Craftsman Laser Trac Miter Saw: Discontinued, Worth Buying Used?

The Craftsman Laser Trac Compound Miter Saw is a discontinued Sears-era tool — it hasn’t been sold new by a major retailer in years, so any current listing you find at Harbor Freight, Lowe’s, or Home Depot for this exact name is outdated or mistaken. Replacement parts and laser assemblies are also getting harder to source secondhand. This guide covers what “Laser Trac” actually was, what a used one is realistically worth today, and which current Craftsman model replaces it if you want something new.

What “Laser Trac” Actually Was

Laser Trac was Sears’ in-house branding for the laser-guide system built into several Craftsman compound miter saws, sold under Sears model numbers like 137.211940 (7-1/4″), 137.212371 (10″), and 137.212170 (12″). It projected a line onto the workpiece so you could align a cut without a physical pencil mark. Sears listings for these models are now archived search pages rather than active product pages — a strong sign of how long ago this line stopped being current.

Once Sears’ retail business collapsed and Craftsman was sold to Stanley Black & Decker in 2017, the brand’s newer saws moved to “Laser Guide” or “LED cut line” naming instead of “Laser Trac.” That’s not just a marketing change — it means searching for “Laser Trac” today mostly turns up used listings, parts forums, and old operator’s manuals, not active retail pages.

Precision Meets Technology

The Laser Trac system works the same way modern laser guides do: it projects a visible line onto your workpiece so you can align the cut before the blade drops. On these older Craftsman units, the laser was a separate emitter mounted near the blade guard, not integrated into the blade arbor the way some newer LED systems are.

What Used Buyers Should Expect

Because this saw is discontinued, expect to find it on eBay, at estate sales, or through local tool auctions rather than at a big-box retailer. Prices vary widely by condition and model size — a working 10″ or 12″ unit with an intact laser typically sells used in the low-to-mid hundreds, but always confirm the laser assembly and blade guard are intact before buying, since replacement parts for this specific line are increasingly scarce.

Laser Trac System: Guiding Your Cuts

Whether you already own one of these saws or are considering a used unit, understanding how the Laser Trac system works — and how it compares to a shadow-line guide — helps you decide if it’s worth the extra calibration upkeep.

The Battle Of Lasers Vs. Shadow Lines

A laser guide projects an actual line of light onto the material, which is easy to see but drifts out of alignment over time and needs periodic recalibration. A shadow-line guide instead casts the blade’s own shadow onto the workpiece using an LED positioned at the right angle — it never needs recalibrating because it’s tied directly to the blade’s physical position, not a separate emitter that can loosen or get bumped.

If you’re choosing between a used Laser Trac saw and a newer shadow-line model, factor in that ongoing calibration step as real maintenance time, not a one-time setup.

Laser Calibration And Maintenance

Proper calibration of the laser is what keeps cuts accurate on these saws. Here’s the actual process, and how to keep it aligned between uses.

Step-By-Step Laser Calibration

1. Unplug the saw before making any adjustment, for safety.
2. Locate the adjustment screws on the laser housing using the hex key that came with the saw (or a matching size if it’s been lost).
3. Place a square, flat scrap against the fence and lower the blade by hand to mark exactly where it will cut.
4. Compare the laser line to that marked cut line and adjust the housing until they match.
5. Tighten the adjustment screws once aligned, then plug in and test with an actual scrap cut.

Maintaining Laser Alignment

• Visually check the laser against the blade before each use, not just after a bump or drop.
• Wipe the laser lens with a dry cloth periodically — sawdust buildup on the lens skews the line without you noticing.
• Store the saw somewhere dry; temperature swings can shift the laser housing’s mounting over time.
• If the line drifts, repeat the full calibration rather than trying to eyeball a partial correction.

Safety Features And Locking Mechanism

Like other compound miter saws of its era, the Laser Trac models ship with a transport lock that holds the head down when the saw isn’t in use, plus a spring-loaded blade guard that retracts only as the blade lowers into the cut.

• Find the locking pin or lever near the rear of the head assembly.
• Release it before powering on, and confirm the blade guard moves freely before the first cut.
• Re-engage the lock any time you’re moving or storing the saw — a loose head is one of the more common causes of dropped-saw injuries during transport.

Adding An Aftermarket Laser Kit

If your saw’s original laser has failed and an exact Craftsman replacement part isn’t available, a universal aftermarket laser kit is usually a cheaper fix than sourcing discontinued OEM parts.

Choosing The Right Kit

Confirm the kit’s mounting bracket fits your saw’s blade guard housing, not just that it’s labeled “universal.” A simple single-line laser is easier to keep calibrated than a cross-line kit, and is generally the better choice for a miter saw retrofit.

Installation Basics

Most kits wire into the same switch circuit as the motor, so the laser turns on and off with the saw automatically. Remove the blade guard, mount the laser bracket per the kit’s instructions, then follow the calibration steps above before making a real cut.

Buying One Today: Used Market Reality

Since this saw isn’t manufactured or sold new anymore, don’t trust any listing quoting a fixed new-retail price at Harbor Freight, Home Depot, or a similar chain — those prices circulating online for this model are stale. What’s actually available:

• eBay and online tool auctions — the most consistent source, with prices swinging based on condition, included accessories, and whether the laser still functions.
• Local classifieds and estate sales — often the best value if you can inspect the saw in person and test the laser and blade lock before buying.
• Craftsman/Sears parts sites — useful for tracking down manuals and occasionally replacement parts, but stock is inconsistent since these are discontinued models.

If You Want Something New Instead

Craftsman’s current lineup replaced Laser Trac with LED cut-line positioning on models like the V20 cordless sliding miter saw — same goal (see your cut line before you commit the blade), without the separate laser emitter that needs periodic recalibration.

Craftsman’s Value Proposition

Craftsman’s actual value proposition today isn’t the discontinued Laser Trac line — it’s the brand’s continued mid-range positioning: tools priced between budget imports and premium professional brands, backed by a widely available parts and service network.

Is A Laser-Equipped Miter Saw Right For You?

If you value a visible cut-line reference and don’t mind occasional recalibration, a laser-equipped saw (used Laser Trac or new) is worth it. If you’d rather skip the maintenance step entirely, prioritize a current model with an LED shadow-line system instead, since it stays aligned without adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Worth Getting A Miter Saw With A Laser?

Yes, for most users the visible cut line is worth the tradeoff. Laser guides need periodic recalibration, but they make lining up an angled cut faster than working from a pencil mark alone. If you’d rather avoid the maintenance, a shadow-line LED system gives similar visibility without needing adjustment.

How Do You Adjust The Laser On A Compound Miter Saw?

Unplug the saw, locate the adjustment screws on the laser housing, and compare the laser line to a scrap piece marked by manually lowering the blade. Adjust the housing until the two lines match, tighten the screws, then test with an actual cut before trusting it on a real project.

Is The Craftsman Laser Trac Compound Miter Saw Still Sold New?

No. It’s a discontinued Sears-era model, and hasn’t been available new at major retailers for years. Any current-looking listing quoting a fixed retail price for it should be treated as outdated. It’s now found on the used and auction market only.

Can You Add A Laser Light To A Miter Saw That Doesn’t Have One?

Yes. Universal aftermarket laser kits mount to the blade guard housing and wire into the same switch as the motor, so the laser activates automatically when the saw runs. Confirm the mounting bracket fits your specific saw before buying, and recalibrate it after installation using the same process as a factory laser.

Conclusion

The Craftsman Laser Trac Compound Miter Saw was a solid tool in its day, but it’s a discontinued Sears-era product now found only on the used and auction market — not at Harbor Freight, Lowe’s, or Home Depot as some outdated listings still suggest. If you find one in good condition with a working laser, it’s still a capable saw. If you’d rather buy new, Craftsman’s current V20 lineup replaces the laser with a maintenance-free LED cut-line system.