Craftsman 137.218073 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

K
Katie RobertsonAug 14, 2025
How to fix a Craftsman Saw that will not start?
- C
  charles15Aug 14, 2025
  If your Craftsman Saw won't start, there are several potential causes. Ensure the saw is properly plugged in. If it is, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker and replace or reset it. Also, inspect the power cord for any damage and replace it if necessary. Finally, debris in the on/off switch can also prevent the saw from starting; remove the switch from the saw, separate it in half, and clean any accumulated debris.
B
Brett BarreraAug 17, 2025
What to do if the laser guide on my Craftsman 137.218073 fails to turn on?
- P
  patriciarichardsonAug 17, 2025
  If the laser guide on your Craftsman Saw fails to turn on, it's likely due to dead batteries. Replace them with new AAA batteries. If that doesn't work, the battery contacts may need adjustment. Reload the batteries and ensure they make solid contact with the battery spring.
J
juangreenAug 20, 2025
Why does material kick back from the blade on my Craftsman Saw?
- E
  emily97Aug 20, 2025
  If your Craftsman Saw material kicked back from the blade, it could be due to several reasons. First, check if the rip fence is out of adjustment and align it with the miter gauge slot. Also, ensure the riving knife is correctly aligned with the blade. Other causes include feeding stock without a rip fence (install and use one), a missing riving knife (install and use it with guard), a dull blade (replace it), letting go of the material before it clears the blade (push it all the way through), or a loose miter angle lock knob (tighten it).
J
joshuaharrisAug 25, 2025
What to do if material binds on riving knife of my Craftsman 137.218073 Saw?
- L
  Larry MillerAug 25, 2025
  If the material binds on the riving knife of your Craftsman Saw, it's likely that the riving knife is not aligned correctly with the blade. Check the alignment and adjust the riving knife to ensure it is properly aligned with the blade.
S
Stephanie WalkerAug 27, 2025
How to adjust Craftsman 137.218073 for accurate 45° and 90° rip cuts?
- A
  Ashley PorterAug 27, 2025
  If your Craftsman Saw does not make accurate 45° and 90° rip cuts, it could be due to the positive stop not being adjusted correctly. Check the blade with a square and adjust the positive stop accordingly. Additionally, the tilt angle pointer might not be set accurately. Check the blade with a square and adjust it to zero.
M
Mary HallAug 30, 2025
Why doesn't the blade on my Craftsman Saw raise or tilt freely?
- J
  jeremy38Aug 30, 2025
  If your Craftsman Saw blade does not raise or tilt freely, it is probably due to sawdust and dirt in the elevation/tilting mechanisms. Brush or blow out any loose dust and dirt to resolve this issue.
S
Shawn DavidsonSep 3, 2025
Why doesn't the blade on my Craftsman Saw come up to speed?
- V
  vcarrollSep 3, 2025
  If your Craftsman Saw blade does not come up to speed and the reset trips too easily, the extension cord may be too light or too long. Replace it with an adequate size cord. Alternatively, there may be low house voltage. In this case, contact your electric company.
C
cunninghamthomasSep 6, 2025
How to fix inaccurate 45° and 90° crosscuts on my Craftsman 137.218073?
- R
  Richard OconnorSep 6, 2025
  If your Craftsman Saw does not make accurate 45° and 90° crosscuts, the miter gauge may be out of adjustment. Adjust the miter gauge to correct this issue.
Y
Yolanda Wiggins DDSSep 9, 2025
What to do if material pinches blade when ripping with Craftsman 137.218073?
- C
  Carrie WilliamsSep 9, 2025
  If the material pinched the blade when ripping with your Craftsman Saw, it could be because the rip fence is not aligned with the blade. Check and adjust the rip fence. Alternatively, the wood may be warped, with an edge that is not straight against the fence. In this case, select another piece of wood.

Summary

Warranty

Product Specifications

Symbols

WARNING ICONS

Explains picture symbols used to alert users to hazardous conditions.

Power Tool Safety

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS POWER TOOL

Provides essential safety guidelines and precautions for operating power tools.

Table Saw Safety

KICKBACKS

Explains what kickbacks are and how to avoid them to protect the operator from injury.

Electrical Requirements and Safety

POWER SUPPLY AND MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS

Details the power requirements, circuit protection, and voltage for the table saw.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

Explains the importance of grounding for electrical safety and how to ensure it.

GUIDELINES FOR EXTENSION CORDS

Provides recommendations for selecting and using appropriate extension cords for the table saw.

Accessories and Attachments

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

Lists recommended accessories available for purchase to enhance the saw's functionality.

Tools Needed for Assembly

SUPPLIED AND NOT SUPPLIED TOOLS

Lists tools included and not included by the manufacturer for assembly.

Carton Contents

TABLE OF LOOSE PARTS

Provides a detailed list of all parts included in the carton for the table saw.

Know Your Table Saw

Glossary of Terms

KICKBACK

Occurs when the saw blade binds in the cut and violently thrusts the workpiece back toward the operator.

RIVING KNIFE

Metal piece behind the blade that keeps the kerf open and prevents kickback.

PUSH STICK

Used to push workpieces when performing ripping operations.

RIP FENCE

A guide used for rip cutting which allows the workpiece to cut straight.

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLING STAND

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the stand of the table saw using provided parts and figures.

ASSEMBLING THE ROLLER WHEEL TO STAND

Instructions for attaching the roller wheel assemblies to the legs of the stand.

ASSEMBLING THE FOOT PAD TO STAND

Steps for attaching the foot pads to the legs of the stand and ensuring proper alignment.

ATTACHING SAW TO STAND

Instructions for securing the saw to the stand using lock levers or bolts, and to a work surface.

INSTALLING THE DUST BAG

Guidance on how to attach the dust bag to the saw, including safety warnings.

STORAGE AND HANDLES

Instructions for storing accessories and assembling the handwheel handle.

INSTALLING TABLE SIDE EXTENSIONS

How to install the left and right hand table extensions for increased work surface.

INSTALLING THE REAR OUTFEED SUPPORT

Instructions for attaching the rear outfeed support tubes and positioning them correctly.

INSTALLING THE BLADE

Detailed steps for safely installing the saw blade, including warnings and specific orientations.

REMOVING THE BLADE

Step-by-step instructions for safely removing the saw blade.

INSTALLING THE RIVING KNIFE

Procedures for correctly installing the riving knife, emphasizing its importance for safety.

BLADE GUARD ASSEMBLY

Instructions for installing the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls assembly.

BLADE GUARD ASSEMBLY

Removing the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls assembly

Steps for removing the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls assembly.

AVOIDING KICKBACKS

Explains how to prevent kickbacks by maintaining proper setup and procedures.

INSTALLING THE BATTERIES FOR THE LASER GUIDE

How to install batteries for the laser cutting guide.

INSTALLING THE RIP FENCE

Guidance on how to properly install the rip fence onto the table saw.

ADJUSTMENTS

MOVE THE TABLE SAW

Instructions on how to safely move the table saw to a new location or for storage.

RIP FENCE ADJUSTMENT

How to adjust the rip fence to ensure it is parallel to the miter gauge groove for accurate cuts.

RIP FENCE INDICATOR ADJUSTMENT

How to adjust the rip fence indicator to match the measurement scale for precise rip cuts.

ADJUSTING THE MITER GAUGE

Steps to adjust the miter gauge to 90° and change angles for crosscutting.

ADJUSTING THE TABLE INSERT

Instructions for ensuring the table insert is level with the table surface for safe operation.

ADJUSTING THE 90° AND 45° POSITIVE STOPS

90° Stop

Specific steps to adjust the 90-degree positive stop for the saw blade.

45° Stop

Specific steps to adjust the 45-degree positive stop for the saw blade.

ADJUSTMENTS

BLADE TILT POINTER

How to adjust the blade tilt pointer for accurate angle readings.

BLADE PARALLEL TO THE MITER GAUGE GROOVE

Procedure to ensure the saw blade is perfectly parallel to the miter gauge groove.

ADDITIONAL BLADE ADJUSTMENTS

BLADE ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENTS

Instructions for adjusting blade alignment when it is partial to the left or right side.

ALIGNING THE RIVING KNIFE

Detailed steps for aligning the riving knife with the saw blade for optimal safety and performance.

THE LASER LINE

Describes the function of the Laser Trac® cutting guide.

LASER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Laser Warning and Aperture Labels

Displays the laser warning label details, including output and aperture information.

ADJUSTING THE LASER LINE

Step-by-step guide to adjust the laser guide to ensure proper alignment with the saw blade.

ADJUSTING THE REAR OUTFEED SUPPORT

How to position the rear outfeed support for different workpiece lengths.

ADJUSTING CAM LOCKING LEVER

Instructions for adjusting the tension of the cam locking lever for extension tables.

OPERATION

BASIC SAW OPERATIONS

Covers essential operations like raising/tilting the blade, and using the ON/OFF switch.

OVERLOAD PROTECTION

How the overload reset button works and how to restart the motor after a shutdown.

USING THE TABLE EXTENSION

Instructions for ensuring the table extension is parallel to the table and securing it.

CUTTING OPERATIONS

RIPPING AND CROSSCUTTING BASICS

Explains the two basic cut types, their requirements, and essential pre-operation checks.

RIPPING

PERFORMING A RIP CUT

Detailed steps and safety precautions for making a rip cut on the table saw.

BEVEL RIPPING

RIPPING SMALL PIECES

HELPFUL DEVICES

FEATHERBOARD CONSTRUCTION AND USE

Instructions for building and using a featherboard for improved workpiece control.

HELPFUL DEVICES

AUXILIARY FENCE AND PUSH BLOCK

Instructions for making and using an auxiliary fence and push block.

CROSSCUTTING

PERFORMING A CROSSCUT

Detailed steps and safety precautions for making a crosscut on the table saw.

USING THE WOOD FACING ON THE MITER GAUGE

BEVEL CROSSCUTTING

COMPOUND MITER CROSSCUTTING

MITERING

USING THE WOOD FACING ON THE RIP FENCE

NON-THROUGH CUT

DADO CUTS

Procedures for making dado cuts, including safety warnings and blade specifications.

MAINTENANCE

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Routine cleaning and upkeep procedures for the table saw.

BLADE RAISING AND TILTING MECHANISM

Instructions for checking and maintaining the blade raising and tilting mechanisms.

LUBRICATION

Guidance on lubricating mechanical parts of the saw with appropriate lubricants.

REPLACING THE CARBON BRUSHES

Steps for safely replacing worn carbon brushes in the motor.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Saw Operation Issues

Covers problems like saw not starting, poor cut quality, and material binding.

Angle and Speed Problems

Addresses inaccurate angle cuts, slow blade speed, and excessive vibration.

Safety and Alignment Issues

Troubleshoots kickback, blade movement, and alignment problems.

PUSH STICK CONSTRUCTION

PARTS LIST FOR TABLE SAW (A)

Detailed list of all components for the table saw, identified by I.D. and description.

PARTS LIST FOR TABLE SAW (B)

SCHEMATIC

PARTS LIST FOR MOTOR

PARTS LIST FOR STAND

REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENTS

Craftsman 137.218073 Specifications

General

Model Number	137.218073
Type	Circular Saw
Motor	15 Amp
No Load Speed	5000 RPM
Cord Length	6 feet
Bevel Capacity	56 degrees
Depth of Cut at 90 degrees	2-7/16 inches
Depth of Cut at 45 degrees	1-3/4 inches
Blade Diameter	7-1/4 inch