A used Craftsman 12-inch band saw with sanding capability typically costs about $150-$450, with an average asking price near $275 for a working, older machine. Price depends on the exact model, whether a sanding attachment is included, operating condition, accessories, and local pickup or freight.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used saw, untested or needs work | $75 | $150 | $225 | Local pickup; repairs may be needed |
| Working 12-inch saw | $175 | $275 | $400 | Typical used condition with basic accessories |
| Clean, serviced saw with extras | $325 | $425 | $600 | Higher end requires strong condition and useful add-ons |
| Replacement blades | $15 | $25 | $45 | Each, depending on length and tooth type |
| Transport or delivery | $0 | $50 | $150 | Local pickup may avoid this charge |
What a used 12-inch Craftsman saw usually sells for
For a typical older Craftsman 12-inch band saw, a reasonable private-sale budget is $150-$450. The lower end usually means an untested machine, missing parts, or a seller who wants quick local pickup. A clean saw that runs, tracks its blade, and includes its fence or miter gauge tends to fall around $225-$350. Serviced examples with documentation and valuable accessories can list higher.
Plan on roughly $275 for a functional saw in ordinary used condition, before repairs or delivery. These are used-market estimates, not a current manufacturer retail price; many 12-inch Craftsman machines are older models and may no longer be sold new. Asking prices can exceed completed-sale prices, so buyers should compare local listings and negotiate based on a test run.
The phrase “band saw sander” can refer to a band saw being sold with a sanding attachment, or to a separate sander included in a package. Confirm the model number and what the seller means before comparing prices. The saw alone should not be valued as if a working sander attachment is included.
Assumptions: U.S. private-sale pricing, standard older 12-inch Craftsman saw, local pickup, and no major mechanical faults.
How the frame, motor, blades, and sanding gear shape the quote
Used-tool quotes usually combine the machine’s condition with any included accessories. A low asking price can become a poor deal if the buyer must replace tires, bearings, or a damaged blade. Conversely, accessories only add value when they fit the exact model and are usable.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saw body and motor | $100 | $225 | $375 | Frame, motor sound, switches, and table |
| Blade and setup items | $15 | $35 | $75 | Blade condition, guides, and tensioning hardware |
| Fence or miter gauge | $0 | $25 | $60 | Original or compatible parts in working order |
| Sandpaper or sanding attachment | $10 | $35 | $100 | Verify compatibility and completeness |
| Delivery or hauling | $0 | $50 | $150 | Depends on distance and loading help |
A sanding attachment, if present, should be checked for its mounting hardware, platen or backing surface, and compatible abrasive. Avoid assigning it a large premium until it has been identified and tested. Some sellers use “sander” loosely to describe an included accessory or a separate machine in the same listing.
Mechanical condition usually matters more than cosmetic wear or a small bundle of consumables. A replacement blade is relatively inexpensive; a motor problem, bent wheel, cracked casting, or unavailable proprietary part can make an apparently cheap saw costly to restore.
Why model number, motor size, and condition change the price
Craftsman made multiple generations and configurations of 12-inch saws. The model and serial labels help buyers check the correct blade length, table features, motor arrangement, and replacement-part compatibility. Two machines with the same nominal capacity may not have equal value if one has a complete fence and sound guides while the other is missing hardware.
For practical pricing, a saw that starts smoothly and cuts straight is worth more than one that merely powers on. A seller’s demonstration should include blade tracking and a short cut through suitable stock. If the machine cannot be tested, price it closer to the repair-risk range, often $75-$175, rather than assuming it is ready to use.
Included motor power also affects utility, though the label alone does not establish condition. A motor that hums, overheats, trips a breaker, or has a damaged cord can require service. Allow approximately $75-$200 for common electrical or motor-related troubleshooting and repair, with replacement motors or specialized parts potentially costing more.
Blade width and tooth pattern should match the intended work. A narrow blade is useful for tighter curves, while a wider blade is better suited to straighter cuts. Check the manual or model-specific parts information before buying blades; incorrect length or width can cause poor tracking or make the saw unusable.
Verify the model and test the cutting system before paying a premium. Tires, guides, wheel alignment, table tilt, and blade tension all affect performance. If repair parts are discontinued or difficult to source, the machine’s resale value and practical value may both be lower.
What to inspect before agreeing to a Craftsman price
Ask the seller to run the machine long enough to listen for grinding, vibration, or changing motor speed. Inspect the wheels for wobble and the tires for cracks or separation. Check whether the blade tracks near the center of the upper wheel and whether tension adjusts normally. A short test cut can reveal drift that is not obvious while the saw runs unloaded.
- Confirm the model number and whether the listing includes a sander attachment or only the band saw.
- Check for a usable blade, blade guards, guides, fence, miter gauge, and table insert.
- Inspect the power cord, switch, motor mounting, table tilt, and dust port.
- Look for cracks, missing knobs, improvised repairs, and rust around the table or wheels.
- Ask whether the saw has been stored indoors and whether it has been tested under load.
For a machine requiring adjustment but no major parts, a buyer may spend $25-$75 on a blade, cleaning supplies, and basic setup items. A more involved refresh with tires, bearings, and electrical work can add $100-$300 or more. Labor billed by a repair shop commonly falls around $75-$125 per hour, and the minimum diagnostic charge may be $50-$100.
Price uncertainty should be reflected in the offer, not ignored after purchase. If the seller cannot demonstrate operation, request a lower price that leaves room for testing and replacement parts, or walk away if critical castings or wheel components appear damaged.
How transport distance and regional demand affect the total
Local used-tool prices vary with workshop demand, population density, and how many comparable machines are listed nearby. In large metro areas, a clean saw may sell for 10%-20% above a rural-market equivalent when woodworking demand is strong. Rural listings can be 10%-15% lower, but fewer nearby alternatives may require a longer drive or more costly delivery.
Pickup is often the biggest difference between a low advertised price and the final outlay. A small trailer or suitable vehicle may keep transport near $0-$50 if the seller helps load. Paid local hauling can reach $75-$150, while long-distance shipping for a heavy used machine can cost several hundred dollars and may not be economical.
Prices can also shift seasonally, although there is no dependable nationwide discount calendar. More listings around moving periods or estate clear-outs may create negotiating room. A buyer who can collect promptly may have leverage, but urgent purchasing can lead to paying a premium for the nearest available machine.
Compare the delivered price, not just the listing price. A $200 saw that needs a $100 trip and a $75 repair may cost more than a tested $325 local machine with accessories.
When a repair or separate sander costs less than a bundle
A functional Craftsman band saw is often a better value than a bundle with a worn or unidentified sander. If the saw needs only a blade or routine adjustment, a $25-$75 setup budget may be enough to make it useful. If a motor, wheel, or major casting is damaged, repair can exceed the value of the machine, especially when parts are scarce.
For sanding, compare the attachment’s price and compatibility with a separate benchtop or handheld sander. Used small sanders often sell for approximately $40-$150, depending on type and condition; new basic models commonly start around $60-$150. A dedicated sander can be more practical if the band saw attachment requires special parts or cannot be tested.
Replacing the entire saw with a newer 10- or 12-inch model may cost roughly $250-$600 for an entry-level new machine, with better-equipped models priced higher. That option can provide a warranty and easier parts support, but it is not automatically the best value for light use. Include blade, stand, delivery, and setup when comparing against a used Craftsman.
Choose the lowest total-cost option that meets the actual cutting and sanding needs. Do not pay for an attachment that is incomplete, incompatible, or unnecessary for the planned work.
Three realistic purchase budgets for different saw conditions
A lower-cost example is an untested machine listed for $125, with a $25 replacement blade and $50 local transport. The initial total is $200, before any repair. If testing later reveals a motor or guide problem, the final cost can quickly exceed the price of a working example.
A typical purchase might be a running saw at $275, with a usable fence and miter gauge, plus $35 for a fresh blade and $40 for pickup expenses. The total is about $350. This is a reasonable budget for a machine that starts, tracks correctly, and cuts without severe drift, assuming no sanding attachment is being valued separately.
A higher-end used example could be priced at $425 with recent service, spare blades, and a verified compatible sanding accessory. Add $75 for delivery and setup supplies, bringing the budget to about $500. That price only makes sense if the accessories are complete and the condition is materially better than lower-priced local listings.
| Scenario | Saw price | Extra expense | Estimated total | Condition assumed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Untested pickup | $125 | $75 | $200 | Repair risk remains |
| Working standard machine | $275 | $75 | $350 | Blade and local pickup included |
| Serviced machine with accessory | $425 | $75 | $500 | Accessory verified and delivery arranged |
Ways to lower the Craftsman 12-inch purchase price
Set a ceiling using the total budget, including transport, blades, and likely repairs. Search by the exact model number as well as “Craftsman 12-inch band saw,” because listings may omit the sander term or use an incomplete description. Comparing several nearby machines gives a stronger basis for negotiating than relying on a single asking price.
- Buy a sound saw without unnecessary accessories rather than paying extra for an untested bundle.
- Ask for a running demonstration before offering the full price.
- Use cosmetic wear, a worn blade, or missing noncritical accessories to negotiate, but price major defects as repair risks.
- Pick up locally and bring loading help to avoid delivery charges.
- Check whether a replacement part is available and priced before buying a machine that needs it.
- Consider a separate inexpensive sander if the included attachment is incomplete or incompatible.
Be cautious about bargaining based only on age: an older saw can still be serviceable, while a newer-looking machine may have poor alignment or electrical problems. A fair offer reflects demonstrated operation, completeness, and the cost of getting the tool ready for the intended work.
A sensible target is $225-$350 for a tested, usable saw, adjusted down for missing parts or repair needs. Pay above that range only when the model, condition, service history, and useful accessories justify the difference.