Do you still use your BT3X?

[cabinetman]

I started off with the BT3100. It was a good saw and I made some nice things on it. It worked well, but also helped me see what I really wanted in a table saw. I upgraded to the Ridgid TS3650 contractor saw, and have been very happy. I have been using the Ridgid for 5 years now, and have not once missed the BT. It is no cabinet saw, but it has more power, holds its settings better, is quieter, and is all around a much better built heavy duty saw. The BT really felt like a toy to me, and I was constantly tinkering with it. I cut a lot of sheet goods, and ripping down a full size sheet of plywood on the Ridgid is no problem. I do heavy woodworking, and the BT would never have been able to keep up with my demands for a table saw. Many people still love their BT's, but I am one who does not miss it and would not want it back. My biggest complaint was the SMT as it never seemed to cut straight. I use the factory miter gauge with the Ridgid and get spot on 90 degree angles on cross-cuts every time.

I don't think the BT's were meant for heavy continuous use. For the DIY'er, or hobbyist, they are likely a very good saw. I have a lightweight 10" bench type table saw equivalent to a BT, that's only used for on site work to trim small pieces. If I put that saw to same use as I would with a contractors saw, or a cabinet saw it would just fry.

Fortunately, there is a vast selection of types of saws that can be matched to the type of intended use.

.

[greenacres2]

My BT3000 was my first table saw and i used it from 1996 until January 2013 when i moved to the C-man 21833. Wanted to add an Incra TS-LS, and the extra 6" or so in front of the blade has made my life easier. Held onto the BT3000 for 3 months, but really needed to use the space so when a friend of ours made an offer--i took it. Miss it, but in all it was a good move for me--your mileage may vary.

earl

[gnal41]

I purchased a BT3000 seven? years ago from a Craigslist posting and I knew nothing about the saw before the purchase. I found this site and was made aware of many helpful suggestions from the members. I am a “less than average” woodworker at best and the BT3000 is and will continue to be my sole TS. I have gathered up a couple of extra BT3000s, belts, pivots and other expendables. At my age I probably will not be checking the TS catalogs anytime soon or buying green bananas!

[TB Roye]

At my age, 70 and the amount of use it now gets, it should last me as long as I can safely use it. Bought it in 03 when I retired and it still works fine. It will probably be passed down to one of my Sons or Grandsons.

Tom

[capncarl]

In July of 05 Hurricane Dennis put over 4 feet of water in my shop and house. Several months earlier I sold my older Craftsman Digital Cabinet Model Table saw. Thats a whole nother story, anyway I purchased the BT 21829 as a replacement saw because I liked its mobility and storage features. Hurricane Dennis reinforced what the USMC teaches, if you can't pick it up and run with it, it's gotta have wheels or a prop on it, so now nearly everything in my shop has wheels on it. I would not have bought this saw in its BT version, with a couple of crappy shopping buggy wheels under one end. I really liked the way the Craftsman 21829 folded up and rolled like a hand truck and stood nicely OUT OF THE WAY against the wall...and it turned out to be a good saw.
capncarl

[pelligrini]

I have a 21829 and use it all the time. It has a set of half rails and a router table with a lift too. While I would like a saw with more power, and maybe the safety of a saw-stop there's no way it would work as well as my 21829 for my tiny shop.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Still the center piece of my shop since 2007.

[twistsol]

Since my BT3100, which replaced my BT3000 after I burned up the motor, is my only table saw I voted that I still use it. Since I bought a tracksaw a few years ago, I must say that I use it far less than I used to and the wide table kit is now completely pointless.

[Old Dutchman]

Bt3000 !

I bought My BT3000 about 14 years ago, and used it from time to time, and that is at least once a week. It was My first saw, and I will use it until I die. I am disabled, so I don't use it for heavy work very often. Bought the saw when My Wife and Myself decided to remodel our small home. We added a 24' by 36'Over the garage footings, and a family room. It also has a second floor, so the saw got a good workout, because I built it by Myself, and also did the hardwood floors. I still use the saw, and it works as well as new!

[Thom2]

Originally had a BT3000 purchased new sometime around 2001 I believe, before the introduction of the BT3100.

Used the saw for many years but like nearly all of the tools I have, I ended up with the opportunity to upgrade. I went to a craftsman 22124 which has recently been upgraded with a benchdog cast iron wing router table and cast iron lift housing the Milwaukee 5625 body.

[greencat]

I still have and use my 3100. Got it during that black Friday deal in 2005?? It was a steal at 199. Didn't have room for a big saw back then. I have more room now but don't think I will upgrade for awhile.

[scottg]

bt3000

I had a bt3000 years ago and went on to other saws. Just this last weekend I came across another one on craigslist. It had all the accessories but was missing a lot of the connecting hardware and 1 adjusting clamp on the SMT is broken. I have found everything except the connecting hardware for the quick fold table, the hinges and the leg are there just no way to bolt it to the saw rail. Does anyone have any info on these parts? Where I can get them or specs on these parts?
Thanks in advance.
scottg

[steve-norrell]

Its the only saw I have. Don't remember exactly when I bought it, but its been at least five years. Running great and as good as ever.

Regards, Steve.

[LCHIEN]

I had a bt3000 years ago and went on to other saws. Just this last weekend I came across another one on craigslist. It had all the accessories but was missing a lot of the connecting hardware and 1 adjusting clamp on the SMT is broken. I have found everything except the connecting hardware for the quick fold table, the hinges and the leg are there just no way to bolt it to the saw rail. Does anyone have any info on these parts? Where I can get them or specs on these parts?
Thanks in advance.
scottg

PDF Manual of Quick Fold Table posted in this thread:
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=58361

[rabmaxx]

Do not recall original purchase date but somewhere in late 90's, I thing about $300 at Costco. Still have everything original (including shims and belt) too which I attribute somewhat regular maintenance and the fact that I do not know what I am doing.

It builds mostly furniture and odd repairs and small jobs, etc. for friends and neighbors. Have had a number of surgeries in the past few years so my work and forum membership has suffered but I am hoping to correct that as soon as Nevada cools down.

Rabmaxx