Photo Index - Sears | Craftsman - 103.0403

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Sears | Craftsman
Chicago, IL

True Manufacturer:
King-Seeley Corp.-Central Specialty Division, Ann Arbor, MI; Ypsilanti, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Jig or Scroll Saw
Machine Size:	24"
Submitted By:	Ray Muno

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	103.0403
Date of Manufacturer:	1938-39
Serial Number:	none
Last Updated	2/21/2012 6:41:20 AM

Comments:

I acquired this machine from fellow OWWM'er Eric Tuck.

It is a 24" machine pictured in the 1938 and 1939 Craftsman catalogues.

http://www.owwm.com/files/PDF/Craftsman/1938-Catalog-03.pdf
http://www.owwm.com/files/PDF/Craftsman/1939CraftsmanPart3.pdf

A parts list for this machine is available here:

http://www.owwm.com/files/PDF/Craftsman/103-0403.pdf

It had 2 smaller siblings, offered around the same time, the 15" 103.0402 and the 18" 103.0407. I already had had the 15" and 18" models so I thought I would get this one to complete the set. The 15" model was offered as a Companion and the 18" was a Dunlap.

http://www.owwm.com/PhotoIndex/detail.asp?id=1152
http://www.owwm.com/PhotoIndex/detail.asp?id=1144

When compared, the three machines are very similar. They are all based on a Scotch Yoke mechanism. Overall, the 24" machine is the nicest of the bunch. It has a roller guide on the pressure foot to support the blade just above the stock. Also, the pump tube is adjustable up and down and is marked with a scale for blade length. This serves two purposes, it allows for blades of different lengths, 5" - 8", as well as giving some adjustment for spring tension for thinner blades. The smaller machines accomodate only 5" blades and have no real adjustment for spring tension. With the longer blades, this machine has a stock thickness capacity of 4" whereas the smaller machines can only handle 1-3/4". At first glance, it does not look like this machine would have that type of capacity but the head that hold the upper mechanism is hollow underneath. Much of upper mechanism can be drawn up in to the head accomodation the stroke length of the machine. The 24" machine has a stroke length of 1-1/2" whereas the two smaller machines it is 7/8". This has a downside in that it limits capacity with a 5" blade to 1". The smaller machines can handle 1-3/4" with a 5" blade. In actuality, the best window of operation would be with a 6" blade giving 2" capacity and a range of spring tension adjustment.

In addition, this machine is setup to run the blade in an orientation parallel to the frame or perpindicular to it. The head has an additional slot to move the hold down/guide for perpindicular operation. As delivered, the 24" machine had 4 speeds, 600, 900, 1200, and 1500 strokes per minute. The motor and drive pulley are not original and the drive pulley is a bit over sized to obtain the rated speeds.

As with the smaller machines, the top arm is removable and they can be set up to run a saber type blade. On this saw, the lower roller guide of the hold down can be moved to a location under the table to support the blade when operating in this mode. It could also be fitted with special chucks to allow for filing operations. An optional accessory was extension tables and a rip fence, neither of which came with the saw. The table is drilled to accomodate the extensions. Also pictured in the catalogue is a "High Speed Router" attachment which attached to the upper arm in exchange of the upper saw head.

This model was replaced by the 24" 103.0404. They are very similar, the main difference that I see is the addition of a screw mechanism to adust the pump tube up and down. It is shown in the 1941 Craftsman Catalogue.

http://www.owwm.com/files/PDF/Craftsman/1941-BandJigSaws.pdf

The second picture in this set shows the three saws, "The King-Seeley Trio", sitting next to each other.

Photo 1:

Comments: Side view
Source: Ray Muno

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Photo 2:

Comments: The King-Seeley Trio
Source: Ray Muno

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