Craftsman Drill Press Table: What to Measure Before Ordering a Replacement

Craftsman drill presses are shop mainstays, sold by the thousands across decades, which means “Craftsman drill press table” covers everything from a small vintage benchtop casting to a newer model with a tilting table. That range is exactly why ordering a replacement or upgrade without measuring goes wrong so often. The good news: a few measurements off your actual machine tell you precisely what will fit, and whether you are better served by an add-on top or a shop-made one.

A table for a Craftsman drill press is either the original factory table or a replacement or upgrade top that mounts to the existing table or column. Because Craftsman built many models, for example the vintage 113.213850 benchtop, fit depends on your machine’s table size, column, and mounting. An upgrade adds a fence, stop block, and replaceable insert.

Short answer: measure your Craftsman’s existing table, column diameter, and mounting before ordering anything, then pick a top that bolts to it or build one from a plan. Model numbers like 113.213850 matter because the parts and tables differ across them.

Why measuring comes first

Craftsman sold drill presses under many model numbers, and the tables, brackets, and column sizes are not interchangeable. A part or top made for one model may not clamp to another’s column or bolt to its bracket. So before ordering, measure the existing table’s size, the column diameter, and how the table raises and clamps. If you are chasing a genuine replacement part, the owner’s manual and parts list for your specific model, such as the 113.213850, is the reference that lists the correct component.

Replacement part versus an upgrade top

There are two different goals here, and they lead different ways. If you need a broken factory table or bracket replaced, work from your model’s parts list to order the exact component. If you want better work holding, an upgrade top adds an adjustable fence, a stop block, and a replaceable insert, features the bare casting lacks. A commercial example like the WEN DPA2412T shows the upgrade pattern; plans from IBUILDIT and Woodsmith let you build one sized to your Craftsman.

Measure and check before ordering

• Model number. Find it (for example 113.213850) so parts lists and fit match.
• Table and column. Measure the existing table size and column diameter.
• Mounting. Note how the table clamps and raises, so a top or part fits.
• Goal. Decide between an exact replacement part and a work-holding upgrade.

Bought upgrade versus a shop-made table

Against a shop-made top, a bought upgrade table wins on a ready-made fence system and quick fitting, and loses on guaranteed fit to an older Craftsman. A shop-made table from a plan fits your exact machine and can be sized to your work, though it takes build time. For a fast improvement, buy; for a vintage model’s perfect fit, build. You can compare a drill press table with fence with T-track hardware for a build.

Fitting or building one

1. Find your Craftsman model number and measure the table, column, and mounting.
2. For a broken part, order from your model’s parts list; for an upgrade, choose a top or plan.
3. Mount the top flat and secure, clearing the column and travel.
4. Fit the fence, stop block, and a replaceable insert under the bit.
5. Clamp the work, set the correct speed, wear eye protection, and keep clear of the chuck, per OSHA and CCOHS.

Who should read this

If you need to replace a broken Craftsman table or bracket, measure and work from your model’s parts list. If you want better work holding, an upgrade top or a shop-made table adds a fence and insert, just confirm it fits your model first.

Bottom line

Before ordering a Craftsman drill press table, measure your actual machine: model number, table size, column diameter, and mounting. Those decide whether a replacement part or upgrade top will fit, because Craftsman’s models differ. Then buy a top that bolts on for convenience, or build one from a plan for an exact fit to an older press.

• Craftsman models differ; measure table, column, and mounting before ordering.
• Use your model number and parts list for exact replacement components.
• For work holding, buy or build a top with a fence, stop block, and insert.

FAQ

How do I know which table fits my Craftsman? Find your model number and measure the existing table, column diameter, and mounting. Craftsman models are not interchangeable, so those decide fit.

Where do I find the right replacement part? Use your model’s owner’s manual and parts list, such as the 113.213850 list, to order the exact table or bracket.

Can I add an upgrade table with a fence? Yes, if it bolts to your existing table. An upgrade top adds an adjustable fence, stop block, and replaceable insert.

Should I build my own instead? A shop-made table from a plan fits an older Craftsman exactly and adds work-holding features, though it takes build time.

Why does the model number matter so much? Because tables, brackets, and columns differ across Craftsman models. A part for one model may not fit another’s column or bracket.

Will a thick upgrade top reduce my drilling depth? It raises the work, so confirm your spindle travel still reaches your tallest parts after fitting the new top.

References

• Craftsman 113.213850 Owner’s Manual and Parts List: https://craftsman.manymanuals.com/power-tools/113-213850/owners-manual-4808/21
• 1956 Craftsman Benchtop Drill Press Restoration: https://veryhappyrobot.com/projects/drill-press-restoration/
• WEN DPA2412T Drill Press Table: https://wenproducts.com/products/24-by-12-inch-drill-press-table-with-an-adjustable-fence-and-stop-block-t
• IBUILDIT Drill Press Table Plans: https://ibuildit.ca/plans/drill-press-table/
• Woodsmith Drill Press Table Plan: https://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/pw-drill-press-table/