series 150 was a Sears-era product (model numbers in the 113.xxxxxx family), and Craftsman’s ownership and support structure has changed significantly. Understanding what the motor is, what it connects to, and where to find a replacement or substitute is the practical question. This guide covers it.

The Craftsman Series 150 drill press uses an induction motor, typically in the 1/3 HP range (some variants listed as 2/3 HP depending on the specific model number within the 113.xxxxxx series). The motor drives the spindle through a multi-step pulley system using a V-belt (one of the Craftsman 113-series belts, often 45-inch circumference in L-section or a specific M-series size depending on the model). Key drive-train components include the motor pulley, center pulley, spindle pulley, and the V-belt itself. The motor sits in a bracket on the head casting and can be repositioned slightly for belt tension.

Straight answer: to address the motor on a Craftsman Series 150, identify the exact 113.xxxxxx model number from the machine, locate the motor’s nameplate specifications (HP, voltage, amperage, RPM, frame size), and use those specs to order a genuine motor from Craftsman’s parts network or an electrically equivalent substitute. The motor’s frame and shaft dimensions must match as well as the electrical specs.

Identifying your exact model

Within the Series 150 family, Craftsman used multiple 113.xxxxxx model numbers with small differences in motor HP, table size, and features. The model number is on a label on the machine, typically on the head or column. Record it exactly. This number determines which motor specs apply to your specific machine and which parts diagram covers your drive train.

The motor nameplate, attached to the motor body itself, lists the key electrical specs: HP, voltage (typically 120V), amperage, RPM (usually 1,725 RPM for an induction motor), and the motor frame size (usually a standard NEMA frame on Craftsman-era motors). Both the model number and the nameplate together give you what you need to source a replacement.

Finding a replacement motor

For the Craftsman 113 Series, a few paths work:

• Craftsman parts network: Craftsman (now under Stanley Black and Decker) and its parts network still carry some 113-series parts. Searching by the 113.xxxxxx model number is the starting point.
• SearsPartsDirect: The historical Sears parts system (now evolved) carried Craftsman parts and may have listings for older 113-series motors.
• Substitute motor: Many owners replace a failed motor with a NEMA-frame induction motor of matching HP, voltage, shaft diameter, and rotation direction, since the V-belt drive system tolerates a substitute motor as long as the shaft diameter and mounting dimensions fit the existing bracket. Confirm the shaft diameter and the motor mounting bolt pattern match before ordering a substitute.

For the V-belt, a Craftsman drill press belt sized for the 45-inch L-section is a common replacement for several 113-series models, but confirm against the old belt’s markings or your model’s diagram. A universal ratcheting chuck key and drill press vise are always useful accessories.

The honest flaws

Two honest points. First, the Series 150 is a vintage machine, and some original motor parts are no longer stocked by any supplier, which means a substitute motor is often the realistic repair path rather than an OEM replacement. Second, substitute motor sourcing requires matching shaft diameter, mounting bolt pattern, and rotation direction in addition to electrical specs, which adds steps. Neither makes the repair impossible, but both make the nameplate’s importance clear: without it, you are guessing.

Who should repair theirs, and who should replace the machine

Repair a Craftsman Series 150 motor if the machine is otherwise complete and in good condition. These were well-built machines for their era, and a running one is worth maintaining. A substitute NEMA-frame motor is a cost-effective fix when the machine’s frame, table, and drive train are sound.

Replace the machine if the motor failure is part of a broader pattern of worn-out components (quill, spindle, bearings, pulleys) that would make a full motor repair investment uneconomical. A running used machine of similar vintage or a current benchtop press may be a better spend at that point.

Conclusion: nameplate first, then order

The Craftsman Series 150 motor is a standard induction motor in a NEMA frame, and sourcing a replacement is manageable with the right information.

• Record the 113.xxxxxx model number and the motor nameplate specs before searching.
• Check the Craftsman parts network and SearsPartsDirect for OEM or equivalent.
• A NEMA-frame substitute motor works if shaft diameter, mounting, and electrical specs match.
• Confirm the V-belt size against the old belt or parts diagram.

FAQ

What HP is the Craftsman Series 150 motor? Typically 1/3 HP or 2/3 HP depending on the specific 113.xxxxxx model number. Read the motor nameplate for the definitive answer.

What RPM does the motor run? Most Craftsman 113-series induction motors run at 1,725 RPM.

How do I find the exact motor specs? From the motor nameplate attached to the motor body. It lists HP, voltage, amperage, RPM, and frame size.

Can I use a substitute motor? Yes, if the substitute matches the HP, voltage, shaft diameter, mounting bolt pattern, and rotation direction. Many owners successfully substitute NEMA-frame induction motors.

Where do I get Craftsman 113-series parts? Start with the Craftsman parts network (now under Stanley Black and Decker), SearsPartsDirect, and online parts specialists. Use the 113.xxxxxx model number.

What belt does the Series 150 use? Varies by specific model. Check your model’s parts diagram or the old belt’s markings. Some Series 150 models use a 45-inch L-section V-belt.

Is the Series 150 a current machine? No. It is a vintage Sears-era Craftsman product, so OEM parts availability varies.

References

• Craftsman (Stanley Black and Decker), parts and support: https://www.craftsman.com/support
• SearsPartsDirect, Craftsman 113-series drill press parts: https://www.searspartsdirect.com
• Practical Machinist and woodworking forums, Craftsman 113-series motor substitution discussions: https://www.practicalmachinist.com