Bt3100 Gone?

[parnelli]

Here's my interpretation on the issue. TTI, which owns Ridgid, Ryobi etc., may have plans on consolidating the "table saw division" under one company's logo, as opposed to selling multiple saws under different names, ...

I heard on the radio yesterday that BORG's appliance sales were way up over last year, and that they're thinking of devoting more floor space to them. I fear that if they do get rid of the BT3100, it's part of a bigger plan to devote more and more space to paint, appliances and things like window coverings.

I can't speak for other stores, but I'd bet my BORG is about 1/3 this stuff already.

[jAngiel]

I missed the last chance to get one when the price was about $149. If it happens again because they go on clearance, I won't miss it. I'll buy another to make my own frankensaw or just to have another complete set for parts.

[r1968]

Parting out in future

If they do announce, the discontinuance of BT3100, parting out may become even more profitable.
-raj

[bigsteel15]

I missed the last chance to get one when the price was about $149. If it happens again because they go on clearance, I won't miss it. I'll buy another to make my own frankensaw or just to have another complete set for parts.

DITTO on that. Rarely happens up here though.
I have a cousin that is a merchandiser at a local BORG.
Tools are the only area she isn't involved in (my dumb luck), but I will see what I can find out.

[wreckwriter]

Terribly disappointing news.

[JR]

Even if the Bt3100 model number died, a new saw using substantially the same parts was recently introduced as a Craftsman model at Sears.

So fear not, it would appear there there's life in the old dear yet!

JR

[TomBar]

I hope that its not true. Whatever Ryobi does, I hope they end the ridiculous policy of selling exclusively through HD.

[LCHIEN]

Chicken Little

Heard some VERY disturbing news today from a pretty reliable source. The BT3100-1 is going away and NO REPLACEMENT is in the works! Ryobi claims that there are not enough sales of this type of saw to sustain manufacturing.

Anybody else that can confirm, or deny, this news?

OK, guys, this whole thread, now 31 posts long and another thread
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=19573 where poor Ray wants to return his new in box BT3100 because he's heard its going out of production, is solely based on RMEDad's rumor from a "pretty reliable source", that he's asking to get confirmed.

You guys are worse than chicken little.

I'm challenging RMEDad to reveal his source.

I've heard of the demise of the BT too many times, mostly rumors from people who heard it from HD salespeople (who as we know are unusually well informed persons ). And the rest of you guys are such pessimists
that you want to believe it.

[jpbennett]

Why let a little thing like facts get in the way Loring is right. Before everyone starts parting out the BT in hopes of funding their retirement, or building their dream workshop lets see if anymore information comes out.

Jim

[Raymonator]

OK, guys, this whole thread, now 31 posts long and another thread
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=19573 where poor Ray wants to return his new in box BT3100 because he's heard its going out of production, is solely based on RMEDad's rumor from a "pretty reliable source", that he's asking to get confirmed.

You guys are worse than chicken little.

I'm challenging RMEDad to reveal his source.

I've heard of the demise of the BT too many times, mostly rumors from people who heard it from HD salespeople (who as we know are unusually well informed persons ). And the rest of you guys are such pessimists
that you want to believe it.

Just for your own information LCHIEN, I wasn't looking for any pity as in "poor Ray wants to return his new in the box BT3100" I was merely stating a concern I had, which I thought this forum was all about. Also, anybody who takes the time to get to know me will not find me to be a pessimist but rather an optomist in every sense of the word.
I'm not saying I will take the BT back, as I've heard just too many good things about it, but it is a decision I will have to make after weighing the pros and cons. I honestly don't feel anyone can blame me for wondering if the possibility of getting parts for it down the road, would be a problem. Several here seem to think there's nothing to worry about, which is nice to know and subsides my concerns somewhat. Anyway, sorry if I caused 31 threads on the issue, but I felt it was a legit concern, obviously I was wrong. I'll try to keep my concerns to myself from now on.

[cwsmith]

I've heard these rumors before and while I wouldn't be totally surprised, I would find it disappointing if Ryobi decides to drop their flagship product. Especially in light of the terrific following the BT3K has. During the Christmas season I'm sure they sold these in pretty good numbers. I know I had at least 30 requests for copies of the rebate form. While I can't do more than guess, I would presume that these folks were represented a small percentage of people who bought the saw and easily found the rebate slips.

However, Ryobi does have a reputation for really lousy marketing decisions and almost totally inept product promotion. But, even when they drop a good product, they have been known to show up with the Craftsman name attached. A good example of that is the Ryobi 18" VS Scroll Saw which was dropped two years ago and has recently shown up wearing Craftsman black and red. In consideration of how poorly Home Depot treats the BT3100, maybe Ryobi is planning something else for thier BT3100.

We'll have to wait and see where this all goes, but I'm glad I made my purchase when I did.

CWS

[vaking]

I don't know if there are plans to drop BT3100 from production and not going to guess. What I do understand is that each product has it target market. Contractor saw targets contractors. Cabinetmaker saw is being sold to professional furniture makers. BT3100 is not robust for contractor, can give you precision comparable to cabinetmaker saw at a fraction of a cost but is not heavy duty. Its market are people who aspire to make fine furniture but not for sale, so they are not expecting revenue stream to justify high cost. This saw gives you set of good features at rock bottom prices. That means it has very low profit margin for Ryobi. It also means Ryobi must be very carefull not to improve this saw in terms of its durability otherwise it will cut into sales of Ridgid's brand contractor saws where profit is higher. Remember that TTI needs to sell several BT3100 saws in order to make same profit as one Ridgid TS.

[Knottscott]

...What I do understand is that each product has it target market. Contractor saw targets contractors.....

Not meaning to de-rail the discussion, but I want to clarify that most contractor's no longer use a contractor's saw. The term "contractor saw" is now a misnomer and they've essentially been replaced by the portable "jobsite" saws. Traditional contractor saws are now used mainly as stationary shop saws, many of them by hobbyists...hence the evolution of hybrids with internal motors since there's not a need to remove them for easy transport.

[pirinst]

cough, cough, looking sideways and then says......

I heard Elvis left the building.

[LinuxRandal]

I heard Elvis left the building.

OMG WHat?????????