If you had the money, and had to replace your BT3x00...

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  • dbhost
    Slow and steady
    • Apr 2008
    • 9209
    • League City, Texas
    • Ryobi BT3100

    If you had the money, and had to replace your BT3x00...

    Say you didn't have to worry about power within reason (single phase, not three phase etc..), what table saws would you consider as a good replacement for your BT3x00?

    For me, and I have mentioned my dislike for the founder / inventor's methods in the courts and legilsature, but I do like the product... Yes I am talking SawStop...

    In specific I want the 3HP PCS with the 36" Biesemeyer fence. Outfitted with a Bench Dog cast iron router table wing fence, and router lift, I would be looking at just shy of $4K after taxes and all... If it lives up to its reputation, this would likely be the last table saw I would own.
    Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Please check out and subscribe to my Workshop Blog.
  • big tim
    Senior Member
    • Mar 2006
    • 546
    • Scarborough, Toronto,Canada
    • SawStop PCS

    #2
    I went to the darkside about 2-1/2 years and got the PCS see:



    I'm very happy with it, last saw I'll ever need.
    You won't be sorry.
    Cheers,

    Tim
    Sometimes my mind wanders. It's always come back though......sofar!

    Comment

    • Cochese
      Veteran Member
      • Jun 2010
      • 1988

      #3
      Either a used Unisaw or the Sawstop. It's going to have more power, first of all.
      I have a little blog about my shop

      Comment

      • dbhost
        Slow and steady
        • Apr 2008
        • 9209
        • League City, Texas
        • Ryobi BT3100

        #4
        Big Tim...

        That's what I'm talking about. Just toss a Bench Dog router table wing on the other side and that's the saw I am willing to go for on the dark side... Mind you, I went as far as making sure I have 220v 30 amp power close where the table saw would live... I know, overkill, but so what? Plenty of power is much better than not enough. It's simple enough to swap a breaker and socket for a smaller capacity. MUCH harder to swap out the wire in the wall for larger...
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        Comment

        • chopnhack
          Veteran Member
          • Oct 2006
          • 3779
          • Florida
          • Ryobi BT3100

          #5
          Originally posted by dbhost
          Big Tim...

          MUCH harder to swap out the wire in the wall for larger...
          Amen. I put capacity for 20a 220v in several locations when I did my sub panel project, but I also ran it in conduit so if I should ever be so lucky to need 30a I can have it in snap.

          I darkside it on a Jet, but if I had the coin a sawstop would be nice, but why not a european saw that has the sliding table (esp. if money wasnt an issue.)
          I think in straight lines, but dream in curves

          Comment

          • dbhost
            Slow and steady
            • Apr 2008
            • 9209
            • League City, Texas
            • Ryobi BT3100

            #6
            Originally posted by chopnhack
            Amen. I put capacity for 20a 220v in several locations when I did my sub panel project, but I also ran it in conduit so if I should ever be so lucky to need 30a I can have it in snap.

            I darkside it on a Jet, but if I had the coin a sawstop would be nice, but why not a european saw that has the sliding table (esp. if money wasnt an issue.)
            Not super familiar with euro saws, but the ones i have seen... are huge, too big for my shop...
            Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Please check out and subscribe to my Workshop Blog.

            Comment

            • chopnhack
              Veteran Member
              • Oct 2006
              • 3779
              • Florida
              • Ryobi BT3100

              #7
              I think in straight lines, but dream in curves

              Comment

              • LCHIEN
                Internet Fact Checker
                • Dec 2002
                • 20914
                • Katy, TX, USA.
                • BT3000 vintage 1999

                #8
                European saw = no dadoes???
                Loring in Katy, TX USA
                If your only tool is a hammer, you tend to treat all problems as if they were nails.
                BT3 FAQ - https://www.sawdustzone.org/forum/di...sked-questions

                Comment

                • chopnhack
                  Veteran Member
                  • Oct 2006
                  • 3779
                  • Florida
                  • Ryobi BT3100

                  #9
                  I believe you are correct Loring, something about dado blades being banned in Europe IIRC....
                  I think in straight lines, but dream in curves

                  Comment

                  • LCHIEN
                    Internet Fact Checker
                    • Dec 2002
                    • 20914
                    • Katy, TX, USA.
                    • BT3000 vintage 1999

                    #10
                    I think the EU regulations mandate short arbors which is tantamount to and specifically designed to prevent use of dadoes which the European Union has decided is dangerous to users.
                    Loring in Katy, TX USA
                    If your only tool is a hammer, you tend to treat all problems as if they were nails.
                    BT3 FAQ - https://www.sawdustzone.org/forum/di...sked-questions

                    Comment

                    • Pappy
                      The Full Monte
                      • Dec 2002
                      • 10453
                      • San Marcos, TX, USA.
                      • BT3000 (x2)

                      #11
                      I good as the SS is, i think I would still go with a restored Unisaw.
                      Don, aka Pappy,

                      Wise men talk because they have something to say,
                      Fools because they have to say something.
                      Plato

                      Comment

                      • Stytooner
                        Roll Tide RIP Lee
                        • Dec 2002
                        • 4301
                        • Robertsdale, AL, USA.
                        • BT3100

                        #12
                        Right about the dado's for the most part. The Hammer in the link above can use a dado. There are some work arounds or special heads that can be used on other euro saws. No experience with them, but have been told they do exist.

                        I did get another saw to use in my new shop.
                        Nothing special. Just a Porter Cable from Lowe's.
                        Not thrilled with it, but it does serve a purpose. Fair value for cost.

                        If money were no object, maybe a Saw Stop. Maybe a PM2000 or the new Uni. I just can't nail down a clear choice in my fantasy.
                        Lee

                        Comment

                        • BigguyZ
                          Veteran Member
                          • Jul 2006
                          • 1818
                          • Minneapolis, MN
                          • Craftsman, older type w/ cast iron top

                          #13
                          I already have an old CM saw that I would bet is from the 70s or 80s. But like many here, if I had the funds I would get a SS. Even though I think the inventor should take a long walk off of a short pier.

                          Comment

                          • eezlock
                            Senior Member
                            • Feb 2006
                            • 997
                            • Charlotte,N.C.
                            • BT3100

                            #14
                            if you had the money....

                            If I had the money and my choice would be either (1) restored Unisaw or (2) PM66.

                            Comment

                            • dbhost
                              Slow and steady
                              • Apr 2008
                              • 9209
                              • League City, Texas
                              • Ryobi BT3100

                              #15
                              I think for me the safety features of the SS are more than just a little compelling. The biggest thing keeping a SS out of my shop is the steep price tag on them. For the price of one SS 3HP PCS 52" fence I can have 2 Grizzly G0691s in my shop... Not saying the SS tech isn't worth extra money, but WOW that thing is EXPENSIVE...

                              Having said that, I wonder how long it will take me to jam $3,300.00 (roughly after taxes) in change into the piggy bank as it were...
                              Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Please check out and subscribe to my Workshop Blog.

                              Comment

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