Renovating an older BT3000

[mac_daddy]

Hi all:
I just recently acquired an older BT3000 on an older stand. It looked in good shape (shims look intact and motor sounds ok) other than being caked up with several inches of sawdust.

My question is: I would like to get the machine up to safety/electrical specs. I've already replaced the power switch (it had the older red/black push buttons that stuck) with the rocker switch that is in the manual. The power cables from the motor to the switch outlet and also the cable to the wall outlet are of the two prong variety!! This doesn't seem to be very safe. Anyone know if these were originally on the original BT3000? I guess I could crack open the motor and switch out to 14 gauge wiring. Any suggestions?

[dbray]

I've had my BT3000 seems like forever. I know I paid around $750 for it new if that's any indication. Any way mine came with a 3 prong plug. I haven't had to do anything to mine except clean and set it up occasionally oh ya and replace the end cap on the miter when I cut it off

Enjoy, Daryl

[Tom Miller]

It should be fairly easy to replace the main cord with a 3-conductor cord. I believe the ground wire is just connected to the metal saw body (cover) somewhere inside.

Regards,
Tom

[LCHIEN]

Hi all:
I just recently acquired an older BT3000 on an older stand. It looked in good shape (shims look intact and motor sounds ok) other than being caked up with several inches of sawdust.

My question is: I would like to get the machine up to safety/electrical specs. I've already replaced the power switch (it had the older red/black push buttons that stuck) with the rocker switch that is in the manual. The power cables from the motor to the switch outlet and also the cable to the wall outlet are of the two prong variety!! This doesn't seem to be very safe. Anyone know if these were originally on the original BT3000? I guess I could crack open the motor and switch out to 14 gauge wiring. Any suggestions?

Don't know the answer to that one,
what is the date code of your saw and is the motor the 13A variety?

[ChrisL]

I'd agree with Tom Miller there.

[mac_daddy]

Date code is 9315. Pretty old, but it looks cared after. Came with the accessory kit and all. I have switched out the two prong wall power cable to a three prong 16 ga wire (i'm no electrician, but the colors aren't the same black, white, green.) Switched out the power switch to basic toggle switch with the locking cover. The seller couldn't find the blade guard, but I found someone here selling a shark guard (nice to lower blade all the way down without fiddling with the blade guard too much to utilize the table as an assembly table). Dropped some cardboard under the deck to catch sawdust. Will see if I have time to make a proper dust catcher. Used some candle wax on the shims and the housing to keep the blade smooth in movement. Some rust on the stand but nothing too deep. I think for the amount of work I put into it, so far, it's a bargain (bought it with a BS901 for $150)

[Tom Miller]

I have switched out the two prong wall power cable to a three prong 16 ga wire (i'm no electrician, but the colors aren't the same black, white, green.)

Are you sure it's 16ga? If it is, I think that's a but light for this saw. (16ga is usually used as lamp cord, where the load is ~1 amp.) 14 ga. is code for 15 amps, and 12 ga. (for 20 amp.) is not overkill by any means.

And, yes, you did get a pretty good deal!

Regards,
Tom

[mac_daddy]

Are you sure it's 16ga? If it is, I think that's a but light for this saw. (16ga is usually used as lamp cord, where the load is ~1 amp.) 14 ga. is code for 15 amps, and 12 ga. (for 20 amp.) is not overkill by any means.

And, yes, you did get a pretty good deal!

Regards,
Tom

My bad, it's 14ga. I was about to drop some cash at BORG and get some UL plugs with the bare ends when I realized that I have a whole stash of computer power cords. I came across some 14ga and went to work. So, I haven't looked at the motor itself, but the serial tag states 15AMPS, is this a newer motor? I've seen some posts on the original BT3K having 13 AMPS??